The One Chicago lineup made some notable changes to its schedule for the January 29 crossover event. The regular

order of shows was switched around, so that Chicago Fire kicked off the action instead of airing second, behind

Chicago Med. Chicago PD, as always, held down the third and final time slot. This change proved confusing to some

fans, especially those who were tuning in expecting to see Med, only to see Fire characters interacting with people from the other shows.

However, this sizable change raises the question about the One Chicago schedule moving forward. Fortunately, for fans of tradition, NBC has announced that the lineup will resume its usual order after a one-week experiment. Starting from February 5, One Chicago Wednesday will return to its typical format, with Chicago Med kicking off at 8/7 c, followed by Fire and then PD in the 10/9 c slot.

It might have seemed that the one-week switch up would negatively impact the ratings for each show, but surprisingly, the opposite was true. Chicago Fire and PD drew season high Nielsen ratings during the crossover, and Med, despite being in a different time slot, managed to top them both. This unexpected outcome highlights the enduring popularity of the One Chicago franchise, especially Chicago Med, which has continued to outperform PD in the ratings and even managed to surpass Fire in some recent episodes.

Despite the departure of some cast members and the introduction of new characters, Chicago Med has continued to thrive, thanks to the show’s ability to adapt and adjust its storylines. The medical drama will have the added benefit of more crossover storylines this season, with showrunner Allen MacDonald announcing plans for more joint episodes with Chicago Fire. In fact, a storyline involving a Chicago Fire character is slated to appear on Med in episode 15, and will continue to explore the dynamic between two characters set up during the crossover.

In other news, Med showrunner Allen MacDonald revealed plans to give fan favorite, Dr. Dean Archer (played by Steven Weber), more screen time and a deeper storyline. In episode 17, titled “The Book of Archer,” the whole episode will be told from Archer’s point of view, giving him plenty of opportunities to shine. The episode will be a deep dive into his character, providing a more personal and in-depth look at the beloved doctor.