NBC Exec signals One Chicago cancellations aren't coming down the pipe anytime soon

On broadcast, franchises are the name of the game. While the network TV line-up does boast standalone series and unscripted programming pitting contestants against one another, it's the hope that there will be a breakout show that will spawn another hit or two during its run.

NBC has two major tentpole universes--One Chicago and the Law and Orders. However, come the 2024-2025 television season, the latter franchise will be split up due to Law & Order: Organized Crime making the leap to Peacock for its fifth season. The move saved the series from cancellation since a good portion of the Christopher Meloni-led drama is watching during the show's streaming window and not live via NBC.

Of course, this change means that Law and Order Thursdays has been dropped to a two hour block instead of a three hour run and Found will take over Organized Crime's slot in the fall. The switch up for the slate has left some fans wondering if the same thing will happen to the One Chicago shows down the line. Or, heaven forbid, there's a cancellation coming.

Well, you can rest easy. Jeff Bader, President of Program Planning Strategy for NBCUniversal Entertainment, has weighed in on the possibility. TVLine reports the exec had the following to say:

"We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night."

Bader's response was prompted by the yearly speculation that something must be up with the One Chicago shows because the cast turnover rate is pretty high. Each season there are actors coming and going but, with how long the series have been on air, that's to be expected. Like soap operas, procedurals need to keep things fresh which often means veterans making exits, recurring characters getting changed out, and new additions to play around with dynamics.

It's also no wonder that NBC has no interest in shuffling around these programs. The studio is already going to have to contend with launching Law & Order: Organized Crime as a Peacock original and converting broadcast-only fans to the streamer in a feat to retain the show's audience. There's no need to try and do the same with any of the Chicago series.

And like CBS' signal that NCIS will be sticking around for as long as the network can keep the flagship, One Chicago has become synonymous with NBC. The franchise is a proven winner and the Wednesday block has produced the no. 3 (Chicago Fire), no. 5 (Chicago Med), and no. 7 (Chicago P.D.) most watched dramas on broadcast, according to TVLine. So, if you're a fan, don't worry about the axe coming for these three shows at any point in the near future.

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