NBC Renews Chicago Fire, P.D., and Med for 2025–26 Season
NBC renews its Wednesday night drama block with three returning Chicago series, as cast changes and episode count reductions reflect broader network strategy.
NBC has officially renewed its One Chicago franchise for the 2025–26 season, confirming new seasons of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. The three dramas, produced by Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment, continue to anchor the network’s Wednesday primetime lineup and remain among its most-watched scripted series across broadcast and streaming platforms.
According to NBCUniversal, the current seasons of the three shows have reached nearly 46 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, with each title seeing increased streaming engagement compared to last year. A three-part crossover event that aired on January 29 delivered the highest-rated episodes of the season for all three series.
The franchise’s renewal comes one week before NBC’s upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall, where the network will reveal its full 2025–26 schedule. The announcement follows early pickups of St. Denis Medical and Happy’s Place, two freshman comedies.
Chicago Med, currently in its 10th season, will return for Season 11. Chicago Fire will move into its 14th season, and Chicago P.D. will enter Season 13. All three series are produced in association with Wolf Entertainment, led by executive producer Dick Wolf, who continues to oversee a significant portion of NBC’s scripted drama slate.
While the renewals were expected, they come with adjustments designed to manage production costs. These include shorter season orders and limits on cast episode guarantees. Sources familiar with the negotiations say some regular cast members will appear in fewer episodes, a method that has become standard for long-running ensemble series. In addition, annual salary increases for some performers have reportedly been paused.
Sources indicate that cast members who do not meet Illinois residency guidelines may face additional episode reductions. NBC is also still finalizing contract renewals for several key actors, including Chicago Fire lead Taylor Kinney. Two other cast members from Chicago Fire, Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett, will not return next season, and additional departures have not been ruled out.
Each of the three series continues to maintain its respective time slot. Chicago Med airs at 8 p.m., executive produced by Wolf, Allen MacDonald, Stephen Hootstein, and Peter Jankowski. Chicago Fire, airing at 9 p.m., is executive produced by Wolf, Andrea Newman, Reza Tabrizi, Matt Whitney, and Jankowski. Chicago P.D. follows at 10 p.m., with Wolf joined by Gwen Sigan, Chad Saxton, Gavin Harris, Jason Beghe, and Jankowski on the producing team.
NBC calls One Chicago the most-watched drama franchise on broadcast television in Live + 7 viewing, with strong crossover performance between titles contributing to its ratings strength. The franchise remains central to NBC’s Wednesday strategy and serves as a flagship for Wolf’s broader partnership with the network.
