History of Chicago Med in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 12, 2026

Chicago Med, part of the Chicago franchise, follows the doctors and nurses of the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center's emergency department. The series, which premiered in 2015, depicts the professional and personal lives of the medical staff as they navigate the challenges of saving lives. The cast includes Nick Gehlfuss, Yaya DaCosta, Torrey DeVitto, and many others. The show explores the high-pressure environment of a hospital and the impact it has on the individuals who work there.

May 1, 2015: Pilot Episode Greenlit

On May 1, 2015, NBC greenlit the pilot episode of Chicago Med.

May 29, 2015: Colin Donnell Cast as Dr. Connor Rhodes

On May 29, 2015, Colin Donnell, known from Arrow, was cast as Dr. Connor Rhodes, the newest trauma surgeon at the hospital in Chicago Med.

July 2015: Brian Tee Joins Cast as Dr. Ethan Choi

In July 2015, Brian Tee, known from Jurassic World, joined the cast of Chicago Med as Dr. Ethan Choi, an expert in infectious disease prevention and a Navy Reserve medical officer.

August 13, 2015: Torrey DeVitto Cast as Dr. Natalie Manning

On August 13, 2015, Torrey DeVitto, of Pretty Little Liars, was cast as Dr. Natalie Manning, the ED pediatrician in Chicago Med.

August 14, 2015: Rachel DiPillo Cast as Sarah Reese

On August 14, 2015, Rachel DiPillo, from Jane the Virgin, was cast as Sarah Reese, a fourth-year medical student in Chicago Med.

August 21, 2015: Andrew Dettman steps down as showrunner

On August 21, 2015, Andrew Dettman stepped down as showrunner of Chicago Med due to "creative differences".

August 27, 2015: New Showrunners Appointed

On August 27, 2015, Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov were appointed as the new showrunners for Chicago Med.

November 17, 2015: Chicago Med series premiere

On November 17, 2015, Chicago Med, the medical drama series created by Dick Wolf and the third installment of the Chicago franchise, premiered on NBC. The show follows the doctors and nurses of the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.

December 11, 2015: Additional Episodes Ordered

On December 11, 2015, NBC ordered an additional 5 episodes for the first season of Chicago Med, bringing the total to 18 episodes.

February 1, 2016: Series Renewed for Second Season

On February 1, 2016, NBC renewed Chicago Med for a second season.

March 20, 2016: UK Premiere on Universal Channel

On March 20, 2016, Chicago Med premiered on Universal Channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

May 15, 2016: Series Time Slot Change

On May 15, 2016, it was announced that Chicago Med would be moving to Thursdays.

September 22, 2016: Second Season Premiere

On September 22, 2016, the second season of Chicago Med premiered.

October 23, 2016: Second Season Airs in UK

On October 23, 2016, the second season of Chicago Med aired on Universal Channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

November 23, 2016: Australian Debut on Nine Network

On November 23, 2016, Chicago Med debuted in Australia on the Nine Network.

February 16, 2017: Romania Series Debut

On February 16, 2017, Chicago Med debuted in Romania on the Diva channel under the title "Camera de gardă" (The guard room).

May 10, 2017: Series Renewed for Third Season and Schedule Change

On May 10, 2017, NBC renewed Chicago Med for a third season but opted to remove it from the fall schedule, moving it to midseason after the premiere of Law & Order True Crime.

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April 19, 2019: Colin Donnell and Norma Kuhling to Leave the Series

On April 19, 2019, NBC announced that original cast member Colin Donnell and Norma Kuhling would be written out of Chicago Med at the end of the fourth season for creative reasons.

February 27, 2020: Renewal for Multiple Seasons

On February 27, 2020, NBC renewed Chicago Med for its sixth, seventh, and eighth seasons.

March 13, 2020: Production Shutdown Due to COVID-19

On March 13, 2020, Universal Television shut down production on Chicago Med due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 11, 2020: Sixth Season Premiere

On November 11, 2020, the sixth season of Chicago Med premiered.

March 7, 2021: Sixth Season Premiere

On March 7, 2021, the sixth season of Chicago Med premiered in Romania.

May 12, 2021: Yaya DaCosta and Torrey DeVitto Leaving the Series

On May 12, 2021, NBC announced that original cast members Yaya DaCosta and Torrey DeVitto would leave Chicago Med at the end of the sixth season after deciding not to renew their contracts to pursue new roles.

July 21, 2021: Steven Weber Promoted, Guy Lockard and Kristen Hager Join Cast

On July 21, 2021, it was announced that Steven Weber would be promoted to a series regular after recurring in the sixth season of Chicago Med, and Guy Lockard and Kristen Hager would join the main cast.