NBC has officially confirmed the return of all lead actors from its beloved One Chicago franchise for the upcoming 2025-2026 television season, securing the future of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. with new deals that keep fan-favorite characters at the heart of each series. This renewal news signals a seamless and satisfying continuation for the three shows that have become pillars of NBC’s primetime lineup.
On May 6, NBC announced the renewal of Chicago Med for season 11, Chicago Fire for season 14, and Chicago P.D. for season 13. Each series has consistently performed well on both NBC and Peacock streaming platforms throughout the 2024-2025 network season, maintaining strong ratings and an engaged audience. Earlier this year, the franchise also marked a major milestone by delivering its first One Chicago crossover event since before the Covid-19 pandemic, revitalizing excitement among fans eager to see their favorite characters interact across series lines.
Confirmed Returning Leads
According to Deadline, all major stars from the three shows have signed contracts to return this fall, ensuring stability and continuity for their respective storylines. Among the confirmed leads are Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), and Dermot Mulroney from Chicago Fire; Jason Beghe (Hank Voight) from Chicago P.D.; and S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin) and Oliver Platt (Dr. Daniel Charles) from Chicago Med. While some actors were operating under shorter contracts that had recently expired, and others like Mulroney were on one-year deals, all have now solidified their presence for the new seasons, which are expected to feature 21 episodes each.
Why This Matters for One Chicago
The return of these leads guarantees that One Chicago’s upcoming seasons will feel like a natural and compelling extension of the stories viewers have come to love, rather than a disjointed reboot or cast shake-up. The strength of the franchise rests heavily on its characters, whose complexities and evolving arcs have built an invested fanbase over many seasons.
For fans of Chicago Fire, the continued presence of Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd promises to carry forward their intertwined personal and professional narratives. Meanwhile, Chicago P.D.’s Hank Voight remains an anchor in the series, offering the tough, no-nonsense leadership that defines much of the show’s tension and drama. And Chicago Med benefits immensely from the steady guidance of Sharon Goodwin and Dr. Daniel Charles, whose roles provide emotional gravitas and intellectual depth to the medical drama.
The continuity of these characters means unresolved plotlines from the most recent seasons can be further developed without the disruption that a major cast overhaul would bring. This consistency is vital in long-running procedural dramas, where character investment directly influences viewer loyalty and engagement.
Potential for Future Crossovers
One of the hallmarks of the One Chicago franchise has been its interconnected storytelling, with crossover events that bring together characters and narratives from each series. With the main casts intact, the likelihood of more crossover events in the near future increases significantly. These crossovers have historically generated buzz and ratings spikes, offering viewers a unique, multifaceted storytelling experience that sets One Chicago apart from other procedural franchises.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for One Chicago
The full cast renewals underscore NBC’s confidence in One Chicago as a cornerstone of its programming strategy. As the franchise moves into the 2025-2026 season, it’s clear that the network values the tried-and-true formula that balances procedural cases with character-driven drama.
While change is inevitable in long-running series, this round of contract renewals assures fans that many of the beloved faces they’ve followed for years will remain. This news not only maintains the status quo but also opens doors for further creative exploration of complex character dynamics, including personal challenges, evolving relationships, and high-stakes professional scenarios.
Our Take
The return of all lead actors across the One Chicago series is not unexpected, but it is certainly welcome news for viewers who have grown attached to these characters. Without Severide or Kidd, Chicago Fire would lose a major emotional core. Similarly, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med rely heavily on their iconic characters to drive storylines and connect with audiences.
As the franchise heads into another season, it looks poised to continue as one of NBC’s top-performing dramas, delivering the mix of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments that fans expect. The strength of these long-term cast members will be critical to maintaining the shows’ popularity and cultural relevance in an increasingly crowded television landscape.
In summary, the One Chicago franchise is set for a strong and stable future, thanks to the confirmed return of its lead stars and the network’s commitment to continuing their stories with depth and authenticity.
This article covers a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
