Fans of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med were excited to return to the gripping drama after the midseason break,

with each show delving into high-stakes storylines. Chicago Med explored the fate of Sharon Goodwin, Chicago Fire focused on Joe Cruz’s growing struggles,

nd Chicago P.D. offered deeper insights into Kiana Cook’s past. However, those hoping for new episodes on January 15 were left disappointed when NBC preempted the One Chicago lineup.

Why Were One Chicago Shows Delayed? The schedule change wasn’t related to previous events, like the wildfires in Los Angeles, but instead was due to President Joe Biden’s farewell speech, which was scheduled to air during NBC’s primetime slot on January 15 at 8 p.m. ET. Rather than delay the One Chicago block, NBC chose to air reruns from the current season instead. Viewers saw Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 3, followed by Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 3, and Chicago P.D. Season 12, Episode 3.

New episodes will now return on Wednesday, January 22, with Chicago Med’s “Broken Hearts,” Chicago Fire’s “Chaos Theory,” and Chicago P.D.’s “Zoe” continuing where the midseason drama had left off.

What Does This Mean for the Crossover Event? Fans were particularly concerned that the unexpected delay might impact the highly anticipated crossover event scheduled for January 29. Fortunately, NBC has confirmed that the event will proceed as planned. The schedule shift has ensured the shows remain aligned, setting the stage for a seamless lead-in to the three-part crossover.

Titled “In the Trenches: Part 1, 2, & 3,” the crossover will center around a catastrophic gas explosion in a high-rise building. Chicago’s first responders will work together to rescue hundreds of civilians, but the true danger lurks beneath the surface. A group of 40 people, including some first responders, will become trapped underground, raising the stakes significantly.

Though no official word has been given on which characters will face the most peril, since Chicago Fire will kick off the crossover, it’s likely the storyline will focus on the firefighters’ quick response to the explosion.

Crossover Scheduling Shakeup In a break from tradition, the crossover will begin with Chicago Fire, followed by Chicago Med and wrapping up with Chicago P.D. This shift in the order is designed to create a cohesive narrative across all three episodes, building tension and heightening the stakes.

What’s Next for One Chicago? While the unexpected programming delay briefly disrupted fans’ viewing schedules, it was necessary to accommodate a national event. The good news is that One Chicago will return on January 22, with the delayed episodes paving the way for the explosive crossover event on January 29.

The remainder of the season promises to deliver a perfect blend of personal drama and intense action, as Chicago’s finest face life-or-death situations and navigate deep emotional conflicts. Fans can look forward to what’s next in this thrilling and beloved franchise.