The Ultimate, Unofficial, Totally Chill Guide to the Bazillion Chicago TV Shows (It's a Whole Vibe!)
Yo, what up, future TV scholar! You’ve stumbled into the deep, mysterious wormhole of "How many Chicago TV shows are there?" Spoiler alert: it's not a simple number, it's more of a vibe that has exploded into a whole universe! Like when your favorite band drops a new album and suddenly everyone is rocking their merch.
We're not just talking about any shows, we’re talking about the famous, super-connected dramas created by the legendary TV boss, Dick Wolf. He basically decided Chicago needed its own small-screen theme park, and bingo, the "One Chicago" franchise was born! But wait, there are other cool shows set in the Windy City too. Get ready, because we're about to break this down, step-by-step, with maximum chill and zero boringness.
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| How Many Chicago Tv Shows Are There |
Step 1: Count the Core Crew – The "One Chicago" OG Squad
This is the central nervous system, the main event! Think of this as the Justice League of Chicago first responders. These shows cross over, meaning a firefighter from one show might end up getting treated by a doctor from another, or talking to a cop from the third. It's wild!
1.1. Chicago Fire (The Flame Throwers)
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This is the show that started it all, the big kahuna! It’s all about the brave and sometimes goofy firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51. They rush into burning buildings while everyone else runs out. If you love watching explosions, rescues, and maybe a little workplace drama (like who ate the last donut), this one’s your jam. It's the foundation, the first domino in the Chicago TV series lineup!
1.2. Chicago P.D. (The Gritty Detectives)
Next up, we got the cops. This is the spin-off where things get intense. It focuses on the Intelligence Unit, a group of detectives who handle the really tough, complicated crimes. They drive fast, they question suspects, and they basically keep the streets of Chicago from turning into a total mess. They often pop up on Fire episodes when things get… criminal.
1.3. Chicago Med (The Life Savers)
Need an emergency heart surgery or a broken arm fixed? This is where the magic happens. This show follows the doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. It’s got all the high-stakes hospital drama, cool medical mysteries, and people running down hallways with serious faces. If a character gets wrecked on Fire or P.D., guess where they end up? Yep, Med!
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1.4. Chicago Justice (The Lawyers and Courts)
Okay, stop the clock! This one is important. There was a fourth show in this family, all about the lawyers and prosecutors bringing the bad guys to court. It was a super-serious legal drama. It only lasted for one season, which is kind of a bummer, but it totally counts in the historical count! So, for the core "One Chicago" family, that makes four total shows (three currently airing, one that’s done, dusted, and legendary).
Step 2: Unearthing the Chicago TV Treasure Chest (Other Awesome Shows!)
Hold up, chief! Chicago is a massive city, and lots of TV shows are either set there or filmed there. The One Chicago family isn't the whole story. You gotta look beyond the Dick Wolf empire to get the real number.
2.1. The Critically Acclaimed Comedies and Dramas
Chicago isn't just about sirens and scrubs! There are other sick shows that capture the city’s heart and soul:
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The Bear: This one's a hit! It's about a high-end chef coming home to run his family's Italian beef sandwich shop. It's fast, frantic, and full of Chicago food vibes. Serious drama, seriously good sandwiches.
The Chi: This is a powerful drama that focuses on the lives of several interconnected people living on the South Side of Chicago. It’s real, it’s raw, and it gives you a look at a whole different side of the city.
Shameless (U.S. Version): A long-running, hilarious but intense series about the chaotic Gallagher family. They are the definition of "hot mess." Even though a lot of it was filmed in L.A., it's set and famous for being Chicago!
2.2. The Throwbacks and Classics
If you're looking for the grand total, you can't forget the old-school legends. These are the shows your parents and grandparents might remember:
ER: The ultimate 90s medical show that paved the way for Chicago Med (even though it mostly filmed in L.A.). It was set in Chicago, though!
Family Matters: Remember Steve Urkel? Did I do that? This iconic 90s sitcom about the Winslow family was set in Chicago.
Married... with Children: The Bundys lived in a fictional Chicago suburb!
Step 3: Crunch the Numbers (The Grand Tally!)
So, how many are there? The answer is... complicated, because it depends on your definition!
The Official "One Chicago" Franchise Count: 4 shows (Fire, P.D., Med, Justice). This is the easy, main answer.
The "Shows Currently Filmed in Chicago" Count: This number is always changing, but usually includes the three active "One Chicago" shows plus others like The Bear and The Chi. A solid 5 to 7 shows is a safe bet any given year.
The "Everything Ever Set in Chicago" Count: This one is massive! When you include all the classics, the one-season wonders, and the reality shows, the number goes way over 100! Seriously, Chicago is a TV star!
Your best, most up-to-date, and most squad-approved answer is to focus on the active "One Chicago" trifecta: Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. That's three massive, currently airing shows that are connected!
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FAQ: Your Quick Q&A for the Chicago TV Universe
How to start watching the One Chicago shows? You should totally start with Chicago Fire since it was the first one and laid the groundwork for the rest.
How to watch the Chicago shows in order? For maximum fun, watch them in the order they premiered: Fire, then P.D., then Med. Check an online chronological guide for the exact crossover episodes!
How to know when a crossover episode is happening? Look for two- or three-part episodes with titles like "Crossover Event" or a storyline that starts in one show and finishes in another.
How to tell the difference between Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire? Fire has the big red trucks and focuses on emergencies. P.D. has the undercover cars and focuses on catching bad guys. Easy peasy!
How to pronounce the name of the Chicago P.D. main detective, Voight? It's pronounced like "Voyt" (rhymes with 'coin' but with a 't'). He’s a legend.
How to watch Chicago Justice if it was canceled? You might have to hunt around for it! It sometimes pops up on streaming services, but it's the hardest one to find since it had a short run.
How to know if a character is in more than one show? If they work at Firehouse 51, District 21, or Gaffney Med, they can pop up anywhere! Doctors and cops hang out at Molly's Bar all the time.
How to find out where the Chicago shows are filmed? They shoot all over the actual city! Search for locations online—you can spot real Chicago landmarks like the Willis Tower (it’s still Willis, fight me).
How to become a character on a Chicago show? You gotta get into acting! Start with school plays, get an agent, and maybe one day you'll be rushing into a fake fire!
How to know for sure if a show is set in Chicago? Look for iconic Chicago stuff: deep-dish pizza, heavy winter coats, references to Lake Michigan, and if the characters are always arguing about the Bears or the Cubs.
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