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The first scripted fall shows delayed by the double strikes are back. “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” return to NBC on January 17, kicking off their ninth, 12th and 11th seasons, respectively.

“It’s been a very exciting time. Everybody is very revved up. We went to the set when we were shooting our first episode, and there was just great enthusiasm,” “Med” co-showrunner Diane Frolov told Variety ahead of the premiere. “Usually that time of year, people are tired, but that wasn’t the case at all. I think everybody is feeling creative.”

All three shows have written in a six-month time jump, all staying aligned with one another. Since each of the finales aired in May 2023, the below guide serves as a revisiting to each cliffhanger, as well as a reference of who’s leaving, who’s joining the casts and what to expect when it comes to each of the three show’s storylines.

  • Chicago Med

    Last season: Archer (Steven Webber) learned he must wait at least six months before getting a kidney transplant since his donor (and son) fell off the wagon. Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) faced the hospital being sold and Will resigned (read Nick Gehlfuss’ exit interview here!) and moved to Seattle to be with Natalie (Torrey DeVitto).

    What’s next: The “push-pull” dynamic between Archer and Hannah (Jessy Schram) will continue, teases co-showrunner Andrew Schnieder. “They’re deeply involved with each other, but at this point, they’re friends and colleagues. As you know, friendship relationships can turn into romantic relationships,” he said. Frolov added, “We started with the idea that there would be tension because of who she was and that he would be very against it. But as we saw them interact, we were pretty delighted by their chemistry.”

    Changes: Last season saw the departure of Dr. Scott (Guy Lockard), Vanessa (Asjha Cooper), and original series stars Brian Tee and Gehlfuss. This season, the hospital is bringing in two new characters: Dr. Mitch Ripley (Luke Mitchell), who has a mysterious past with Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt); and a new woman resident, who will be introduced in the second episode.

  • Chicago Fire

    Last season: “Fire” ended on a major cliffhanger, with Mouch (Christian Stolte) bleeding out in the hospital after being hit by shrapnel. Additionally, Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) left Chicago to go find her husband, Severide (Taylor Kinney), who had left for an OFI case and never returned. Plus, Casey (Jesse Spencer) returned and proposed to Sylvie (Kara Killmer). Needless to say, there are a lot of questions that need answering.

    What’s next: The first episode will reveal Mouch’s status, Brett’s answer to Casey and a little bit of what happened when Kidd found Severide. With Taylor Kinney returning after stepping away last season for a personal matter, he’s “centerstage” this season, says showrunner Andrea Newman. Read our full season preview with her here.

    Changes: This season is full of changes. Behind the scenes, Newman is running the show for the first time solo, as creator and co-showrunner Derek Haas stepped away last year. Spencer, who left after the 100th episode, will be back partially this season. Killmer will be leaving this season, but it’s not yet revealed how many episodes she’ll appear in — but it will be a “good chunk,” says Newman. “She’s got a journey of her own to take before we let her go.”

    Alberto Rosende, who portrays Blake Gallo, will leave this season as well, with the season premiere serving as his final episode. Rome Flynn is joining the cast as Jake Gibson, who is described as a “fun new element to rock 51.”

  • Chicago P.D.

    Last season: Season 10 ended with Ruzek (Patrick Fleuger) being shot amid a case and rushed to the hospital, an anxious Burgess (Marina Squerciati) at his side. Meanwhile, Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) continued to struggle without any communication from her husband, Jay (Jesse Lee Soffer, who left at the beginning of the season). In fact, she even took her wedding ring off.

    What’s next: At the top of the premiere, Ruzek’s status will be revealed, as well as what it means for the rest of the unit. Meanwhile, Upton is fighting to figure out life without Halstead and how she’s feeling about it.

    Changes: This season marks the last for Spiridakos, who will appear in the full season. “She did a very kind, classy thing and told us with the whole season ahead of us, so we really were able to plot things out and figure out what we wanted,” says showrunner Gwen Sigan. “I just want it to be an arc worthy of Upton and give her something new, give her some growth and something exciting.”

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