The One Chicago franchise — NBC’s powerhouse Wednesday night block of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med — has long been a staple of broadcast TV, delivering high-stakes drama, emotional storylines, and gripping procedurals set in the Windy City. But as the shows head into the 2025-2026 season, fans are facing another wave of major cast changes. From beloved originals stepping away to newer faces exiting after just a few seasons, the turnover has sparked heated debate online. Yet, according to NBC’s top brass, this is business as usual.

In a candid 2024 interview with TVLine, Jeff Bader, President of Program Planning Strategy for NBCUniversal Entertainment, addressed the ongoing cast shifts head-on. When pressed about the steady stream of departures across the franchise, Bader delivered a blunt reality check: “Cast comes in, cast goes out… It’s interesting because every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question about what’s going on within the One Chicago universe. But [those shows] just keep going on.”

Bader emphasized that these evolutions actually benefit the series: “Obviously it keeps the shows fresh.” He also reaffirmed NBC’s commitment to the Wednesday lineup, stating, “We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night.”

The franchise, created by Dick Wolf, has thrived for over a decade, with Chicago Fire launching in 2012, followed by Chicago P.D. in 2014 and Chicago Med in 2015. Together, they form one of TV’s most successful shared universes, often featuring crossovers and shared characters. Despite the changes, the shows consistently rank among the top-rated dramas on broadcast TV, drawing millions weekly and performing strongly on Peacock.

Chicago Fire: Major Departures Ahead of Season 14

Chicago Fire (now in its 14th season) has seen some of the most significant shakeups in 2025. Longtime favorites have exited, including:

• Daniel Kyri as firefighter Darren Ritter (after six seasons, departing for budget reasons and new opportunities).
• Jake Lockett as Sam Carver (leaving after Season 13, amid reported cost-cutting).
• Michael Bradway as Jack Damon (recurring role, exiting for a Prime Video series).

Original cast member Eamonn Walker (Chief Wallace Boden) stepped back as a series regular after Season 12 but may recur. On the positive side, leads like Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), and Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal) have signed new deals.

Newcomer Brandon Larracuente joins as firefighter Sal Vasquez, bringing fresh energy to Firehouse 51. Showrunner Andrea Newman has teased big changes, including layoffs at the CFD and storylines exploring how transitions affect the team.

Chicago P.D.: Intelligence Unit Faces Changes in Season 13

Chicago P.D. (Season 13) continues to evolve, with Toya Turner exiting as Officer Kiana Cook after one season (announced in June 2025). The departure was attributed to budget adjustments, with Turner sharing an emotional farewell on social media.

However, the core team remains strong: Jason Beghe (Hank Voight), Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess), Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek), LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater), and Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Dante Torres) are all returning. Arienne Mandi joins as Officer Eva Imani, a fearless former military contractor described as a “loose cannon.”

The season promises intense cases and character-driven drama, with Voight’s unit tackling new threats.

Chicago Med: Original Star Departs in Season 11

Chicago Med (Season 11) bids farewell to original cast member Marlyne Barrett as charge nurse Maggie Lockwood (after 10 seasons, for personal reasons). This exit is particularly poignant, as Maggie has been a cornerstone since the pilot.

Returning stars include S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin), Oliver Platt (Dr. Daniel Charles), Steven Weber (Dr. Dean Archer), Jessy Schram (Dr. Hannah Asher), Luke Mitchell (Dr. Mitch Ripley), Sarah Ramos (Dr. Caitlin Lenox), and Darren Barnet (Dr. John Frost). Nick Gehlfuss (Dr. Will Halstead) returns as a guest star.

The season tackles unresolved arcs like Asher’s pregnancy and new dynamics at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.

Franchise-Wide Changes and Future Outlook

In addition to individual exits, the franchise implemented cost-cutting measures for the 2025-2026 season: shorter seasons (around 21 episodes each) and actors missing 2-4 episodes per season. Some cast members relocated to Chicago for residency requirements to minimize absences.

Despite the changes, the shows remain NBC’s top performers. The 2025 crossover event drew massive ratings, proving the franchise’s enduring appeal. With fresh faces, ongoing storylines, and the core ensemble intact, One Chicago is poised to continue dominating Wednesday nights.

Fans may mourn the departures, but as Jeff Bader put it: the shows just keep going on. The Windy City drama isn’t slowing down anytime soon.