February 2026 is not like a normal February. There are a lot of TV shows on a break, and that includes Chicago PD.
This is usually one of the bigger times of the year for TV shows. It’s known as the February Sweeps, and it helps with some big decisions on cancellations and renewals, as it’s when the ratings data is done on a bigger scale. However, NBC is going to need to make decisions without episodes airing, as Chicago PD now isn’t back until March.
Why isn’t Chicago PD on tonight?
We did warn you about the lack of new episode of Chicago PD tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 11. After the Feb. 4 episode, the series was pulled from the NBC schedule, and it isn’t alone. The entire One Chicago series is on a break right now. In fact, all NBC shows are currently on a break.
The majority of broadcast network shows are off the air at the moment. FOX is keeping its schedule going, which means new episodes of Memory of a Killer will air, and ABC has two crime dramas currently airing, but the rest of the networks and shows are on a break.
It’s all due to the Winter Olympics. There is a big push to support the athletes competing on the world stage.
Why Chicago PD fans won’t be happy about the NBC schedule
So, for the next couple of weeks, Chicago PD won’t air a new episode or a rerun. This is already bad enough, but it’s not like the series will be back before the month ends. This is why fans will be extra disappointed in NBC’s decision.
Law & Order, SVU, and The Hunting Party will all return on Thursday, Feb. 26. That should have meant that One Chicago would be back on the Wednesday of that week. After all, the Winter Olympics ends on Sunday, Feb. 22 and the only day that week disrupted by other programming is on Tuesday, Feb. 24 due to the State of the Union Address. So, why won’t Chicago PD air new that week?
This likely comes down to the need to spread out the episodes. We usually end up with an on-off schedule here and there, as NBC needs to stretch the available episodes out to May. By opting for a three-week break, it’s a great way to spread out the schedule and avoid too much of an on-off one later in the season.
So, while we’re disappointed initially, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Chicago PD returns on Wednesday, March 4 with the three-hour crossover event starting at 8/7c on NBC.