A top NBC executive reacts to the frequent One Chicago cast changes and offers a candid response. Although shifts in the ensembles of procedural dramas such as Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med are par for the course, they’ve gained a bigger spotlight recently because of the high-profile nature of some of the departures. In the most recent television season, several One Chicago actors have departed the franchise. It also fits a broader trend in broadcast television, which sees cast reduction as one tool to keep budgets and costs under control.

Jeff Bader, the President of Program Planning Strategy for NBCUniversal Entertainment, reacted to the recent One Chicago cast changes in comments made to TVLine and seemed to downplay the subject of turnover. Bader expressed his belief that “cast comes in, cast goes out,” but overall, he noted that the franchise remains strong despite these changes. Read the full quote below:

It’s interesting, because every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question. But [those shows] just keep going on.

Cast comes in, cast goes out… We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night.

All The Recent One Chicago Cast Changes, Explained

It’s Been A Busy Time For The NBC Drama

Kara Killmer’s exit from her role as Sylvie Brett was announced in November 2023, with her last appearance as a series regular happening in Chicago Fire season 12. It brought an end to a character that had been part of the franchise since 2014. Alberto Rosende, who portrayed Blake Gallo since Chicago Fire season 8, also announced his departure from the NBC drama late last year. In both cases, these changes were described as creative decisions. Eamonn Walker, who has been with the firefighter saga since the very beginning, likewise left at the end of season 12, though he will still recur as Wallace Boden.

Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med have also seen notable departures, with the former losing Tracy Spiridakos as Hailey Upton and Dominic Rains bidding farewell to Dr. Crockett Marcel ahead of Chicago Med season 10. Bader is correct to note that these sorts of changes happen, although it’s happening at a time when dramas and comedies across the board are thinking of ways to reduce their cast. Grey’s Anatomy has confirmed some exits, for instance, while the FBI franchise on CBS is lowering the per-episode guarantees for the cast.

If there’s a positive to be gleaned from the executive’s remarks, for those who are unhappy with the changes, it confirms that NBC is committed to keeping the One Chicago franchise running. The procedurals are among the top ten most-watched series on broadcast television, suggesting that a shifting group of characters and potential new personalities still hold sway with audiences.

Source: TVLine