The moment the SAG strike ended, Chicago sets were prepped and back in production.
In what is referred to as the TV Capital of the US, Chicago sets returned to work at a faster pace than anywhere else in the country.
The One Chicago franchise was the first to return to work. The Chi startup is close at their heels, and everyone else has locked in their start dates.
Here’s the current list of what’s filming in Chicago. What’s returning, what’s not, and what’s new:
Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.
The three shows are prepped and ready to roll. Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. began the first day of filming on Monday, November 27. Chicago Med follows with a startup on Wednesday, November 29.
The Chi
Production on Season 7 was halted by the WGA strike. It is likely the The Chi will attempt to film Season 7 & 8 back to back. They have returned with a new Producer and UPM on board. Producer Michael Pendell (The Chi Season 4) is back for Season 7. LouAnn Wu (The Chi Season 4) is back as the UPM for Season 7. Filming to begin on December 11.
Somebody Somewhere
The critically acclaimed HBO series is ready to return for Season 3 of filming. Last season they filmed on location in the Illinois towns of Lockport, Lemont, and Naperville. They will begin prep in January and filming startup in February, for a total of 7 episodes. If you have not watched it yet, make room on your list for this one. Bridget Everett gives an exceptional performance as the main character, Sam.
The Bear
The Bear will add two extra episodes to Season 3 for a total of 12 episodes. They are scheduled to begin prep in early January and will begin filming in mid February.
Power Book IV: Force
Power Book IV: Force has not officially been renewed but we expect to have that announcement very soon.
What’s new?
Emperor of Ocean Park
The MGM+ 10-episode scripted series written by Sherman Payne (writer and producer of Shameless) has set up at Chicago Studio City where they had been constructing sets until the strikes put everything on pause. Prep will begin on December 6. Filming will begin January 10. Payne will co-produce with John Wells Productions and Warner Brothers. Damian Marcano is attached to direct. Llewelyn Wells, brother of John Wells, is producing. Christina Varotsis will co-produce.
Deli Boys
The 20th Century Studios has picked up the 10-episode comedy series. Production offices will be setting up at Cinespace with a possible January start date. The pilot filmed in Chicago last summer. The series is about a pair of pampered Pakistani-American brothers (Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh) whose convenience-store magnate father dies, forcing them to reckon with their Baba’s secret life of crime. The series will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories.
Briefly in and out of town:
Presumed Innocent
This Warner Brothers / Apple TV+ mini series will be filming in town for two days on November 29 & 30. Written and produced by David E Kelley. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction
David Letterman will be in town December 12 & 13, filming for two days with his interview talk show titled, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman
What may be coming?
Dark Matter
The Apple TV+ science fiction thriller is adapted from a novel by American writer Blake Crouch. Season 1 was filmed in Chicago last year. It is looking hopeful that it will return for Season 2.
The story: Jason (Joel Edgerton) is physicist, professor, and family man who is abducted into an alternate version of his life and quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the multiverse of lives he could have lived.
Check back. There are more potential projects that are not firm yet.
What is not returning?
Saturdays
The roller-skating coming-of-age series that was ordered by Disney Branded Television and filmed in Chicago in May 2022, will not be returning. The single-camera series, was created and written by Norman Vance Jr. (Roll Bounce, Girlfriends) who will also executive produced along with Marsai Martin (black-ish, Little,) and Nicole Dow and Joshua and Carol Martin (Little.)
ALSO READ: Chicago Fire and P.D. begin filming the new season
