For fans who crave medical drama, police action, and stories of everyday heroes, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Fire make up the ultimate TV trifecta. These shows have become must-watch
programming on Wednesday nights, with thrilling crossover events that bring together the characters from all three series in heart-pounding storylines. NBC’s #OneChicago Day has become
a fan-favorite event, and even the cast members relish these unique crossovers. As former Chicago P.D. star Sophia Bush shared, it’s like “one big fraternity house,” with a blend of fun, goofiness,
and intense moments that come with working together to tell these high-stakes stories.
Sadly, the pandemic has halted any upcoming crossovers, much to the disappointment of fans. Chicago Fire showrunner Derek Haas expressed his regret, revealing that there had been plans for a massive crossover event that was derailed by the Delta variant. Though no new crossovers are on the horizon, fans can still relive some of the best multi-episode events from reruns.
One of the first notable crossovers occurred during Chicago Fire’s Season 3 episode, “I Am the Apocalypse,” which introduced viewers to the world of Chicago Med. The storyline saw Firehouse 51 responding to an industrial chemical leak, rushing victims to Chicago Memorial Hospital. However, things took a dramatic turn when a patient claimed to be infected with a deadly airborne disease and set off a grenade. Firefighter Kelly Severide was injured in the chaos, and medical personnel had to race against time to save him while containing the outbreak. This crossover marked the beginning of the Chicago Med series, establishing its strong connection with the Chicago Fire universe.
In 2016, Chicago P.D. joined the crossover action with a plotline that spanned Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and concluded on P.D.. The story revolved around an oncologist accused of overdosing cancer patients, including the wife of Sergeant Hank Voight. This case was deeply personal for Voight, and viewers saw a more vulnerable side of the usually tough cop, as he sought justice for his late wife. Chicago P.D.’s showrunner, Matt Olmstead, explained that Voight’s emotions were driven by the thought of his wife watching over him, adding layers to the character’s internal struggle.
In 2018, the Chicago universe experienced a gut-wrenching crossover when a high-rise apartment fire left its victims facing life-threatening injuries. The Halstead brothers, Jay from P.D. and Will from Med, were personally impacted when their father, Pat Halstead, was critically injured in the blaze. Pat’s tragic death led Jay to join the investigation to find those responsible for setting the fire. The crossover left fans reeling, particularly as it explored the brothers’ emotional turmoil in the wake of their father’s passing.
Perhaps the most ambitious crossover event to date was “Infection,” which spread across multiple episodes. A deadly bacteria outbreak sent the city into a frenzy, requiring the collaboration of the fire department, police, and medical staff. As Chicago Med’s team worked with the CDC to find a cure, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. focused on tracking down those responsible for the outbreak. Legendary producer Dick Wolf crafted this thrilling storyline, and Chicago Fire’s Derek Haas explained that they aimed to create a crossover experience that blended all three shows seamlessly, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for three hours of intense drama.
