The Dick Wolf-produced One Chicago franchise, encompassing Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, continues its reign as a cornerstone of NBC’s programming, consistently delivering high-stakes drama and compelling character arcs. As the highly anticipated new season approaches, fans are bracing for a period of unprecedented change, emotional goodbyes, and shocking new beginnings that promise to redefine the landscape of their beloved first responder teams. From unexpected pregnancies and devastating diagnoses to departmental overhauls and profound personal crises, the city’s heroes will face their most challenging tests yet.

Chicago Med: Life, Death, and Unsettled Futures

Gaffney Chicago Medical Center is poised for a season rife with personal turmoil and professional dilemmas. Months after the revelation of her pregnancy, Dr. Hannah Asher grapples with the looming question of paternity. Is the father her former boyfriend, the conflicted Dr. Mitch Ripley, or her devoted colleague, Dr. Dean Archer? Showrunner Allen MacDonald hints at an “ambivalent” reaction from the father, setting the stage for a complex love triangle and potential shifts in these characters’ relationships and careers. Meanwhile, Ripley has moved on swiftly, perhaps too swiftly for his own good, into a new relationship with Sadie, a woman he heroically rescued from a well. MacDonald warns that Ripley is “throwing himself completely into this relationship quicker than is probably healthy for him,” suggesting a rebound that may mask deeper issues.

A particularly distressing storyline centers on emergency department chief Caitlin Lenox, who received a life-altering diagnosis at the close of last season: she inherited her mother’s Prion Disease, a neurodegenerative condition. In a profound act of defiance and determination, Lenox has decided to keep her diagnosis a secret, opting to live her remaining time with purpose and impact. Actress Sarah Ramos explains that the narrative explores “what does it mean to live knowing you have a fatal disease that could strike at any time.” Lenox, characterized as being on the autism scale, is driven by a desire to help as many people as possible, while simultaneously “experimenting with being alive” – a poignant pursuit that could see her taking new risks or embracing new experiences within her limited time, adding immense emotional weight to her every interaction.

The department will also feel the void left by a beloved veteran as Charge Nurse Maggie Lockwood, portrayed by Marlyne Barrett, takes a leave of absence for “personal reasons.” Her departure, though temporary, will undoubtedly challenge the ED’s operational rhythm and morale. However, fans can look forward to a significant return: Dr. Will Halstead, played by Nick Gehlfuss, is slated for multiple episodes, marking his first appearance since relocating to Seattle in Season 8. Halstead’s return in the momentous 200th episode will see him bringing Dr. Natalie Manning’s son to a Bears game, with a subsequent stop at Gaffney. MacDonald promises a “very special episode” that will feel like “a big deal,” leaving open the possibility of closure, a rekindled romance with Natalie, or a new chapter for the popular character.

Chicago Fire: Downsizing, Deliverance, and Dangerous Decisions

Firehouse 51 faces unprecedented challenges this season as art imitates life, reflecting real-world downsizing within the Chicago Fire Department. This systemic shift will have a “big effect on all our players, especially the medics,” according to showrunner Andrea Newman. As various firehouses close across the city, the remaining teams will be stretched thin. Paramedic-in-Charge Violet Mikami, played by Hanako Greensmith, along with her colleague Lizzy, portrayed by Jocelyn Hudon, will find their hands full managing a deluge of ambulance calls. The increased workload, coupled with reduced resources, promises to push their physical and emotional limits, forcing them to make tougher decisions under extreme pressure. Amidst this strain, the always amusing Rescue Squad member Capp, played by Randy Flagler, will unexpectedly join them on “ambo rides” to lend a much-needed hand, potentially bringing some levity or unique problem-solving to their frantic shifts.

Violet’s personal life mirrors the professional upheaval. After the departure of her on-again, off-again boyfriend Sam Carver, she is set to lose her House 51 best friend, Darren Ritter, played by Daniel Kyri. Ritter’s exit, prompted by NBC’s cost-trimming initiatives, will see him return for several episodes at the top of the season before an emotional send-off, leaving Violet to navigate a period of significant personal and professional isolation.

The chaos of departmental reductions introduces new faces and shifts in leadership. Chief Dom Pascal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, brings in Sal Vasquez, played by Brandon Larracuente, a new recruit who left the police academy to train as a firefighter. Vasquez’s background suggests a disciplined, perhaps by-the-book approach, which Larracuente describes as wanting “to be the best he can be at his job and to protect those around him.” This ambition is set to lead to sparring matches with Lt. Stella Kidd, his boss on Truck, whose fiercely protective and team-oriented leadership style might initially clash with Vasquez’s individualistic drive. However, he is also expected to bond with Lt. Kelly Severide, potentially seeing a mentor in the seasoned arson investigator, and, not surprisingly, spark a flirtatious dynamic with Ambo’s Novak.

With his plate overflowing, Chief Pascal largely relinquishes control, effectively making Severide the de facto leader of Firehouse 51, in addition to his ongoing role as an arson investigator. This expanded responsibility will test Severide’s leadership capabilities and force him to balance direct command with his specialized investigations, placing immense pressure on his shoulders. Adding another layer of intensity to Severide’s life, he and his wife, Stella Kidd, are preparing to become “responsible parents.” This pivotal development for the beloved couple introduces domestic stress as they navigate the profound implications of bringing a child into a life where “everything you do is ‘life on the line.'” The prospect of parenthood will undoubtedly force them to confront their career choices, safety concerns, and the delicate balance between their dangerous callings and their burgeoning family, possibly leading to difficult decisions about their futures at 51.

Finally, the longstanding camaraderie between Christopher Herrmann and Mouch faces a significant test. After Herrmann willingly relinquishes his lieutenant title to allow Mouch, who aced the lieutenant’s exam, to claim the position, the power dynamic shifts dramatically. Newman reveals that “Mouch really steps up and takes over,” but the transition proves “a bit difficult” as he finds himself in the awkward position of being his best friend’s boss. This reversal of roles will undoubtedly lead to friction, comedic moments, and a profound exploration of their enduring friendship under new professional pressures.

Chicago P.D.: Repercussions, Rebuilding, and Radical Partnerships

Last season’s dark conclusion saw Sgt. Hank Voight making a morally ambiguous choice, arranging the murder of corrupt deputy chief Reid after Reid disbanded Voight’s Intelligence Unit and launched an investigation. As the 13th season premieres, Voight is reeling from the consequences. His team is scattered, and he himself has been demoted to the Rapid Response squad, struggling to navigate this new reality “by the book,” a stark contrast to his usual rule-bending methods. Showrunner Gwen Sigan emphasizes Voight’s internal struggle to fix the situation and adapt to the system, despite his inherent nature.

Voight finds solace only in his people, acknowledging that his unit is “all that he has now” after a bruising argument led Assistant State Attorney Nina Chapman to abandon him. His crew, however, is far from alright. Kim Burgess mourns the loss of her detective shield and the job “that she worked so hard for,” facing an identity crisis after her demotion. Former officer Dante Torres, who also lost his badge, is in a profound crisis, “searching for something to anchor him” – a journey that could lead him down dangerous paths. Meanwhile, Officer Kevin Atwater embarks on a period of “soul searching” in what Sigan describes as a “thrill ride of an episode,” promising a deep dive into his character’s morality and future.

Into this fractured landscape steps Eva Imani, played by Arienne Mandi, a new partner for Voight. Imani’s impressive resume includes working with private military contractors globally and serving as an accomplished undercover agent for the ATF, to which CPD has detailed her. Mandi describes Imani as “tough, rebellious and not necessarily a team player,” a description echoed by Beghe, who sees her “almost like a young female version of Voight.” This dynamic sets up an intriguing, potentially volatile partnership. While they may not always “see eye-to-eye,” Mandi asserts their common goal: “catching the bad guy, even if we have to cross the line.” This shared willingness to bend the rules for justice will be both their greatest strength and their biggest liability, as they navigate the complexities of police work.

For Voight, as violent crimes begin to surge across the city, the ultimate purpose remains clear: rebuilding the Intelligence unit. Beghe states that this mission “gives him a purpose,” fueling his belief that “his team will make the city a safer place.” This season will likely see Voight fighting against departmental bureaucracy, recruiting new talent, and possibly reuniting his fractured team to reclaim their place as the city’s most effective crime-fighting unit.

The upcoming season promises to be an emotional rollercoaster for the One Chicago universe, pushing its beloved characters to their limits, challenging their loyalties, and forcing them to confront life-altering decisions that will resonate deeply with audiences.