The Ultimate Guide: 5 Major Productions Filming In Chicago *Today* (December 16, 2025)

Lights, camera, action! As of today, December 16, 2025, the City of Chicago remains one of the busiest production hubs in North America, with a vibrant mix of long-running network dramas and exciting new streaming comedies keeping the cameras rolling right through the holiday season. The Windy City's diverse architecture, from the historic Pilsen neighborhood to the sleek downtown Loop, provides the perfect backdrop for a slate of high-profile projects, creating a constant buzz for both local residents and dedicated film fans.

The final weeks of 2025 are proving to be exceptionally active, with production crews managing the complex logistics of winter filming. Whether you're a local hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite star or a film enthusiast tracking the industry's pulse, here is the definitive, up-to-the-minute breakdown of the movies and TV shows currently in production across the city, including a high-priority permit active right now.

High-Priority Filming Locations and Active Permits (December 16, 2025)

For those looking for the most immediate action, the City of Chicago's permit portal often provides the best clues. While production companies frequently use code names, the dates and locations themselves confirm active shooting schedules across various neighborhoods.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Pilsen Coffee Shop Scene: A Permit Active Today

A specific filming permit was active for a project under the production company "LINE UP SOUTHERNLIGHT PRODUC" with an end date of December 16, 2025.

• Location: 948-958 W 18TH ST, Pilsen (Ward: 25)
• Scene Description: I/E (Interior/Exterior) Coffee Shop scene.
• Likely Production: Given the company's proximity to Cinespace Film Studios and the active production slate, this location is likely being used by one of the newer streaming series, such as Hulu's Deli Boys Season 2 or the new NBCUniversal comedy, Mr. Throwback. The Pilsen neighborhood offers the kind of authentic, vibrant backdrop that both shows are known for utilizing.

This high-priority location on West 18th Street is a prime example of Chicago's commitment to showcasing its authentic neighborhood charm, moving beyond just the iconic downtown skyline.

The Dominance of the One Chicago Universe

No discussion of filming in Chicago is complete without mentioning the Dick Wolf-produced trifecta. The three interconnected series—Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.—are the pillars of the city's production industry, providing consistent work and a steady stream of filming activity throughout the year, including this December.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

1. Chicago P.D. (CPD)

The Intelligence Unit is always on the move, but fans can often find the core of the action in a few key areas:

• District 21 Headquarters: The exterior shots for the fictional 21st District are routinely filmed at the real-life UIC Police Headquarters, located at 943 W. Maxwell St.
• Near West Side: The area around Taylor Street, between Ashland and Halsted, is a popular filming zone for car chases, stakeouts, and dramatic exterior scenes, making it a hot spot for set sightings.
• Cinespace Film Studios: All three One Chicago shows maintain extensive sound stages and production offices at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, where most interior scenes are shot.

2. Chicago Fire (CF)

The brave men and women of Firehouse 51 are currently filming new episodes, with their primary base of operations remaining the most recognizable set in the city.

• Firehouse 51: The iconic exterior is the real-life Fire Station Engine 18, located in the Near West Side neighborhood. This historic building is often a hive of activity, even when the crew is not actively shooting.
• Ambulance and Rescue Scenes: Look for scenes involving Ambulance 61 and Rescue Squad 3 around the city's bridges and industrial areas, which provide the high-stakes atmosphere the show is known for.

3. Chicago Med (CM)

While the hospital's exterior is a blend of locations, the medical drama is a key part of the city's current film slate.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Rush University Medical Center: Exterior shots of the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center are often filmed here, using the modern architecture for establishing shots.
• Studio Work: The majority of the intense operating room and patient care scenes are filmed on elaborate sets inside Cinespace, maintaining strict control over the complex medical environments.

New Streamers and Indie Features: The Fresh Faces of Chicago Production

Beyond the established network hits, Chicago is currently hosting several high-profile streaming and indie projects, cementing its reputation as a hub for diverse storytelling. These shows often provide the most interesting and unpredictable filming locations, utilizing unique Chicago landmarks and less-trafficked neighborhoods.

4. Deli Boys Season 2 (Hulu)

The Hulu comedy series, which is set in Philadelphia but filmed entirely in the Windy City, is a major new addition to the production schedule. Season 2 officially began filming in Chicago around December 8, 2025, and is actively shooting through the end of the year.

• The Premise: The show follows two mismatched brothers who inherit their family’s traditional Italian deli, leading to cultural clashes and comedic misadventures.
• Current Activity: Production is currently focused on principal photography and is actively seeking local talent, including paid extras for various scenes.
• Filming Style: Expect to see the Deli Boys crew in authentic-looking, neighborhood-level businesses and residential streets, likely utilizing the city's diverse ethnic enclaves to stand in for Philadelphia.

5. Mr. Throwback (NBCUniversal / Stephen Curry Comedy)

One of the most talked-about new series, Mr. Throwback, a comedy co-created and executive-produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, has also commenced filming in Chicago. This high-profile project is a major win for the Chicago Film Office and is expected to bring significant attention to the city's Northwest Side.

• The Star Power: The series is built around the world of professional basketball and features the involvement of a major sports celebrity, ensuring a high-budget and high-visibility production.
• Known Locations: Early reports indicate that the production has been utilizing locations in the Norwood Park neighborhood and other areas on the Northwest Side, suggesting a focus on suburban-style homes and community settings rather than the downtown core.
• The Intention: The series is part of a growing trend of major studios choosing Chicago for its versatility and attractive tax incentives, providing a fresh backdrop for stories that might traditionally be set elsewhere.

The Chicago Film Ecosystem: A Hub for Topical Authority

The sheer volume of current projects underscores Chicago's status as a top-tier production center, a reputation built on robust infrastructure and a deep pool of local talent. The Cinespace Film Studios campus, located on the city's West Side, remains the engine room for the majority of these productions, housing sound stages, edit suites, and support facilities.

This sustained activity, from the reliable procedural dramas to the influx of new streaming content like The Bear (which, while not currently filming, is another major Chicago success story) and The Chi, ensures that the city's film industry jobs and local economy continue to thrive. The Chicago Film Office plays a critical role in managing the logistics, issuing permits, and ensuring that the public right-of-way is managed effectively, whether it’s for a small commercial shoot or a massive network production.

If you are exploring the city today, December 16, 2025, remember that production schedules are fluid and subject to change due to weather or script revisions. However, focusing your attention on the Near West Side, the Pilsen area, and the Northwest Side offers the best chance to witness the magic of filmmaking in the thriving, cinematic heart of the Midwest.