As NBC celebrates a monumental 100 years on the air, the stars of its hit One Chicago franchise are reflecting on what it means to be part of television history. During a recent panel at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), actors Jessy Schram (Chicago Med) and Hanako Greensmith (Chicago Fire) shared heartfelt insights about their rare, long-running roles, describing them as a 'unicorn job' in an industry that's rapidly changing.
A Legacy Network and a Lasting Gig
For Jessy Schram, who joined Chicago Med in its fifth season and now stars as Dr. Hannah Asher, working for a legacy broadcaster like NBC carries a special weight. "I have all the streaming subscriptions," Schram said, "but there's something about seeing those classic network logos—ABC, NBC, CBS—that feels stable and true. To realize you get to be part of that history is pretty incredible."
Schram described her role as the kind of steady acting job many performers dream of, especially for someone who grew up loving television. "I wanted to be on TV because I watched TV," she explained. "You're always waiting for this kind of gig—one where you can affect people, perform, and be part of something established. To be on a network where so much history has been made, from SNL to countless classics, it's an honor I don't take for granted."
The 'Unicorn Job' in a Shifting Industry
Hanako Greensmith, who plays Paramedic Violet Mikami on Chicago Fire, offered a poignant perspective on the franchise's place in modern television. Citing co-star Jocelyn Hudon, Greensmith called her role a "unicorn job." "I totally agree," Greensmith stated, "because our industry is changing so much. I think we will probably be one of the last shows to reach double-digit seasons."
Her observation touches on a harsh reality for today's series. With the rise of streaming, many shows are granted shorter runs and fewer episodes, often canceled before they can build a dedicated audience. Even on traditional broadcast networks, the pressure is immense. "Faltering even for a moment, or being affected by outside forces, can spell the end," Greensmith noted, alluding to the franchise's own tense renewal negotiations in the past. The fact that Chicago Fire is heading into its 15th season, with all three shows recently renewed, feels exceptionally rare.
"It is such an honor to be a part of what this legacy really is," Greensmith concluded. "I don't know what that means for the future—that could change—but yeah, it does feel like we're part of something really historic on NBC."
Stability in a Sea of Change
The One Chicago universe—comprising Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—stands as a testament to enduring popularity in the procedural drama space. Its recent crossover event, which welcomed back familiar faces, and its early renewals signal NBC's continued confidence. In an era where viewers might binge unrelenting thriller series in a weekend, the weekly, character-driven stories of One Chicago offer a different kind of longevity.
This stability is increasingly uncommon. While audiences seek out gripping limited series like those that perfected the single-season format, the marathon run of a broadcast drama is a fading model. The actors' sentiments highlight a cultural shift: the job security and cultural impact of a show lasting over a decade is becoming a relic, making their positions on the NBC schedule all the more unique.
The franchise continues to air on Wednesday nights on NBC, serving as a cornerstone of the network's lineup during its centennial celebration. As the television landscape evolves, the reflections from Schram and Greensmith underscore that being part of One Chicago isn't just another role—it's a piece of broadcasting history.
