The fire is about to burn hotter, the sirens louder, and the drama deeper than ever before — but this time, it’s not happening on your television screen.

For the first time in franchise history, fans of “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” and “Chicago P.D.” will get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to their favorite shows with the launch of the official One Chicago Podcast — a bold new expansion of NBC’s powerhouse drama universe.

The groundbreaking announcement was made during the highly anticipated “One Chicago” panel at the ATX TV Festival, sending shockwaves through the fanbase. Representing the franchise were two of its fan-favorite stars: Steven Weber of Chicago Med and Marina Squerciati of Chicago P.D., who took the stage with excitement and gravity befitting the occasion.

“This is something we’ve all wanted for a long time,” Weber told the cheering crowd. “Now we get to pull back the curtain and let the fans into our world in a way they’ve never seen before.”

A Franchise Like No Other

Spanning more than a decade and featuring hundreds of characters and interwoven storylines, One Chicago has grown into one of the most successful shared universes in television history. With Chicago Fire blazing the trail in 2012, followed by Chicago P.D. in 2014 and Chicago Med in 2015, the franchise has earned its place as a cultural mainstay, consistently dominating ratings and maintaining a loyal, passionate fanbase.

But until now, access to the One Chicago world has remained confined to what viewers saw on screen. With the launch of the One Chicago Podcast, that’s all about to change.

What Fans Can Expect from the Podcast

Produced by Wolf Entertainment — the creative engine behind the franchise — and USG Audio, the podcast promises a deeper, richer experience that will span the entire One Chicago ecosystem. From character deep dives and storyline analysis to candid interviews with cast members, directors, writers, and showrunners, the series will be a full-access pass into the heart of the franchise.

While the official host has yet to be revealed, producers have teased a major name connected to the One Chicago universe will take the helm. Whether it’s a fan-favorite actor, a longtime writer, or someone else with intimate knowledge of the franchise, one thing is certain — they’ll be guiding fans through a maze of drama, heartbreak, heroism, and hard decisions that define Chicago’s fictional first responders.

“This Isn’t Just a Podcast — It’s a Love Letter to the Fans”

Marina Squerciati, known for her role as Officer Kim Burgess on Chicago P.D., shared an emotional reflection during the panel.

“We have the most loyal fans in the world. They know our characters better than we do sometimes. This podcast is for them — a way to say thank you, and to invite them into the rooms where it all happens.”

The podcast will explore:

• Behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of iconic episodes.
• Cast interviews that explore the emotional toll of portraying life-and-death stakes.
• Writers’ room insights into how plot twists and crossover events are planned.
• Exclusive teasers and clues for upcoming storylines.
• Tributes to past characters, including shocking exits and unforgettable deaths.

Expect never-before-heard anecdotes, bloopers, on-set rivalries, creative conflicts, and the surprising challenges of bringing one of TV’s most ambitious franchises to life — all told by the people who live and breathe it.

A Universe in Flux: The Timing Couldn’t Be More Perfect

The podcast announcement comes at a time of dramatic change within the One Chicago world.

Over on Chicago Fire, the upcoming Season 14 promises massive upheaval, with Firehouse 51 reeling from unexpected departures and internal conflict. Showrunner Andrea Newman recently confirmed that “no one is safe,” suggesting emotional bombs are about to be dropped on the loyal crew.

Meanwhile, Chicago P.D. has been exploring the blurred line between justice and personal loyalty, with Sergeant Voight (Jason Beghe) walking a darker path than ever before — and dragging his team with him. Burgess and Ruzek’s long-awaited reunion continues to evolve, but with danger closing in every week, their future remains uncertain.

And in Chicago Med, new leadership, evolving medical protocols, and ethical dilemmas threaten to crack the hospital’s foundation. With longtime doctors leaving and new faces entering the ER, the soul of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center hangs in the balance.

With such rich and evolving narratives, the podcast will serve as both a companion and a confessional — a space to unpack the emotional weight of each episode, while deepening the viewer’s connection to the world of One Chicago.

Fans React: “Finally!”

News of the podcast was met with immediate buzz across social media, with hashtags like #OneChicagoPodcast, #ChicagoFranchise, and #BehindTheBadge trending within hours of the announcement.

Longtime fans expressed excitement about finally hearing stories from the actors’ perspectives — especially about the intense crossovers, training for high-stakes scenes, and how real-life Chicago influenced the fictional universe.

“This is the behind-the-scenes content we’ve been begging for,” one fan tweeted. “We want to know EVERYTHING — how they film those fire rescues, how Burgess gets into character, how they build those emotional storylines. GIVE IT TO US.”

The Legacy of Dick Wolf’s Empire Continues

The One Chicago Podcast marks another milestone for Dick Wolf, the prolific producer and mastermind behind not only the Chicago universe but also the long-running Law & Order and FBI franchises.

Under his guidance, One Chicago has grown into more than just a TV brand — it’s a cultural phenomenon that touches on real-world issues like mental health, public safety, systemic injustice, and the everyday heroism of first responders.

By embracing audio storytelling, Wolf Entertainment is expanding the universe in a way that aligns with the changing habits of audiences — and ensures that the One Chicago flame burns brighter than ever.

When and Where to Listen

The One Chicago Podcast is set to launch this fall, with episodes available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. A full release schedule, along with the host’s identity and guest list, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, fans can prepare for an entirely new way to engage with the stories, the stars, and the soul of One Chicago.

Brace yourselves, ChiHards — the sirens may fade when the credits roll, but the stories are just getting started.