Is Chicago Med New Tonight? Your Complete 2025 Season 11 Schedule And Return Date Deep Dive

The answer to the most pressing question for One Chicago fans on this December 12, 2025, is a definitive "No." The medical drama Chicago Med is currently on its traditional mid-season hiatus, meaning there is no new episode of Season 11 airing tonight on NBC. The show, which premiered its eleventh season on October 1, 2025, has already broadcast its dramatic fall finale, leaving fans in suspense until the new year.

This comprehensive guide will break down the exact schedule, reveal the major cast shake-ups that defined the first half of Season 11, and give you a sneak peek at the intense storylines—including a significant character departure and new arrivals—that will dominate Gaffney Chicago Medical Center when the show returns in early 2026.

The Definitive Chicago Med Season 11 Schedule for 2025-2026

For viewers asking "Is Chicago Med new tonight?" the answer depends entirely on the specific date. The series, a flagship of producer Dick Wolf's successful One Chicago franchise, adheres to a predictable broadcast pattern that includes a long summer break, a fall season, a winter break, and a spring season. Understanding this schedule is key to catching new episodes.

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• Premiere Date: Chicago Med Season 11 premiered on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
• Regular Air Night: All new episodes of Chicago Med air every Wednesday night, followed by Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
• Current Status (December 2025): The show is currently off the air for its annual Winter Break/Mid-Season Hiatus after the fall finale aired in November 2025.
• Return Date: New episodes of Chicago Med Season 11 are scheduled to return in early January 2026. While an exact date can vary, the One Chicago lineup typically resumes its run on the first or second Wednesday of the new year.
• Streaming: New episodes are available to stream on Peacock the day after they air on NBC.

The mid-season break is a standard practice for network television, allowing production to catch up and ensuring a steady supply of new content throughout the spring. Fans should mark their calendars for the January 2026 return to see the resolutions to the cliffhangers left by the fall finale.

The Shocking Season 11 Cast Shake-Ups: Who Left and Who's New?

Season 11 has been defined by significant changes within the emergency department (ED) at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, giving the new episodes a fresh, yet emotional, dynamic. The biggest news of the season involved the departure of a beloved original cast member.

A Heartbreaking Farewell: Maggie Lockwood's Exit

One of the most impactful developments of Season 11 was the exit of Nurse Maggie Lockwood, played by original cast member Marlyne Barrett. Maggie, a cornerstone of the ED since the series premiere in 2015, was noticeably absent in the Season 11 premiere, with the storyline explaining her departure. Her character's absence leaves a major void in the hospital's heart and soul, challenging the remaining nurses and doctors to adapt to a new normal without her leadership and compassion.

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Returning Veterans and New Faces

Despite the high-profile departure, several fan-favorite veterans continue to anchor the series, ensuring the drama remains grounded in familiar relationships. Original cast members S. Epatha Merkerson (as Chief of Patient and Medical Services Sharon Goodwin) and Oliver Platt (as Dr. Daniel Charles, the hospital's leading psychiatrist) are confirmed to return for the full season.

The core returning cast includes:

• Steven Weber as Dr. Dean Archer
• Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher
• Luke Mitchell as Dr. Mitch Ripley
• Sarah Ramos as Dr. Caitlin Lenox
• Darren Barnet as a key new addition

Furthermore, the hospital staff is expanding with compelling new additions, adding new layers of expertise and potential relationship drama:

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• Dr. Theo Rabari (Played by Manish Dayal): Introduced as a new, tech-driven psychiatrist, Dr. Rabari brings a modern, sometimes controversial, approach to mental health treatment, likely leading to conflicts with the more traditional Dr. Charles.
• Dr. John Frost: A new pediatrician joins the hospital, expanding the focus on pediatric cases and creating new dynamics within the medical team.

There is also strong speculation that Nick Gehlfuss may return as Dr. Will Halstead for a guest appearance later in the season, which would be a welcome surprise for viewers who missed the original leading man.

Major Storylines and Cliffhangers to Expect in 2026

The first half of Chicago Med Season 11 set up several high-stakes storylines that will be resolved when the show returns from its winter break. These complex medical and personal dramas are what keep the procedural series fresh and engaging.

The Ripley-Lenox Abusive Patient Crisis

The fall finale concluded with a tense cliffhanger involving Dr. Mitch Ripley and Dr. Caitlin Lenox. The two doctors were forced to confront a dangerous and abusive patient, putting their professional ethics—and possibly their lives—at risk. The resolution of this storyline is expected to be immediate and explosive when the show returns in January 2026, potentially leading to legal or professional repercussions for the doctors involved.

Goodwin's Personal Turmoil and Charles's New Case

The season has been testing the resolve of the hospital's leadership. Sharon Goodwin's personal life has been under immense strain, forcing her to make difficult choices that could impact her professional standing. Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Charles and Dr. Mitch Ripley have teamed up to investigate a fascinating and rare neurological disorder in a patient, a storyline that promises to deliver classic Chicago Med medical mystery.

Topical Authority Entities in Season 11

The writers have continued to focus on timely and complex medical and ethical issues, enhancing the show’s topical authority. Key entities and themes explored in Season 11 include:

• Neurological Disorders: Deep-dive into rare conditions and cutting-edge diagnostics.
• Mental Health and Technology: Dr. Rabari’s introduction highlights the intersection of modern tech and psychiatric care.
• Hospital Administration Ethics: Sharon Goodwin’s ongoing battles with the board and personal challenges.
• Crossovers: Expect the usual seamless integration with Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., as the One Chicago universe frequently features cross-over events.
• Emergency Department (ED) Strain: The departure of Nurse Maggie Lockwood emphasizes the strain and importance of the nursing staff in the high-pressure environment of the ED.

In summary, while there is no new episode of Chicago Med tonight in December 2025, the Season 11 fall season has provided plenty of dramatic content, and the spring return in January 2026 is highly anticipated. Keep checking the NBC and Peacock schedules for the official mid-season premiere date.