‘One Chicago’ Crossover Events Drive Ratings, Reflect Deep Fan Connection, Says S. Epatha Merkerson
When Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. came together for a three-part crossover event earlier this month, the ratings told the whole story. All three NBC Chicago dramas posted their highest numbers of the season so far—a result S. Epatha Merkerson and her fellow cast members likely anticipated, given the established strength of the Dick Wolf-created franchise.
One Chicago fans have always had a deep connection to the world Dick Wolf built across the series. But crossover episodes resonate differently, creating a sense of must-watch television that is increasingly rare in today’s television landscape.
Merkerson on the Appeal of Crossover Events
For S. Epatha Merkerson, the impressive ratings haul came as no surprise. The Chicago Med star, who has portrayed Sharon Goodwin for many seasons, understands why fans consistently tune in for these crossover moments.
Merkerson points to the deep emotional investment audiences have in the characters across the One Chicago universe. When these beloved characters share the screen, the emotional payoff is significant, extending beyond the plot itself. It’s about watching characters viewers already love navigate new situations together—a combination of familiarity and fresh energy that is hard to replicate.
The Enduring Strength of the ‘One Chicago’ Franchise
The success of the recent crossover event aligns with the broader trend of the One Chicago franchise’s continued success. Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. have become a cornerstone of NBC’s primetime lineup, and that position doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.
Strong writing, familiar faces, and well-executed crossover events have proven to be a winning formula. The NBC Chicago dramas have achieved something many shows struggle with: sustained audience engagement and consistently strong ratings.
Merkerson’s Longstanding Relationship with Dick Wolf
S. Epatha Merkerson has appeared in 625 episodes of television produced by Dick Wolf, more than any other actor to date.1 This includes her work on Chicago Med, as well as previous collaborations on shows like Mann & Machine (1992), South Beach (1993), and various Law & Order franchise installments, including Criminal Intent and Trial By Jury.1
Dick Wolf himself made a rare appearance on the set of Chicago Med to celebrate the show’s 200th episode, alongside Merkerson and Oliver Platt.2 Wolf is known for his loyalty to actors and writers, a quality Merkerson attributes to her long and successful working relationship with him.1
Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC, with new episodes available to stream the following day on Peacock.