The One Chicago universe keeps becoming bigger, and both Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. have interesting things planned for their thirteenth seasons. Fans have a lot to look forward to in the next several seasons, including new characters, big changes in character arcs, and crossover events that fans have been waiting for.
New characters and changes in the Intelligence Unit in Season 13 of Chicago P.D.
Arienne Mandi is a new regular on the Intelligence Unit in Season 13 of Chicago P.D. Mandi, who is most known for her performance in Netflix's The Night Agent, will play Officer Naomi Kerr. People say that Kerr used to be a soldier and a military contractor and that he does well in dangerous situations. She is an outsider who is not afraid and keeps her ideas to herself. But these facts of the characters could change as work goes on.
Mandi comes after Toya Turner, who played Officer Kiana Cook for one season, leaves. Turner said goodbye on social media and thanked the show for her time there. She said that the show "challenged me, sharpened me, and revealed what I'm made of," and that she is "walking away with depth, clarity, and momentum for whatever comes next." Kiana Cook, Turner's character, was a former tactical officer who Sergeant Hank Voight hired for the 21st District. The Season 12 finale didn't build up her exit, so fans are left wondering how it will be handled.
Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) is in charge of the Intelligence Unit, which is going through a rough patch after Deputy Chief Charlie Reid was killed, something Voight planned. Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Officer Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) were in trouble because Torres was having an affair with his confidential informant and Burgess was covering it up. They are no longer being looked into, yet the effects of what happened are still happening. LaRoyce Hawkins and Patrick Flueger are also back for the next season.
Show Enthusiast: The Intelligence Unit has new people and new problems in Season 13 of "Chicago P.D." The Windy City is always full of drama!
The cast, plot, and what's next for Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire Season 13
Firehouse 51 gets a lot of new cast members and interesting storylines in Season 13 of Chicago Fire. Dermot Mulroney takes over for Chief Wallace Boden as Battalion Chief Dominick "Dom" Pascal. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) have had problems with Pascal since he got there. He wants to run a tighter ship than Boden. Jocelyn Hudon also joins the cast as Paramedic Lizzie Novak, who takes Brett's place on Ambulance 61. People say that Novak is a free-spirited paramedic who feels at home at Firehouse 51.
Important Cast Changes in Season 13 of Chicago Fire
Big plot points and character arcs in Chicago Fire
Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd's relationship is still a big part of the story. In Season 13, they are thinking of adopting a child to grow their family. Because of this incident, the show has even acknowledged the fan-given name "Stellaride." The season finale had a shocking twist: Kidd showed Severide a positive pregnancy test, which changed the course of their parental adventure.
Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) has a problem because he is being blackmailed into robbing Firehouse 51, which puts his employment at risk. Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) goes to Alcoholics Anonymous sessions to help him stop drinking. Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lyla Novak had become very close friends. When Violet's job was on the line, Novak was there for her.
Long-time Viewer: "Chicago Fire" always gives its loyal fans moments that they can relate to, from heartbreaking rescues to funny locker room banter.
The One Chicago Universe: Crossovers, Ratings, and What's Next
NBC's One Chicago brand, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, is still doing well. Chicago Fire was NBC's most-watched original series at the end of 2024, with an average of 7.8 million viewers. It was also the highest-rated non-sports show. Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. are also two of NBC's most popular non-sports shows.
Getting to Know One Chicago Crossover Events
Fans love the One Chicago crossovers because they bring together characters from all three shows to deal with big problems in the city. In early 2025, the franchise experienced a full three-part crossover event. This was the first one since 2019. The main incident was a gas explosion in a tall building, which needed the help of the Fire, Med, and P.D. teams. Stella Kidd from Chicago Fire and Adam Ruzek from Chicago P.D. were even stuck underground during the crossover. Some critics thought this event was too safe, even if all the main characters lived through it.
TV Critic: The crossovers between "One Chicago" are usually great! It's amazing to witness Fire, Med, and P.D. work together to solve the city's largest problems.
Filming secrets and fan favorites from Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire is noted for how authentic it seems when it shows firefighters at work. This is because the show uses a mix of filming on location, complex sets, and great stunt work. Firehouse 51 films a lot of scenes inside and outside the real-life Chicago Fire Department Engine 18, which is actually a functional firehouse. Cinespace Chicago Film Studios recorded the inside scenes of Firehouse 51, which were based on the configuration of Engine 18. The Firehouse 51 crew likes to hang out at Molly's Pub, which is modeled on a genuine tavern in Chicago's Bucktown district.
Inside Firehouse 51: Information on filming and production
Some actors, like Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer, undertake their own stunts, although stunt doubles do the more dangerous ones. To make sure the show is believable, it hires a fire consultant and real firefighters to work on set. Controlled propane is used to start big fires, and then more smoke and fire effects are added in post-production.
Best Parts and Funniest Scenes from Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire has had a lot of notable moments over the years. Fans often talk about the emotional sequences, such when the people of Chicago come together to help someone who lost their wife in a fire. The relationship between Violet Mikami and Lyla Novak and the way Chief Pascal and Kelly Severide discover common ground over cigars are other fan favorites. The program also combines its serious moments with amusing ones, such when Otis and Stella make Molly's Pub dirty after a mud run.
One fan from Chicago said, "Firehouse 51 isn't just a team; it's a family." When everyone else runs away, they run into danger. That bond is what makes "Chicago Fire" so extraordinary.
A Full Comparison of Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
In the One Chicago universe, both Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. tell interesting stories, yet they each have their own strengths. People typically laud Chicago P.D. for its close-knit cast and the way the characters' professional and personal relationships show on screen. The program does a great job of showing complex connections and emotional arcs that feel earned.
On the other hand, Chicago Fire does a great job of showing how close firemen are to each other. Its chemistry is strongest when there is a lot of action and fraternity. Chicago P.D. may have better storylines and character chemistry, but Chicago Fire always has exciting action and heartwarming moments based on the relationships of Firehouse 51.
Industry Analyst: The best thing about "One Chicago" is how all of its stories are interwoven and how dedicated the cast and crew are to bringing these heroes to life.