'Chicago P.D.' Fans, There Was a Major Delay That Happened Behind the Scenes

Photo credit: NBC - Getty Images
Photo credit: NBC - Getty Images
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Through unprecedented times, NBC’s One Chicago franchise has prevailed. In September 2021, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. returned to the network’s Wednesday lineup with new seasons. But now, 12 episodes in, a few of the Dick Wolf dramas are still trying to navigate COVID-19 issues behind the scenes. And unfortunately, this could mean delays for folks tuning in at home.

On January 12, Deadline reported that filming for Chicago P.D. season 9 was suspended after several positive coronavirus cases were confirmed on the set. While there were TV shows that waited a week or two to resume filming after the holiday break — for safety protocol reasons, including additional testing — the Chicago franchise wasn’t among them, and the three shows jumped right back into work. Shortly after though, there were “a couple of dozen cumulative positive tests on the show,” according to the outlet.

After the COVID-19 cases were detected — which were said to have impacted the cast — production continued with an adjusted filming schedule and temporary crew member replacements. Ultimately, filming of Chicago P.D.’s current season was brought to a halt “for a few days.” Since this news was originally reported, this timeframe has most likely already passed but there is no official word about the show getting back on track.

What’s more, Chicago Fire also experienced a similar situation the previous week on January 5 when One Chicago returned from a holiday hiatus. Per Deadline, there were “a number of positive [COVID-19] tests” from cast members and crew. Still, the series hoped to start rolling again after a few days. But again, no information has been shared.

The Chicago franchise isn’t the only one dealing with the recent surge of the Omicron variant in Hollywood. Around the same time, CBS’ NCIS franchise, including NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i, also had to pause or delay production altogether.

It's not clear if Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire were greatly impacted by these COVID-19 related delays, but we do know that the Winter Olympics will kick off soon on February 4 on NBC. That said, whether or not the network was able to get back on track, it's likely that Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire will still have their schedules affected by the major sports event. But we'll be on the lookout for any details that come to light in the days ahead.


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