It will be a while before season 11 returns for a new episode. A lot has already happened in One Chicago's inaugural series this year. There have been unexpected character departures, as well as returns, not to mention some personal issues for the people at Firehouse 51. For the most part, NBC and Wolf Entertainment have done a great job balancing all ongoing narratives, ensuring all characters are given their respective dues. As season 11 enters its final stretch, several year-long plotlines are starting to come together, which makes it such an exciting time for the show.

On the heels of Taylor Kinney's

season 11 exit, NBC brought back Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey. The hometown hero's return opened the possibility of his permanent return to Firehouse 51, which is one of the more exciting narratives in the show. Even before this cast shake-up, however, there were already many significant happenings in including Cindy Hermann's cancer storyline, as well as Sam Carver's bustling love life with Wendy Seager and maybe even Violet Mikami. Amid all of this, however, fans would have to wait for quite a while before finding out what's next in season 11.

Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 19 Releases On May 3

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According to NBC's listing, season 11 episode 19 won't be released until May 3. So, unfortunately, the One Chicago first-responder procedural will be off the air for three weeks. The wait is understandably frustrating for loyal viewers of the series, especially considering the cliffhanger finale of "Danger All Around," where Frank Gallo found his estranged aunt in a car crash. Despite this, at least fans of the show who have been worried about the fate of beyond season 11 can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The series, as well as all other Wolf Entertainment shows on NBC, have already been renewed.

Why One Chicago Shows Are On Hiatus

isn't the only One Chicago series taking this long break. season 10 and season 8 are also going on a mini-hiatus; there will be no new episodes for all three projects for the rest of April 2023. NBC already has its scheduling sorted out, however. For April 12 and 19, will air reruns: "A Beautiful Life" and "Nemesis," while will air "The Clothes Make The Man.

.. Or Do They" and "Everyone's Fighting A Battle You Know Nothing About." The duo's slot on April 26 will be taken over by a two-hour birthday-themed special,

Chicago PD, on the other hand, will have a less complicated schedule. For the next three weeks, NBC will air reruns of "Under The Skin," "Proof of Burden," and "This Job." While One Chicago (or any other primetime show, for that matter) usually takes mini-breaks in the middle of a season, this seems particularly odd because not only is it a rather long break, but it also happens relatively late in the ongoing TV year. An NBC rep defends the decision, however, telling

:

“This is normal scheduling for the shows. You need a balance of original and encore episodes so that the season can run from September through May.”

What To Expect From Chicago Fire, PD & Med When They Return

Since the said episodes are several weeks away, NBC has released little promotional materials for the upcoming One Chicago series. However, based on what's happening on every show, some plotlines are expected to continue moving forward. For season 8, that could include Dr.

Dean Archer's worsening health and how it affects Gaffney Chicago Medical Center's Emergency Department. For season 10, Adam Ruzek's undercover job is expected to finally culminate as he develops a rapport with the racist drug dealer Richard Beck. Elsewhere, the police procedural could end up revisiting Hailey Upton's complicated relationship with Sean O'Neal.

As for season 11, there are several running plot lines that need a resolution before the year ends. While Spencer's Casey is only set to return for a single episode, the first-responder procedural could deliver deeper into how Sylvie Brett's ex-boyfriend's unexpected visit to Chicago impacts her moving forward. Then, arguably the biggest mystery of the year thus far, and whether there's still a chance that Kinney will return.

One Chicago airs Wednesdays on CBS.