NBC’s OneChicago Franchise Plans First Three-Show Crossover In Five Years – Here’s What To Expect

Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., And Chicago Med Join Forces In A High-Stakes Plotline Centered On A Citywide Catastrophe

 After a five-year hiatus, NBC’s #OneChicago universe is about to deliver an epic, three-show crossover event that will reunite fan favorites from Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med in a heart-stopping, one-night storyline. Scheduled to air later this season, the crossover event will revolve around a catastrophic explosion in an office building that threatens the safety of Chicago both above and below ground, impacting lives across the city.

Why Now? The Road to the Big Event

The OneChicago crossover tradition dates back to earlier years in the series when show creator Dick Wolf orchestrated complex, high-intensity story arcs that spanned all three of Chicago’s emergency services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these large-scale events, and health restrictions rendered such productions impossible. Even as production conditions improved, the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes forced showrunners to keep the seasons shorter, limiting opportunities for crossovers and making scheduling even more difficult.

Now, with the strikes resolved and production back on track, OneChicago’s team is gearing up for a highly anticipated crossover. In an interview last season, Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman discussed the challenges, explaining, “Shortened seasons make it trickier... but now that we’re all kind of getting our footing and coming up for air, there’s definitely talk of [doing another big one].”

This marks the first time since October 2019 that Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med will join together for an event, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The last crossover, which eerily involved a bacteria outbreak, aired shortly before COVID-19 sent the entertainment industry into an unprecedented hiatus.

What We Know About the Plot

While official details are sparse, insiders reveal that the upcoming storyline focuses on a devastating explosion in an office building, potentially the most challenging crisis the teams have faced to date. From first responders racing to the scene and managing mass casualties to police dealing with heightened security risks and medical personnel working around the clock to save lives, this episode promises intense drama.

Such an event will require each of Chicago’s finest teams to step up in unique ways, with possible inter-department collaborations and alliances. Fans can expect to see gripping, interconnected storylines as first responders, law enforcement, and medical staff battle through extraordinary circumstances. With scenes that capture both the physical and emotional toll of their work, viewers can likely expect touching moments that showcase each character’s resilience and dedication.

Returning Characters and Possible Plot Twists

Beyond the immediate excitement of the action and suspense, the crossover also hints at deeper character development and potential narrative twists for several leads. Longtime characters like Firehouse 51’s seasoned firefighters, the dedicated detectives at the 21st District, and Chicago Med’s hospital staff will likely encounter personal tests and decisions that could impact their future storylines.

While there’s no official word on which characters will have major arcs in the crossover, sources speculate that Chicago Fire’s Jake Lockett may play a significant role. His character, Sam Carver, has faced recent challenges, including struggles with job security and complicated relationships. Chicago P.D. fans may also anticipate plotlines exploring Toya Turner’s character, Officer Vanessa Cook, who’s been navigating undercover operations with escalating danger.

Production Challenges and Future Crossovers

Producing a three-show crossover with unique challenges remains a logistical feat. Balancing the large casts, ensuring continuity, and coordinating crews can be as intricate as the scripts themselves. Dick Wolf and his team have a legacy of creating seamless storylines across different shows, and this time, they’re gearing up for a more expansive production, using lessons learned from previous events.

Showrunners and cast alike have expressed their eagerness to return to this scale of storytelling, seeing it as a tribute to the strength of the OneChicago universe. With the entertainment industry returning to a more stable production schedule, the OneChicago team might be setting the stage for more crossovers to come.

The Future of OneChicago’s Crossover Events

This crossover is not only a return to form but may also signal a new chapter in OneChicago’s storytelling approach. While COVID and industry strikes presented challenges, they also highlighted the audience’s love for interconnected narratives that bring together characters from different shows. The upcoming event represents a new level of engagement for fans who have followed these shows through thick and thin.

Fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats when the crossover airs, eager to see their favorite characters work side-by-side to confront a crisis that will put their bravery and skill to the ultimate test.

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Source: TV Line

Photo Credit: NBC