Whether it was a bear or a donkey, Chicago dominated national headlines in 2024. It was a year where The Bear dominated awards shows and ratings, and the Democratic National Convention came to town.
The critically acclaimed The Bear continued to shine, with Season 3 debuting to rave reviews and cementing its stars, Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as household names. White’s breakout year included starring as Bruce Springsteen in an upcoming biopic and fronting Calvin Klein campaigns that had fans swooning. Edebiri won her first Emmy. And Moss Bachrach left that ensemble and joined a new one in the MCU, playing Ben “The Thing” Grimm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
On the entertainment front, Chicago’s One Chicago series remained a ratings juggernaut, and The Chi delivered a season finale shocker with the death of Douda, played by Curtiss Cook. Apple’s Dark Matter, which debuted to acclaim, was renewed for a second season and has moved its home base from Cinespace to The Fields Studios.
This summer also promised that cameras will continue rolling as an agreement was made between IATSE and AMPTP, bringing relief to crews in Illinois and nationally. IATSE Local 476 re-elected Tony Barracca for a second term as Business Manager with a historic four candidates competing for the seat. In a show of strong leadership, Barracca held the seat with over 60% of the vote.
While Chicago thrived on-screen, Governor J.B. Pritzker championed the city off-screen, making an impressive public appeal for Hollywood to consider the Windy City as a filming hub.
Chicago also stood out in advertising. Quality Meats got our attention with bold campaigns for Saxx Underwear and DoorDash, while Highdive reunited Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in a clever State Farm ad.
The Geico Caveman also made a comeback, with Illinois native Jeff Daniel Phillips stepping into the role and giving the iconic character a fresh spin. Meanwhile, advertising saw major leadership shifts: McCann Worldgroup poached Britt Nolan from Leo Burnett. Burnett also appointed Kate Jeffers as its new CEO, and FCB named Andrés Ordóñez as Global CCO.
This summer, Chicago also took center stage politically as the Democratic National Convention descended on the city, making history by nominating Kamala Harris as the first female presidential candidate of Black and Asian descent.
June marked the bittersweet closure of the Freedom Center, the historic newspaper printing plant that served as a cornerstone of Chicago journalism for over 40 years. Opened in 1982 as the largest newspaper production facility in North America, the plant at Chicago and Halsted printed nearly every local newspaper, including the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and even the local edition of The New York Times.
In a major shake-up for the regional sports broadcasting landscape, the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago White Sox announced their departure from NBC Sports Chicago to form their own network. This new venture, named the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), launched in October.
2024 was truly a year where Chicago’s cultural, political, and creative influence resonated on a national stage. From historic firsts to unforgettable campaigns, the Windy City reminded us why it’s a force to be reckoned with.
Reel Chicago’s top 24 stories of 2024
VP Kamala Harris makes history as she accepts Democratic nomination for President
Gov. Pritzker, IPA promotes Illinois film incentives, values during LA studios visit
Two scary Chicago writers – TJ Cimfel, David White – talk up new Netflix film, Don’t Move
Chicago actor Jeff Daniel Phillips is new Geico Caveman
Kate Jeffers appointed CEO of Leo Burnett Chicago
The Bear sets new comedy record at Emmy Awards
End of an Era in Chicago Newspaper Publishing
IATSE, AMPTP jointly announce tentative agreement
Chicago Fire honors deceased crew member Dale Hay
The Chi cast checks in on the Season 6 shocking finale
Pritzker signs expansion of Illinois Film Production Services Tax Credit
Game over: NBC Sports Chicago to shut down in Fall
FCB appoints Andrés Ordóñez as Global CCO
Using AI feedback to write a better screenplay, Greenlight CEO discusses how
Jeremy Allen White is at home in new Calvin Klein Winter campaign
2024 Camp K winners celebrated in Chicago
Somebody Somewhere bows out on a high note
McCann Worldgroup lures Britt Nolan away from Leo Burnett
Jesse Lee Soffer discusses the likelihood of his return Chicago P.D.
Midwest Chapter of AICP hosted its first Women’s Forum
Tom Duff celebrates 29 years at Optimus
Chicago doc tells untold story of city’s Black advertising legends
Joey Power’s Love Language to begin filming in Chicago next week
Cramer-Krasselt Chicago appoints Kevin Drew Davis ECD
Reel Chicago told all of their stories and so much more. 2024 was quite the year and these are but a few of the 600-plus stories that impacted us all. Happy New Year!
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