Fans of the One Chicago franchise can breathe easy knowing that Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. are all returning this fall. But if you're craving something fresh that still delivers that signature Dick Wolf intensity, look no further than FBI on CBS. For eight seasons and counting, this procedural has quietly become the perfect One Chicago replacement, offering bigger stakes, a tighter team, and nonstop action.
Bigger City, Bigger Stakes
Set in the FBI's New York City field office, FBI follows a core group of five agents as they tackle cases that often escalate to a national level. The series premiered with a bang: a double bombing that kills 27 people, initially blamed on gang violence but later revealed to be the work of a white supremacist. From that pilot episode, FBI sets a relentless pace, diving straight into high-stakes action and never letting up until the satisfying conclusion.
The team includes Special Agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym), a former Indiana cop with a family legacy in law enforcement; Special Agent Omar Adom “O.A.” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki), a West Point graduate and former DEA undercover operative; and Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto), who coordinates operations from the Joint Operations Command. They're joined by Special Agent-in-Charge Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza) and Special Agent Stuart Scola (John Boyd), both of whom joined in season two.
The Best of One Chicago, Streamlined
While FBI shares the most DNA with Chicago P.D., it also incorporates elements that appeal to fans of Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. The partnership between Maggie and O.A. echoes the deep bonds seen in the One Chicago universe—think Sharon and Daniel on Med or Mouch and Herrmann on Fire. And because all these shows fall under Wolf Entertainment, there's even a crossover episode where Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) works a case with O.A. in New York.
But FBI distinguishes itself by being less relentlessly gritty than Chicago P.D. It allows for sarcastic, witty banter between its core partnerships, and it largely avoids the “will they/won't they” relationship drama that can bog down character-driven shows. Instead, the procedure drives the story, making for a leaner, more action-packed experience. The smaller cast and minimal turnover also mean you get to know these characters deeply without the constant churn of new faces.
That's not to say FBI skips emotional moments entirely—it just makes them count. In season one's “Exposed,” Maggie confides in O.A. that she believes her journalist husband's death wasn't an accident. This sets up a multi-season arc that culminates in her partner secretly investigating the case to help her find the killer. These rare, heartfelt beats hit harder because they're earned.
For fans of crime procedurals looking for a fresh fix, FBI is a must-watch. It's also worth checking out other overlooked gems like Five Days: HBO's Overlooked Crime Miniseries That Deserves Your Attention or Dark Winds Season 4 for more crime thrills. And if you're in the mood for a classic, From Opening Credits to Final Frame: Crime Movies That Never Falter has you covered.
With eight seasons of gripping cases and a commitment to diversity and teamwork, FBI proves that Dick Wolf's magic extends far beyond Chicago. It's the One Chicago replacement you didn't know you needed—and it's only getting better.
