One Chicago has weathered the storm. Sure, the franchise is going to have to make some changes in order to limit its budget, and part ways with select stars, but all three shows have been renewed by its network, NBC, for additional seasons. And apparently, the good news doesn't stop there.
One Chicago was one of the franchises singled out and praised during NBC's Upfront presentation on May 12. The network presented its fall plans, and Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios Donna Langley assured loyal One Chicago fans that the network is making moves to ensure that the franchise performs better than ever. How? By leaning into sports coverage.
NBC plans to create 'halo effect' around shows
The network recently signed a $2.5 billion deal to increase its sports programming, with particular emphasis on the NBA. The network is so adamant about bringing fans the best possible coverage, (on Tuesdays, especially) that it has signed NBA legend Michael Jordan as a special contributor. It's great for NBC, but according to Langley, it will be great for the scripted programming on NBC as well.
The Chairman, who spoke at the Upfront presentation, claimed that the increased viewership that NBC will get from its basketball coverage will actually help to bolster the popularity of its scripted franchises like Law & Order and, of course, One Chicago.
"By adding NBA games to the schedule, we’ll build on decades of sports programming on NBC and create a halo effect around the entire entertainment schedule," Langley said, per Deadline. She also noted the ways in which NBA coverage can help draw new sponsors to their scripted programming, which could help to bolster their visibility across different platforms.
One Chicago shows will return in the fall
"Our franchises offer something for everyone, which means our advertisers can, without question, reach the broadest possible audience," the Chairman added. Langley was the only person who made reference to One Chicago during the Upfront presentation. David Alan Grier, the star of the NBC show St. Denis Medical, joked about the expansiveness of the franchise and its various titles while singing its praises.
"One of the many powers of this portfolio is the ability to build and maintain audiences season after season," the actor announced. "Whether its... iconic legacy franchises like Law and Order or Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD... Chicago Sanitation and Chicago Municipal Zone." The joke elicited smiles from those in the crowd as well as S. Epatha Merkerson, the Chicago Med star who shared the stage with Grier.
One Chicago continues to do excellent business for NBC, with two of its shows placing in the top 10 for most watched broadcasts. We're excited for the future, and curious to see whether the network's NBA coverage will create more Chi-hard fans.