It's coming down to the wire. One Chicago is a pillar of NBC's scripted drama lineup. It occupies the prime time slots on Wednesdays, and has continued to perform in the ratings. There's still no word on whether the franchise will be returning for the 2025-26 season, but we do have a determination date in sight.
It's unusual for Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD to not already have secured renewals this close to their respective finales. All three shows end on May 21, and yet, we have no clue whether the network plans to bring them back or close the book on them. The good news is that we will find out, one way or the other, by May 12.
NBC's Upfront will confirm the franchise's fate
Why? Well, because the NBC Upfront takes place on May 12. The presentation is held annually as a means of showcasing the network's programming slate for the rest of the year. Shows are unveiled, lineup changes are solidified, and executives sing the praises of the programs they are most eager to roll out to fans.
NBC will be forced to reveal its Wednesday night lineup plans during the Upfront presentation, and as such, we will learn whether or not One Chicago is sticking around. It's not customary for the shows to be confirmed for additional seasons during the Upfront, as the news is usually announced ahead of time, but things are, notably, not as simple as they have been in terms of extensions.
The biggest delay/challenge for the One Chicago renewals has been overall cost. NBC has made it very clear that it wants to keep down the costs of each episode, to the extent that they have been cherry picking cast members and removing them from episodes in which they are not absolutely essential.
One Chicago is expected to secure renewals
The desire to cut down on cost has also resulted in two Chicago Fire cast members being cut from the series ahead of its upcoming (and still hypothetical) 14th season. Deadline confirmed that there may even be more cast members cut in the future, which could go a ways in explaining why it's taken so long to secure official renewals.
The same outlet that alluded to additional cast cuts did note, however, that it's very likely that the franchise will continue on, and secure NBC renewals ahead of the 2025-26 season. We are hopeful, and we are at least coming up on a date in which our hopes will be confirmed.