What Happened to One Chicago Wednesdays? Inside NBC’s Unpopular Scheduling Decision

For years, Wednesday nights on NBC were sacred for fans of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. Dubbed “One Chicago Wednesdays,” the night offered back-to-back action, emotional storylines, and gripping crossovers that built a loyal following. But in a move that’s left viewers frustrated and confused, NBC has shaken up the lineup — and fans aren’t staying quiet.

Earlier this year, NBC announced a programming shift that would pull Chicago Med or Chicago Fire from their usual midweek slot on select weeks to make space for new or returning series. The decision, intended to “experiment with audience engagement and ratings patterns,” has backfired spectacularly. Viewers have taken to social media to vent, with many calling it “the worst scheduling mistake NBC has made in years.”

Part of what made One Chicago Wednesdays so successful was the universe’s interconnected storytelling. Characters would move between shows, and cliffhangers often spanned all three series. Breaking up that rhythm has created confusion, diminished impact, and severed the seamless experience that fans tuned in for week after week.

Moreover, the move has sparked rumors of NBC prioritizing newer projects or struggling franchises over its proven Chicago powerhouse. While the network claims it’s a “temporary rotation,” fans fear it’s the beginning of a long-term dismantling of the One Chicago brand.

Loyal viewers aren’t ready to give up, though. Fan campaigns demanding NBC reinstate the full Wednesday lineup are gaining traction online, and ratings for Chicago series still outperform many of the network’s other offerings.

Whether NBC listens remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: when you mess with One Chicago Wednesdays, you’re not just shifting a schedule — you’re breaking a tradition.