The Marvel Cinematic Universe makes a case for intricately interconnected stories across a shared universe (now, multiverse) on the big screen, but the One Chicago shows prove that format thrives on the small screen, too. Of course, NBC's procedural franchise isn't the first to bring that level of storytelling to the medium. The CW's Arrowverse continues to see great success with mini and larger crossovers. However, the rarity of such storytelling in this genre makes One Chicago stand out.

The One Chicago franchise is the latest success in a string of hits for mega creator and producer Dick Wolf. The franchise began with Chicago Fire -- now in its tenth season. Shortly after, the franchise expanded with Chicago P.D., which is currently in its ninth season. Then, Chicago Med, which is in its seventh season, came along to round out the trilogy of shows. Briefly, there were four shows in the circuit, but the legal drama Chicago Justice came and went. Even so, some of the characters stuck around.

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The crossovers' success likely has a lot to do with all of the shows filming on location in Chicago. That proximity makes the accessibility easier for characters to pass through familiar sets from other shows -- namely the fan-favorite location Molly's. It's not uncommon to see Chicago P.D.'s Jay Halstead grabbing a drink at Molly's despite being an absolute staple from Chicago Fire. Still, early on in Chicago P.D.'s run, the series pulled off an impressive crossover with long-running procedural Law & Order: SVU and those two series do not film in the same state.

It's logical for Voight's unit to team up with SVU's Tutuola and Rollins for a case the latter would have more significant investigative expertise. That crossover allowed the One Chicago franchise to be welcomed into the larger Dick Wolf universe. It also speaks to the victory of the others across the franchise. The story and the connections between the characters come first. Even before that, the One Chicago franchise made a place for itself on its Wednesday night slate with meaningful crossovers on a much smaller scale.

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That method is how Chicago P.D. came into existence. Chicago Fire planted those seeds so early that it was evident a spin-off was coming. Sometimes, that created an unbalanced narrative where Voight received more screentime than the established Chicago Fire ensemble members. Regardless, Voight brought a new edge and tone that diverged from the established one on Chicago Fire. It set what would become Chicago P.D. apart from its predecessor from the very beginning, and that's a good thing. The same is true of Chicago Med.

At the same time, the differences in the shows aren't so jarring that they don't feel like they exist in the same universe. The various tones are reflective of the content in each of them. It would be more jarring if the styles didn't vary across One Chicago. Even then, the most impressive and rewarding element of this shared universe is the way the characters interact. The relationships are rarely half-hearted or forced. Romantic ones span shows, like Erin Lindsay and Kelly Severide, as do familial ones like Antonio and Gabby Dawson or Jay and Will Halstead.

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Like the One Chicago fandom, the TV shows feel like a community because of the crossovers' thrills. Sometimes that excitement comes from seeing Kim Burgess recover at Chicago Med or Kelly Severide helping with an investigation on Chicago P.D. More often than not, though, the genuine joy comes from the more intimate interactions -- like those run-ins at Molly's. Fans relish the moments of levity and sincerity for their favorite superheroes. The same is true for the fictional first responders across the One Chicago universe.

It's a feat that this franchise pulls off the kind of interconnected storytelling the MCU still adjusts to its liking. That creative triumph demonstrates how television can stand alongside the film industry. Sometimes people look down on the smaller screen, but there is a level of intimacy and hopeful longevity from the TV viewing experience. Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med are a part of an epic universe all their own now. So, look no further than the One Chicago franchise's tenure to know crossovers don't need to be massive to be effective.

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