Is Chicago Med New Tonight? Everything We Know About The Mid-Season Break, Season 11 Cliffhanger, And January 2026 Return

The answer to the most pressing question for One Chicago fans on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, is a definitive no: Chicago Med is not airing a new episode tonight. Like the rest of the One Chicago franchise, the dedicated medical drama is currently on its annual mid-season hiatus, taking a break for the holiday season after a dramatic Fall Finale that left a major character's life hanging in the balance. The good news is that the break is temporary, and fans can already mark their calendars for the show's highly anticipated return in the new year.

This mid-season pause means NBC will not be airing any new episodes of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, or Chicago P.D. throughout the entire month of December 2025. Instead of the usual high-stakes drama from Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, the network is broadcasting alternative holiday and winter programming. To catch up on the intense Season 11 action before the premiere, you'll need to head over to the streaming service Peacock, where all current episodes are available to watch on demand.

Chicago Med Season 11 Cast: Who's Back and Who's Stepping Back

Season 11 of Chicago Med has brought its share of intense medical cases, personal drama, and significant cast changes that will continue to shape the narrative when the show returns in January 2026. Understanding the current lineup is key to appreciating the upcoming storylines, especially with some beloved characters transitioning out of the Emergency Department (ED).

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• S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin): The steadfast Chief of Patient and Medical Services and one of the original cast members, Goodwin’s leadership continues to be the bedrock of the hospital.
• Oliver Platt (Dr. Daniel Charles): The brilliant and compassionate Chief of Psychiatry, Dr. Charles remains a vital figure, tackling the complex mental health issues faced by patients and staff alike.
• Steven Weber (Dr. Dean Archer): The acerbic but skilled ED Chief, whose personal life, including his relationship with his son, has been a major focus.
• Jessy Schram (Dr. Hannah Asher): The talented OB-GYN who returned to the ED, working to rebuild her life and career.
• Luke Mitchell (Dr. Mitch Ripley): A relatively new face who has quickly become central to the ED's operation, often butting heads with other doctors.
• Sarah Ramos (Dr. Lilliana Lenox): A key character whose life is currently in peril following the dramatic Fall Finale.
• Darren Barnet (Dr. Ethan Frost): A new addition to the cast for Season 11, adding fresh dynamics to the ED team.
• Marlyne Barrett (Nurse Maggie Lockwood): A fan-favorite and original cast member, Barrett is reportedly stepping back from her role as the charge nurse in Season 11, marking a significant change for the series.
• Nick Gehlfuss (Dr. Will Halstead): While he departed the series, there are persistent rumors and hopes among fans for a guest return, especially given the show's tendency to bring back familiar faces.

The Shocking Cliffhanger of the Season 11 Fall Finale

The last new episode of Chicago Med, the Season 11 Fall Finale (Episode 7), aired on November 12, 2025, and delivered a shocking and unexpected cliffhanger that is the primary reason for fan anxiety during the break. The episode centered on the intense storyline involving a returning patient, Jeremy Lockhart, who was undergoing chemotherapy for stomach cancer.

The most dramatic moment, however, focused on Dr. Lilliana Lenox. The promo for the finale hinted that Dr. Lenox might cross a professional line to help a patient, but the actual event was far more dangerous. The episode concluded with Dr. Lenox’s life in severe jeopardy, a twist that left viewers stunned and desperate for the mid-season premiere. This massive cliffhanger has generated considerable curiosity and speculation about her fate, becoming the central question that the January 2026 return must immediately address.

The fate of Dr. Lenox is not the only thread left dangling. The finale also continued to explore the complex dynamics between Dr. Hannah Asher and Dr. Dean Archer, whose relationship has been a slow-burn storyline throughout the season. The show has also teased further developments in Sharon Goodwin's professional life, suggesting she may face a new challenge in 2026.

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When Will Chicago Med Season 11 Return with New Episodes?

The good news for fans anxiously awaiting the resolution of the Dr. Lenox cliffhanger is that the mid-season hiatus is a standard part of the network television schedule, and the return date has been officially confirmed. The "One Chicago" lineup will be back in its usual Wednesday night slot.

The next new episode of Chicago Med, which will be Season 11, Episode 8, is scheduled to air on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. This episode will kick off the second half of the season, promising to resolve the Fall Finale's dramatic ending and introduce new, high-stakes medical and personal storylines for the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center staff.

The return will be followed by new episodes of Chicago Fire at 9 p.m. ET and Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. ET, completing the One Chicago block.

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How to Watch and Stream All One Chicago Shows

While you wait for the January 2026 premiere, there are multiple ways to catch up on the entire Chicago Med series and the other One Chicago shows, which is an excellent way to prepare for the mid-season return and refresh your memory on the complex character arcs.

• Live Broadcast: New episodes will air every Wednesday on NBC at 8/7c.
• Next-Day Streaming: All new episodes of Chicago Med Season 11 are available to stream the day after their NBC broadcast on Peacock. This platform is the exclusive streaming home for the current season.
• Catch-up and Library Content: Older seasons of Chicago Med are also available to stream on Peacock, allowing viewers to binge-watch entire character journeys, such as Dr. Will Halstead's tenure or the early days of Maggie Lockwood.
• On-Demand: Viewers can also use the NBC app or website to stream recent episodes, usually requiring a cable provider login.

The mid-season break is the perfect time to delve into the show’s topical authority, re-examining the critical medical ethics debates, the ongoing personal struggles, and the crossover events that tie the One Chicago universe together. The January 7, 2026, return promises to be a must-watch event, finally answering the question of Dr. Lenox's fate and setting the stage for the rest of Season 11.