Chicago Fire hasn't been renewed for season 13 yet, but that doesn't mean its ending

It's hard to believe that Chicago Fire has been on the air for over a decade now as it seems like just the other day NBC transported fans to the Windy City and launched what would become its One Chicago franchise.

As the years have rolled by, Chicago Fire has gone through a lot of changes with cast members coming and going but the show has never missed a beat. Through incredible writing and storytelling, the show has been able to navigate cast changes with ease, keeping fans glued to their TVs for 12 seasons and the show shows no signs of slowing down.

Fans are just as invested in the series as ever before with Chicago Fire still ranking as the most-watched scripted series on NBC. Audiences can't get enough of the show and, although this season has brought with it several cast exits, there don't appear to be any plans to end the show just yet.

Chicago Fire hasn't been renewed

At this time, NBC has not yet handed out a renewal to Chicago Fire or any of its One Chicago shows but that's not actually concerning in any way. Although networks will hand out early renewals from time to time, most shows don't tend to be renewed until closer to May as the networks begin making their plans for the next season.

Last year, NBC waited until almost mid-April to hand out renewals to the One Chicago shows, renewing the three series on April 10, 2023. It's highly likely we might have to wait until mid-April this year for NBC to hand out any renewals to shows including the One Chicago dramas.

Unless something unexpected happens, we honestly can't imagine a world in which NBC won't renew Chicago Fire as the show remains a hit for the network. Additionally, Wolf Entertainment has proven to be one of the most efficient production companies around which is why the One Chicago shows were among the first series to return to the airwaves after the writers' and actors' strikes that delayed the return of broadcast's top scripted series.

Universal Television president optimistic about One Chicago renewals

Much like fans, Universal Television is also very optimistic about the One Chicago shows' futures on NBC which isn't surprising at all.

In an interview with Deadline, Universal TV president Erin Underhill noted that while there are always some differences of opinions to work through during the renewal stage, she is quite optimistic that NBC will reach a new deal to continue Chicago Fire and the One Chicago series for the fall.

"There’s always some difference of opinions that have to be worked through. That’s the case in any negotiation in my mind, but everyone sees the tremendous value that these procedurals bring to the airwaves, into the ratings and into the bottom line. And so I am optimistic that we’re going to close these deals and we’ll be making some more procedurals this summer for a fall launch."

Underhill's confidence makes sense as NBC has a longstanding history with Wolf Entertainment not only with the One Chicago franchise but with the Law & Order franchise as well which includes Law & Order: SVU which is in its 25th season making it broadcast's longest running scripted drama.

Given the popularity and success of the franchise and the strong relationship between Wolf Entertainment and Universal TV, we're expecting Chicago Fire season 13 will be ordered sometime this spring and that the One Chicago franchise isn't going anywhere!