The popular shows Chicago Med Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. came together for a crossover event. This event marks a reunion for the One Chicago universe after five years since their last crossover in October 2019. NBC confirmed a new crossover event occurred this week.
Ambitious Production Team Orchestrated Three-Hour Action-Packed Crossover Movie
Anastasia Puglisi an Executive Vice President at Wolf Entertainment and co-executive producer for the One Chicago series stated that creating a three-hour action movie needed complete coordination. This involved writers casts crews producers and the city of Chicago. She added they have the best talent to manage this project.
Disaster in Office Building Triggers City-Wide Chaos Affecting All Three Teams
The crossover event follows the effects of a disaster in an office building. This situation disrupts the Intelligence Unit Firehouse 51 and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. A gas explosion at a high-rise building brings Chicago’s first responders to rescue many civilians. The real problem is beneath the surface where 40 people are trapped underground including two of the main characters.
Unusual Schedule for Crossover Episodes: Fire Kicks Off the Night
The three-hour crossover aired on Wednesday January 29 starting at 8/7c. Unlike typical Chicago Wednesday schedules the night began with Chicago Fire at 8/7c. Chicago Med followed at 9/8c and P.D. concluded at 10/9c. Viewers could watch on NBC or stream episodes on Peacock the next day. The viewing order for the complete story is Fire Med and P.D.
Promotional Events Surround One Chicago Crossover Including Sweepstakes and Bingo
Xfinity hosted a Rewards Sweepstakes from January 23 to February 22. This contest offered fans chances to win One Chicago merchandise and autographed items. Additionally One Chicago Bingo took place from January 29 to February 4. Viewers could play along during the crossover episodes on NBC.com.
Social Media Platforms Offered Exclusive Content and Live Interaction with Cast
One Chicago social media platforms provided behind-the-scenes content on January 29. An Instagram live event at 7:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PST featured One Chicago actors. They participated in games and answered fan questions.
Previous Storylines Set the Stage for Crossover Character Developments
In the Chicago Fire episode "Quicksand" Herrmann and Mouch passed exams for promotions in the CFD. Chief Dom Pascal dealt with marital issues. Cruz faced danger related to his brother Leon and the Insane Kings gang. Junior sought revenge against Cruz but died in a January 2025 episode. Novak’s backstory involving a family suicide was hinted at.
Gaffney Chicago Medical Center Faced Stalker Situation and Torres's Tragedy in P.D.
Sharon Goodwin confronted her stalker Cassidy in the Thanksgiving episode. Cassidy was the wife of a patient who died under Goodwin's care. Cassidy attacked Goodwin but Archer intervened. In Chicago P.D. Officer Torres and his former informant Gloria Perez were involved in a secret romance. Perez's death as a drug trafficker and Deputy Chief Charlie Reid's knowledge of Torres's past created complications.
Crossover Episode Titled "In the Trenches" Focuses on Gas Explosion and City Response
The crossover event titled “In the Trenches” showed Chicago’s first responders uniting after a gas explosion and fire at a city government building. The episodes aired in the order of Chicago Fire Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. The event was described as an epic production that felt like one large movie.
Writers and Showrunners Detail Collaborative Effort in Crossover Production
Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman explained the crossover was planned early in the season. Writers from Fire Med and P.D. worked together to refine stories and character actions. A Zoom table-read with all three shows occurred. Chicago Med's showrunner Allen Macdonald noted the efficient writing and production process. The proximity of writers in Los Angeles and cast and crew in Chicago aided logistics.
Crossover Storyline: Explosion Unites First Responders to Tackle City Chaos
The crossover story centered on an explosion that required Chicago’s first responders to work together. Medical staff assessed injuries. Firefighters focused on controlling flames and finding the source. P.D. investigated to stop further harm. Stella and Ruzek were trapped in a subway with passengers after a structure collapse. A suspect was possibly among the victims.
Stella's Heroism and Archer's Evolving Character Highlighted in Crossover
Stella saved a teen using limited resources while underground. Archer performed an amputation to save a man trapped under concrete. Archer’s character development from someone self-serving to showing kindness was noted. The crossover showed the strength of interdepartmental cooperation.
Character Pairings and Emotional Storylines Drive Crossover Narrative
Writers selected storylines to challenge characters and reveal new dynamics. Unlikely character pairings like Kidd and Ruzek were put in pressure situations. The storyline involving Trudy and Mouch provided emotional depth. Mouch forgot Trudy’s birthday leading to marital tension during the crisis. Trudy was shot and underwent experimental surgery to survive.
Lenox's Professionalism and Ethical Dilemma During Investigation
Lenox faced pressure from Burgess to provide medical information about a patient suspect. Lenox upheld patient confidentiality but found a way to assist P.D. while protecting her patient. This showcased her commitment to medical ethics.
Crossover's Impact on Character Relationships and Future Storylines
The crossover events are integral to the current season's narrative. The events will affect character relationships moving forward. For example Ripley and Mouch’s interactions during the crossover will influence their dynamic in future episodes of Med. The crossover event has implications for Stella and Severide's relationship and family plans. The near-death experience prompted Severide to prioritize time with Stella and consider family.
Stella and Severide's Relationship Tested and Family Discussions Emerge
Stella and Severide faced separation during the crossover. This event will bring up conversations about family. Stella’s previous hesitation about having children might change. A visit from Stella's cousin will further impact her views on family and her relationship with Severide.
"Burzek" and "Mouchy" Couples Faced Intense Emotional Challenges
Ruzek and Burgess dealt with the fear of Ruzek being trapped. Mouch’s forgetfulness of Trudy’s birthday and her subsequent shooting created a major emotional arc. Trudy’s near-death experience and survival will likely impact Mouch’s future actions regarding their relationship.
New Character Combinations and Lenox's Standout Interactions
The crossover featured new character pairings such as Frost/Violet/Novak and Voight/Pascal. Lenox’s interactions with Voight and Burgess highlighted her professional boundaries and ethical approach contrasting with P.D.'s methods. Despite initial conflict Lenox provided crucial information to P.D.
Explosion Motive and Culprit Revealed: Pension Fund and Inside Job
The explosion was planned by a group seeking compensation for work-related illnesses. They targeted city employee pension funds. An inside person Bates a former CPD officer working security aided them and shot Trudy Platt.
Appreciation for Guest Stars and Extras and Fan Reactions to Crossover
The article acknowledged the contributions of guest stars and extras. Fan reactions to the crossover were positive with praise for the seamless interaction and character focus. Some viewers expressed concern about potential threats to Stella and Severide's relationship while others enjoyed the character dynamics and emotional intensity.
Crossover Celebrated Shared Universe and Revitalized Franchise Bonds
The crossover event successfully celebrated the One Chicago universe. It re-established bonds between the three shows after five years. New character dynamics were created and existing relationships were deepened. The event emphasized the courage of first responders and their commitment to helping others.
Key Moments and Character Standouts from "In The Trenches" Crossover
Dr. Lenox's ethical stance and eventual assistance Adam Ruzek and Stella Kidd’s unexpected partnership Trudy Platt’s resilience and life-saving surgery Dr. Archer’s renewed sense of purpose and Stella and Severide’s relationship reflection were key moments. The crossover highlighted the courage and dedication of first responders in the One Chicago universe.