After the record-breaking success of the One Chicago crossover event, which delivered the highest ratings of the season, many viewers assumed the network would capitalize on the momentum by airing consecutive new episodes.

However, NBC has opted to take a different approach, introducing a temporary break instead.

When Does the One Chicago Hiatus Begin?

NBC recently unveiled its upcoming primetime schedule, confirming that all three One Chicago series will air fresh episodes on February 5. However, after that, the lineup will be put on hold. On February 12, instead of new episodes,

NBC will air reruns, leaving fans uncertain about when their favorite shows will return with new content.

What remains unknown is the duration of this hiatus. Since NBC has only mapped out its programming schedule up until the week of February 10, it’s unclear whether this will be a short, one-week break or if viewers should brace for an extended pause. The official return date will likely be revealed in the promotional teaser for Episode 13, which should give fans a definitive answer on when the new episodes will resume.

Why Does One Chicago Always Take a February Break?

It’s not unusual for the One Chicago franchise to experience a midseason break in February. Since 2020, NBC has consistently scheduled at least one pause during this month, though the length of these breaks has varied.

Here’s a look at past February hiatuses:

• 2023: The break lasted only one week before new episodes resumed.
• 2021 & 2022: The hiatus was longer, with just a single new episode airing in February before the shows returned later in the month.

NBC’s reasoning for this scheduling strategy is simple—it helps spread out the season. Since network TV series typically produce between 18-22 episodes from September through May, spacing them out with breaks prevents the season from wrapping up too early.

What Can Fans Do During the One Chicago Break?

Although the temporary pause might be frustrating, fans still have plenty of ways to stay connected to the One Chicago universe. Past episodes of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD are all available to stream on Peacock, making it the perfect opportunity for a rewatch or catching up on any missed episodes.