Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, or Chicago Justice? Which is the best One Chicago show and which is the worst? Here is our ranking.
There are a lot of amazing franchises on the small screen, but few have proven to be quite as successful at building a shared and connective universe in the way NBC’s One Chicago shows have done.
The One Chicago franchise is a collection of interconnected television dramas produced by Dick Wolf and his team, which take place in the same universe and share a common setting in the city of Chicago. The franchise includes four shows: Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice each focusing on a different aspect of emergency services in the city, from firefighting and law enforcement to emergency medical treatment.
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The shows often feature crossover events and shared storylines, creating a cohesive world for fans to follow with both major multi-show crossovers and mini-crossovers which occur organically across the season. It’s those mini-crossovers that really have set the franchise out from the crowd in creating a connected universe that’s not just restricted to once-a-season crossovers events.
While each of the One Chicago shows is unique and amazing in its own regard, we’re breaking them down and getting slightly critical in looking to rank each of the four One Chicago shows from worst to best. Which show takes the top spot and which falls short of glory? Let’s begin our rankings with the One Chicago show that never really stood a chance: Chicago Justice.
4. Chicago Justice
Chicago Justice was a legal drama television series that premiered on NBC in 2017 as a spin-off of the popular Chicago franchise. The show followed a team of prosecutors and investigators as they worked to bring justice to the citizens of Chicago. Despite having a strong cast and being part of a successful franchise, Chicago Justice is without a doubt the least successful of the One Chicago shows.
One of the primary reasons for the show’s lack of success was its poor ratings. The show’s premiere drew a decent audience, but viewership quickly dropped off in subsequent episodes, with many viewers losing interest in the show’s storylines and characters. While the other shows in the franchise have memorable characters and compelling storylines, Chicago Justice struggled to stand out.
While the other One Chicago shows had well-developed and relatable characters, Chicago Justice struggled to make its characters stand out. As a result, viewers had a hard time connecting with them, which made it challenging for the show to build a dedicated fan base. Additionally, the show was often criticized for its formulaic approach to storytelling and lack of innovation.
3. Chicago Med
Chicago Med is a medical drama that is part of the Chicago franchise created by Dick Wolf. The show follows the lives of the doctors, nurses, and staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center as they treat patients and navigate their personal lives. With a talented cast, engaging storylines, and an emphasis on the human drama of medicine, Chicago Med is definitely worth watching.
One of the strengths of the show is its commitment to portraying the medical profession in a realistic and nuanced way. The cases that the doctors and nurses deal with are often complex and emotionally challenging, which adds depth and intensity to the show. Additionally, the relationships between the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their personal lives as well as their professional ones.
However, when compared to the other shows in the Chicago franchise, such as Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, Chicago Med falls short in terms of action, suspense, and realism. While the medical cases are often intense, they don’t quite match the adrenaline-fueled excitement of firefighting or police work. The show also has been criticized by some for its storylines not always being the most realistic with doctors breaking hospital rules, and sometimes even the law, without any major consequences.
Still, Chicago Med is a well-crafted medical drama that offers a compelling glimpse into the world of healthcare. While it may not be as action-packed as its sister shows, it more than makes up for it with its strong characters and emotionally charged storylines.
2. Chicago PD
Chicago PD is a popular police procedural drama that follows the elite intelligence unit of the Chicago Police Department as they work to solve complex cases and bring criminals to justice. The show has been on the air since 2014 and has built a loyal fanbase due to its compelling storylines, strong cast, and realistic portrayal of police work.
One of the strengths of Chicago PD is its diverse cast of characters, who all bring their unique skills and personalities to the table. Led by the tough and dedicated Sergeant Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe), the intelligence unit includes detectives, tech experts, and undercover operatives, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The show also tackles important social issues such as police corruption, racial profiling, and domestic violence, adding a layer of depth and relevance to its storytelling.
However, when compared to its sister show, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD falls slightly short. While both shows are well-written and well-acted, Chicago Fire has a more cohesive ensemble cast and focuses on the emotional connections between its characters, creating a stronger sense of family and community while also maintaining a better balance of humor and drama.
That being said, Chicago PD still has plenty to offer for fans of police dramas and crime thrillers. Its intense action sequences, nuanced characters, and realistic depiction of law enforcement make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping and entertaining television series.
1. Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire is a gripping television drama that follows the lives of firefighters and paramedics working at the Chicago Fire Department. The show’s intense, action-packed scenes of fires and emergencies are interwoven with compelling storylines that explore the personal and professional lives of its characters.
One of the reasons why Chicago Fire is worth watching is its strong and diverse ensemble cast. The show features a range of talented actors who portray characters with unique personalities and backgrounds. From the brave and loyal Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) to the ambitious and headstrong paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), each character brings a unique perspective to the show’s overarching narrative.
The show has an amazing ability to balance intense action with emotional storytelling with its compelling storylines that tug at viewers’ heartstrings. Whether it’s exploring the aftermath of a tragic fire or delving into the complex relationships between the characters, Chicago Fire is not afraid to tackle difficult topics.
While all of the One Chicago shows are special, Chicago Fire is arguably the best of the One Chicago franchise shows and stands out as the original and the most well-rounded of the bunch. While the other shows focus on specific aspects of the city’s first responders, Chicago Fire offers a comprehensive look at the lives of firefighters and paramedics, making it the ultimate Chicago franchise show.
Chicago Fire is a must-watch for anyone who loves intense action, heartfelt drama, and captivating characters. With its compelling storylines, talented cast, and unique perspective on Chicago’s first responders, this show has something for everyone.