The One Chicago universe is burning up the charts — literally. Both Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire have seen a dramatic spike in streaming numbers on Peacock this week, but the momentum comes amid a wave of fan backlash following NBC’s recent renewal decisions.
🔥 Streaming Surge on Peacock
According to FlixPatrol, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire are both climbing the Peacock streaming charts at an impressive pace. Chicago P.D. has steadily ascended from the #10 spot on June 13 to #5 just days later. Meanwhile, Chicago Fire is close behind, rising from #10 to #6 over the same period.
While the jump reflects the franchise’s continued popularity, it also coincides with a controversial announcement that has stirred concern among longtime fans.
📉 Renewals Come with a Cost
NBC made waves last month by officially renewing all three One Chicago series — Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med — but the good news came with an unfortunate twist: significant budget cuts.
Inside sources reveal that to keep production costs down, future seasons will see major changes:
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Series regulars may not appear in every episode
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Annual cast raises are reportedly off the table
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Shorter seasons are expected across the board
The announcement has left fans uneasy, especially with word that contract negotiations are still ongoing for several veteran cast members. While it’s believed everyone is currently in talks to return, the possibility of cast shake-ups remains high.
🚨 Franchise Legacy & Fan Frustration
Chicago Fire, the flagship of the franchise, debuted in 2012 and has aired over 270 episodes — a milestone rarely reached in modern television. Chicago P.D. followed in 2013 and just wrapped up its twelfth season, though not without criticism. Fans voiced disappointment over the finale’s handling of a long-anticipated moment, calling it rushed and lacking emotional payoff.
Despite behind-the-scenes turbulence, both shows continue to prove their staying power with audiences. The One Chicago franchise remains a ratings juggernaut for NBC, with its mix of high-stakes drama, emotionally grounded characters, and gripping crossovers.
🌍 The Power of a Shared Universe
One of the franchise’s greatest strengths lies in its interconnected world. Since 2014, characters from Law & Order: SVU and the One Chicago shows have crossed paths, creating an immersive shared universe. This year’s standout crossover — a gas explosion at a high-rise — reminded fans exactly why they tune in. The life-or-death emergency brought together characters from Chicago Fire, Med, and P.D. in a heart-pounding storyline that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bottom Line:
While the future of Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. may involve tighter budgets and leaner episodes, their heart-pounding stories and loyal fanbase show no signs of slowing down. With both series climbing the streaming charts, the message is loud and clear:
The fans are still here — and they’re not going anywhere.
Stay tuned, One Chicago lovers. Drama, danger, and more crossovers are just around the corner.
