
Netflix set to release long awaited documentary on Chicago Fire American procedural drama series
Fans of Chicago Fire, the hit American procedural drama series, have been buzzing with anticipation over the possibility of a Netflix documentary focusing on the long-running show. However, as of now,
The interest in such a project is understandable, given the show’s popularity and the success of related ventures. Chicago Fire, which first aired in 2012, serves as the cornerstone of Dick Wolf’s One Chicago franchise and has captivated audiences with its blend of thrilling firehouse action, emotional character arcs, and high-stakes emergencies. It continues to air on NBC and is currently in its 13th season, which premiered on September 25, 2024.
While a Chicago Fire documentary hasn’t materialized yet, Dick Wolf has recently expanded his creative horizons into the realm of nonfiction with the release of Homicide: New York. This five-episode documentary series debuted on Netflix on March 20, 2024, and marks Wolf’s first foray into the true-crime documentary format. The series explores real-life homicide cases that rocked New York City, told through gripping interviews with detectives, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials who handled these difficult investigations.
The production style of Homicide: New York echoes the narrative techniques that made Wolf’s scripted dramas, such as Law & Order and Chicago P.D., so compelling. The documentary’s success has already prompted speculation about follow-up series, including a potential installment focused on Chicago. Many fans and industry insiders are theorizing that a spinoff titled Homicide: Chicago could be in development, especially given Wolf’s existing deep ties to the city through his One Chicago franchise.
Although Chicago Fire was once part of Netflix’s streaming catalog, it was removed from the platform in September 2022 due to licensing agreements. Currently, all 13 seasons of the show are available for streaming on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s official streaming service. This move aligns with a broader industry trend, where media companies reclaim streaming rights to house their most valuable content on their own platforms.
Despite the absence of a documentary, Chicago Fire remains a beloved staple of American network television. It follows the courageous firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago as they navigate both life-threatening emergencies and the interpersonal challenges of life in the line of duty. The show’s commitment to portraying the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of first responders has earned it a loyal following and consistently strong ratings throughout its run.
With the recent success of Homicide: New York, Netflix and Dick Wolf may very well be encouraged to explore similar projects. A Chicago-based documentary series could serve as both a compelling exploration of real-life crime in the city and a natural thematic extension of the fictional world depicted in Chicago Fire. However, as of April 2025, no official plans or production details have been released.
In the meantime, viewers can continue to enjoy new episodes of Chicago Fire on NBC and catch up on past seasons through Peacock. For fans of Dick Wolf’s signature storytelling style with a nonfiction twist, Homicide: New York is currently available for streaming on Netflix and is already garnering praise for its intense storytelling and emotional depth.
As the landscape of television continues to evolve, blending scripted drama with documentary realism, fans remain hopeful that more behind-the-scenes or real-world inspired content related to Chicago Fire and the greater One Chicago universe might be on the horizon.
Leave a Reply