For a show like Chicago Med, the size of its cast can be an incredibly difficult thing to balance correctly. Of course, if the number of main cast members becomes too large, it can quickly feel like characters that viewers care about aren't getting enough of a spotlight. As a result, it would make sense if the team behind Chicago Med is reluctant to introduce too many main characters.
While going too far would be a bad thing, there is also no doubt that a show not having enough main characters can be problematic. While there are valid reasons why there might be reluctance to add new main characters to Chicago Med, I believe that the current state of the show proves why that needs to happen as soon as possible.
Chicago Med needs to cast some new main characters - here's why
The first and most obvious reason why Chicago Med needs new main characters is the most disappointing one by far, there is a hole in the show that must be filled. Before season 11 began, it was revealed that Marlyne Barrett would not return as Maggie Lockwood, at least for now. While there is still hope that Maggie will return to the show, it feels like a mistake for the show not to hire a main character to take her place until then. On top of that, season 11 has felt like it may be setting up Dr. Daniel Charles' exit, and Sharon Goodwin has also been missing in action. Those three characters being gone or diminished requires some new faces.
The next reason why some new main characters should be added to the Chicago Med mix is that the cast feels thin even when Goodwin and Dr. Charles are around. For example, at this point, Chicago Med no longer has any main characters who are nurses. On top of that, while Dr. Archer is a surgeon, viewers more often than not see him treating patients like any of the show's other doctors. For those reasons, it feels like time to add at least one nurse to the main cast and a doctor who is more devoted to surgery.
The final reason why it is time to add some new main characters to Chicago Med is due to the success the show enjoyed after doing that during season 10. When the previous season began, Dr. Caitlin Lenox and Dr. John Frost were introduced. Since then, both of those characters have added a lot to the show. In Lenox's case, she quickly became a fan favorite character because she is a medical badass who is principled and dedicated. Dr. Frost's kindness has also been welcomed, and his current love triangle storyline may be the best part of season 11.
Since there is room for expansion and the last two additions to the main cast went so well, it is time for Chicago Med to try to add to its main cast.