‘One Chicago’ franchise shows no signs of slowing

The three NBC series that are based in the Windy City – “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” – represent one of the most unique situations in television history. Not only are they part of the same franchise, but they are all produced in the same city.

And those productions produced by Dick Wolf – under the banner of “One Chicago Wednesdays” – show no signs of slowing down as new episodes are now airing starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday nights on KGET. And all three shows have been renewed for the 2024-2025 season.

There have been other franchises with multiple parts such as “CSI,” “NCIS” and “Law & Order” but those productions were based in different cities. Having the “Chicago” shows in one spot has made it very easy for cast members from the shows to appear on other programs in the franchise.

LaRoyce Hawkins – who portrays Kevin Atwater on “Chicago P.D.” – describes being part of the franchise where all the shows are produced in one spot as “one big tumultuous tent.”

He adds, “I think we do a great job in really organizing our time with each other. Dick Wolf and the powers that be really helped us out by casting it so well. Not only do we get along, but we all enjoy doing our jobs.

“We love working with each other. Even though those tents can get intense, I think we do a wonderful job.”

The three cast members not only appear in crossover episodes, but they also come together to promote the three series. Hawkins is joined by Marlyne Barrett – who plays Maggie Lockwood on “Chicago Med” – and Hanako Greensmith – who portrays Violet Mikami on “Chicago Fire” – to promote new episodes.

Working in Chicago is a bonus for Hawkins as he was born and raised in Harvey, a south suburb of Chicago. Hawkins originated his role on “Chicago Fire,” where he continues to recur. He can also be seen in a new Comedy Central show “South Side” as well as the FX-produced short film “Thirsty,” starring Jay Ellis and Maya Rudolph.

Prior to “Chicago P.D.,” Hawkins made appearances in several series, including HBO’s “Ballers,” TBS’ “Tyler Perry’s House of Pain,” MTV’s “Underemployed” and ABC’s “Detroit 1-8-7.”

Hawkins has appeared in 216 episodes of “Chicago P.D.” while Barrett has been on 172 episodes of “Chicago Med.” The relative newcomer to the group is Greensmith who started on “Chicago Fire” in season eight.

She found joining the cast of the established series to be a nervous situation because she didn’t want to upset a production that was working so smoothly. She also liked the idea of being part of a series that already had established a solid following.

“I was definitely very intimidated because all of the actors were so comfortable,” Greensmith says. “They were learning their lines as they got to set. They knew everybody’s name.

“There is such a familiarity that when you are new – and I was so green at the time – I was really intimidated. But it is really nice when you find your groove because you can trust we are going to finish the day and get the episode done on time.”

Greensmith previously worked on “Bull” and “FBI.” She made her New York theater debut in the off-Broadway production of “Lolita, My Love” and is a graduate of Pace University.

Because all three shows have been on the air so long, cast members have left and new ones joined. Barrett points out that fits with the design of the three productions because they are all dealing with civil servants where there is always turnover.

Before taking on “Chicago Med,” Barrett portrayed Council President Nerese Campbell on the HBO series “The Wire.” She also appeared on NBC’s “Kings,” co-starring Ian McShane; FX’s “Damages,” opposite Glenn Close and Rose Byrne; and ABC’s “American Crime.”

Her feature credits include “Hitch” and the indie “Quest.” Barrett also executive produced and starred in the Oscar-nominated short film “Night Call.”

One thing the three cast members have noticed is that having all three shows working under one roof has meant the writing has been equally solid on all three programs. Hawkins praises the writing staff for their efforts, especially with his character.

“The scripts are my favorite part,” Hawkins says. “The relationship over time that I have been able to develop with the writers is that we spent some time trying to find Atwater’s voice.

“I am grateful for the journey and where we have come to now because it is a very comfortable pocket. It’s a collaboration on ‘Chicago P.D.’ and I know ‘One Chicago’ reflects that as well.”

That comfortable pocket will continue in Chicago this season as the finales across the three shows are May 22. The work will continue in the fall.

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