The fire is back in Chicago, and it’s not an inferno, but the blazing action of one of television’s most beloved series, Chicago Fire. After a hiatus caused by the recent Hollywood strikes, fans of the show will be thrilled to hear that the highly-anticipated shoot date is now officially set for November 27, 2023.
The strike, which brought the industry to a standstill for several months, has finally reached a resolution after 118 days, allowing production to move forward. With this exciting news, fans can expect more riveting episodes and heroic firefighting action in the Windy City.
According to sources, production crews are gearing up for an intense period of preparation, ensuring that everything is in place to deliver the high-quality content that viewers have come to expect from the show. Crew members are slated to report for prep on November 13, two weeks ahead of the official shoot date.
Chicago Fire has been a staple of NBC’s drama lineup since its premiere in 2012, and it’s a cornerstone of the larger One Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. The show offers a thrilling glimpse into the lives of the dedicated firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 as they respond to emergencies, saving lives and facing personal challenges along the way.
The strike’s impact was felt across the entertainment industry, leading to delays in the production of various TV shows and films. As the strikes conclude and production resumes, fans can once again look forward to their favorite characters and captivating storylines on the small screen.
The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee unanimously approved the agreement, with the strike ending at 12:01 am Thursday. The deal will go to the union’s national board on Friday for final approval.
The performers’ union announced the provisional agreement after about two weeks of renewed negotiations. The details of the agreement remain undisclosed, awaiting ratification by the union’s members.
The union’s upcoming ratification vote will determine whether the agreement is acceptable to its members, and its details are expected to be revealed in the coming days.
The resumption of filming for Chicago Fire is not only a reason for celebration among fans but also a significant boost to Chicago’s local production industry. The show has been praised for its contributions to the local economy, as well as its efforts to authentically represent the city’s first responders.
While networks initially aimed to salvage seasons with at least 13 episodes following the end of the WGA strike, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA labor dispute added further uncertainty. According to Deadline, industry insiders suggest that producing shorter seasons, around 10 episodes, has become a practical “sweet spot” for the 2023-24 season. This approach helps manage costs while ensuring the audience gets fresh episodes.
One Chicago and Law & Order franchises on NBC and the three FBI series on CBS, are currently positioned to deliver 13 episodes.
With the shoot date set for November 27, Chicago Fire enthusiasts can mark their calendars and anticipate the return of thrilling episodes filled with heroism, camaraderie, and the heartwarming moments that have made the show a fan favorite for over a decade.
While no date has been set for production to resume on Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, it’s expected to happen soon after Fire.
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