The latest crossover event in the “One Chicago” franchise proved to be a massive success, pulling in impressive viewership numbers for all three shows involved. “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.” each saw their highest ratings in over a year, with a combined total of 6.3 million, 6.4 million, and 6.1 million viewers respectively. These numbers exclude Peacock viewers, indicating even greater reach for the franchise.
The crossover storyline revolved around a mysterious chemical attack that targeted an airplane full of innocent passengers, putting the first responders in grave danger. Notably, the event marked the return of Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos, who reprised their roles as Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton from “Chicago P.D.”
Behind the scenes, the production team faced numerous challenges in bringing this ambitious crossover to life. One of the key hurdles was the extreme weather conditions in Chicago, which forced production to shut down two days earlier than planned due to dangerously cold temperatures. The logistics of coordinating multiple cast members shooting different episodes across various locations added to the complexity of the crossover event.
To create the illusion of a plane full of passengers affected by the chemical attack, a Boeing 737-800 was chartered and filled with 110 actors. Each day, an FX makeup team applied around 400 prosthetics and prepared 3,000 gel capsules filled with a mixture of ingredients to simulate the effects of the attack.
Despite the challenges, the production team’s dedication and teamwork ensured the success of the crossover event. Additional scenes were shot last minute to fill runtime gaps, showcasing the commitment to delivering a high-quality viewing experience for fans. The coordination and effort put into every aspect of the crossover event reflect the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the “One Chicago” franchise.
Overall, the success of this crossover event highlights the enduring popularity and creative storytelling of the “One Chicago” universe, promising more thrilling and engaging crossovers in the future.
