Please note that this article contains references to sexual assault.
The One Chicago franchise has delivered numerous high-quality crossover episodes, making it challenging to pinpoint the ultimate favorite. Produced by Dick Wolf, the One Chicago universe encompasses six distinct shows, while the Law & Order series operates under a separate umbrella. All three One Chicago shows air on Wednesday evenings on NBC. What began as Chicago Fire as a standalone production quickly evolved with the introduction of Chicago P.D. 15 months later, followed by Chicago Med a year subsequent.
Each series within the One Chicago framework spotlights a unique facet of first-responder duties. Chicago Fire centers on the dedicated members of the Chicago Fire Department’s Firehouse 51, while Chicago P.D. zeroes in on the Intelligence Unit tasked with maintaining safety in the city. Chicago Med, on the other hand, offers medical narratives set against the backdrop of the Gaffney Medical Center. Despite ongoing discussions about which show reigns supreme in popularity, crossover episodes are often highlighted for their engaging plots that unify the characters in tackling crises affecting everyone involved.
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Chicago Fire Season 7, Episode 15 (“What I Saw”) / Chicago P.D. Season 6, Episode 15 (“Good Men”)
Cruz Goes Undercover to Help Voight Catch Robbers
This crossover scrutinizes the alarming notion that a firefighter may be linked to a string of robberies. Consequently, Chicago PD’s Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) turns to Chicago Fire’s Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) for an undercover mission. While the friction between Voight and Firehouse 51’s crew, particularly Boden, regarding the investigation into firefighter misconduct is intriguing, many consider this crossover less compelling than others due to its reliance on the typical undercover narrative that evokes distrust.
Nonetheless, Cruz’s established connections with Chicago PD personnel aptly bridge the two series, making his undercover work pivotal rather than casting a stranger into the role. Despite its advantages, this crossover could just as easily have functioned purely as a Chicago PD episode, diluting its significance within the One Chicago framework.
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Chicago Fire Season 1, Episode 23 (“Let Her Go”): Chicago P.D.’s Backdoor Pilot
There Would Be No Spinoff Without This Episode
While technically not a crossover in the traditional sense, “Let Her Go” acted as a backdoor pilot for Chicago P.D., paving the way for the spinoff by showcasing characters who would soon take center stage. This episode effectively links the new series with its predecessor, enhancing viewer understanding of the subsequent show.
The narrative focuses on the collaboration between the Intelligence Unit and Firehouse 51, particularly Casey’s partnership with Voight to investigate a fire-related murder linked to Hallie. Although it may lack the thrill of other crossovers, it serves as a fundamental introduction to Chicago P.D.’s main characters, solidifying their backstory for viewers.
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Chicago Fire Season 3, Episode 19 (“I Am the Apocalypse”): Chicago Med’s Backdoor Pilot
This Backdoor Pilot Was More Memorable Than PD’s
Similar to Chicago P.D., Chicago Med also debuted as a backdoor pilot within the Chicago Fire narrative. This episode is notable for introducing Dr. Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss), brother of character Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), amid a life-threatening crisis involving a gas leak that sends multiple victims to Gaffney Medical Center.
Not only does this intense episode provide an action-packed plot, but it adds layers with the presence of a violent hostage situation, echoing themes that would re-appear in future storylines. The tension and the introduction of core characters make this backdoor pilot particularly impactful, though many feel that it could have benefited from Chicago P.D.’s involvement given the urgent stakes at play.
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Chicago Fire Season 3, Episode 13 (“Three Bells”) / Chicago P.D. Season 2, Episode 13 (“A Little Devil Complex”)
An Intense Episode That Might Have Confused Casual Viewers
This gripping crossover addresses the aftermath of Shay’s death, where the first part explores the investigation by the fire department, while the second half deals with the police coming to terms with the criminal implications. While the story arc brings emotional closure to Shay’s character within the One Chicago universe, it could potentially perplex casual viewers not familiar with the backstory.
Though the overarching narrative is accessible, the crossover deviates from the usual self-contained format, which may alienate those who do not regularly watch both shows. Consequently, it serves as a poignant reminder that while dedicated fans may appreciate the depth, broader comprehension may vary for those engaging only with segments of the franchise.
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Law & Order: SVU Season 15, Episode 15 (“Comic Perversion”) / Chicago P.D. Season 1, Episode 6 (“Conventions”)
The First Time One Chicago Connected with Dick Wolf’s Other Franchise
While it may seem unconventional for Law & Order: SVU to participate in a One Chicago crossover—especially given the differing settings—this episode marks a notable connection. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) finds evidence suggesting that a serial rapist may be operating out of both cities, providing a compelling excuse for collaboration with Voight’s team.
Though well-crafted, it does face criticism for the limited interaction between Law & Order: SVU and Chicago P.D.’s storylines. Ultimately, the narrative wraps up an SVU case before transitioning to the urgency of the Chicago connection, making it less of a true crossover and more a series of independent plot lines converging.
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Chicago Fire Season 3, Episode 21 (“We Called Her Jellybean”) / Chicago P.D. Season 2, Episode 20 (“The Number of Rats”) / Law & Order: SVU Season 16, Episode 20 (“Daydream Believer”)
A Much More Tightly Connected Crossover Than The First Time
This three-part narrative offers a markedly improved crossover experience by seamlessly incorporating all three departments without reliance on a vague connection. Instead, the intertwined investigation among Law & Order: SVU and the Chicago teams solidifies the storyline, capturing interest through its refreshing approach.
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Chicago Fire Season 5, Episode 9 (“Some Make It, Some Don’t”) / Chicago P.D. Season 4, Episode 9 (“Don’t Bury This Case”)
Severide Is In A Precarious Situation Throughout This Crossover
Throughout this crossover, Severide faces intense challenges, primarily focused on finding a bone marrow donor for Anna. However, his situation escalates following a vehicle accident linked to his car. The crossover effectively showcases the tension as police conduct interrogations regarding the circumstances, highlighting the stakes intricately woven into Severide’s experience.
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Chicago Fire Season 3, Episode 7 (“Nobody Touches Anything”) / Law & Order: SVU Season 16, Episode 7 (“Chicago Crossover”) / Chicago P.D. Season 2, Episode 7 (“They’ll Have to Go Through Me”)
The Second SVU Crossover is Full of Dramatic Tension
This crossover edition, featuring Law & Order: SVU, stands out as one of the franchise’s highlights. Even though Chicago Fire tends toward independence, the narrative effectively incorporates an actual case, intensifying the emotional stakes for Lindsey. The gruesome discovery of disturbing images at a fire scene draws the police into the fray, culminating in a personal conflict that heightens the drama.
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Chicago Fire Season 4, Episode 10 (“The Beating Heart”) / Chicago Med Season 1, Episode 5 (“Malignant”) / Chicago P.D. Season 3, Episode 10 (“Now I’m God”)
The First Crossover to Feature All Three One Chicago Shows
Setting a benchmark for future crossovers, this event interlinking all three series amplifies the stakes, blending multiple crises into a thrilling narrative. Initial setups in Chicago Fire quickly unfold into a life-threatening investigation that escalates into a gripping mystery involving nefarious schemes threatening the lives of several characters.
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Chicago P.D. Season 5, Episode 16 (“Profiles”) / Chicago Fire Season 6, Episode 13 (“Hiding Not Seeking”)
A High-Stakes Story Begins in Chicago P.D. and Ends in Chicago Fire
This crossover flips the script by starting the action in Chicago P.D. with a lead-in to the follow-up in Chicago Fire. Voight’s dogged pursuit of a dangerous bomber targeting high-profile personalities puts the teams at the forefront of a collaborative effort that is refreshing. The synergy of expertise from both departments, alongside emergent tensions regarding trust and protocol, effectively drives the narrative.
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Chicago Fire Season 2, Episode 20 (“A Dark Day”) / Chicago P.D. Season 1, Episode 12 (“8:30 PM”)
Another Bombing Story That Is Even More Intense
“A Dark Day” distinguishes itself in the One Chicago universe, offering a relentless narrative amid an impending bombing threat that causes devastation. The urgency amplifies as fire and police teams must work cohesively under immense pressure to locate the responsible bomber, resulting in emotionally charged scenes punctuated by personal stakes, such as Burgess’ niece facing life-threatening injuries amidst the calamity.
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Chicago Fire Season 7, Episode 2 (“Going to War”) / Chicago Med Season 4, Episode 2 (“When to Let Go”) / Chicago P.D. Season 6, Episode 2 (“Endings”)
The Halstead Brothers Fear They May Lose Their Dad
The Halstead brothers stand out in this emotionally potent story, where the catastrophic consequences of a fire place their father’s life on the line. As they grapple with the possibility of loss, the stakes amplify, giving rise to a deeply resonant narrative that powerfully showcases familial bonds and the struggles faced by first responders.
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Chicago Fire Season 8, Episode 4 (“Infection: Part I”) / Chicago Med Season 5, Episode 4 (“Infection: Part II”) / Chicago P.D. Season 7, Episode 4 (“Infection: Part III”)
This Strong Story Unfortunately Became Reality Soon Afterward
The “Infection”storyline emerges as a gripping portrayal of a viral outbreak. Each episode carefully crafts its narrative around the urgency of the crisis, intensifying shortly before the COVID pandemic struck, which added an eerie realism to the fictional events. Notably, Chicago PD’s episode encapsulates the race against time to apprehend a bioterrorist responsible for the outbreak, an especially tension-filled experience that resonates with current real-world challenges.
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Law & Order: SVU Season 17, Episode 14 (“Nationwide Manhunt”) / Chicago P.D. Season 3, Episode 14 (“The Song of Gregory William Yates”)
Chicago P.D. Lost A Team Member In One of the Scariest Episodes
“Nationwide Manhunt”stands out as one of the most chilling entries in the Law & Order: SVU series while simultaneously delivering heart-wrenching news to the Chicago PD unit when Nadia is abducted and tragically murdered by the heinous serial killer Gregory William Yates (Dallas Roberts). His menacing presence and calculated escape instigate a suspenseful storyline that capitalizes on emotional stakes, ultimately leading to Nadia’s heartbreaking demise.
The profound impact of Nadia’s tragic loss resonates throughout the franchise, making this crossover not only memorable but also compelling due to its emotional depth as Benson’s and Voight’s teams endeavor to save her, unaware that time is simply not on their side.
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