Every season of Chicago Med ranked from weakest to strongest

NBC’s Chicago Med aired for the first time in 2015, and years later, it still remains a fan favorite.

The show revolves around Gaffney Chicago Medical Center’s doctors and nurses as they handle a wide range of challenging medical crises, from mass-casualty events to deeply personal hurdles.

Throughout the show's run, it delivered a balance of medical drama, interpersonal bonds, and crossovers that were entertaining and yet emotionally appealing. But some seasons truly made a mark while others fell short.

While every Chicago Med fan has their own list of favorite seasons, here are 10 of them ranked from worst to best

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

Every season of Chicago Med ranked from weakest to strongest

8. Season 1: Setting the world in motion (2015–16)

The debut year of Chicago Med had the challenge of contextualizing an entire hospital full of medical characters while also tying it to the One Chicago world.

The first season of this medical drama introduces the core cast but loses the strong interpersonal dynamics early on due to many and varied storylines. The slow start gives a hint of a better pace going forward, but it still falls short in terms of cohesion.

7. Season 8: COVID-19 (2022–23)

Season 8 weaves in a central conflict: Traditional medicine versus emerging technology, but the core of it soon fizzled into disjointed arcs. This season also saw a few departures, including Dr. Ethan Choi and Dr. Will Halstead, and this left a vacuum.

This season could have taken a deeper dimension, but it lost its potential to bring critical insight into the very relevant medical debate set up early on.

6. Season 7: The probe (2021–22)

Season 7 launches into a big pharma bribe probe for a doctor, and this brings the ethical side of medical practice into light. While Dr. Halstead is engaging in an undercover investigation to unveil the truth lends the show a tense, serialized hook, the season still suffers from impractical medical scenarios.

To count the positives, we have several tense moments that bring in a thrill in the otherwise troublesome realm of death and disease, like the fire incident or the live birth.

5. Season 2: Settling into rhythm (2016–17)

Season 2 does not have to worry about introductions, as the characters have already taken their places in the story. Core characters get more exploration and Maggie’s family life gets more definition, Dr. Reese’s professional skills are put in focus, and the workplace dynamics emerge sharper.

This season also brought an element of shock when the shooting of Dr. Daniel Charles was brought into the plot, and thereafter, Chicago Med found a steadier narrative pulse.

4. Season 3: Fallout and focus (2017–18)

Season 3 takes the story forward from where season 2 closed: the aftermath of Dr. Charles’ shocking shooting. Following Dr. Charles’ close-range injury, his daughter Robin suffered deeply from a mental health crisis, and this added a grounded, human layer to the proceedings.

In this time, a beautiful, revolving mentor–mentee bond forms between Charles and Reese, offering a much-needed emotional anchor, while the ensemble cast began to feel truly solidified.

3. Season 4: Danger from all sides (2018–19)

After 3 seasons of playing it by the core storyline with some detours, the crossover with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire flared up the stakes. When the mob entanglement of Dr. Will Halstead put the entire hospital in danger, this angle took tense proportions.

Season 4 brings in a few dramatic boosters from a helicopter crash to a high-pitched drive-by shooting. On the emotional front, the developing dynamics between Will and Natalie reached their peak in a bittersweet conclusion.

2. Season 5: Consequences and connection (2019–20)

The crisis that was laid in season 4 is taken forward in season 5. Dr. Crockett Marcel brought in fresh energy and enthusiasm while the “Infection” delivered on the thrill. What makes this a balanced season is how the emergencies are placed alongside character-driven beats, ensuring that the shocks landed had an emotional impact.

Characters that are well known and loved, including Dr. Will Halstead, Dr. Natalie Manning, and the rest of Chicago's finest medical heroes, are given the spotlight they rightly deserve.

1. Season 10: A full-scale capsize and more shockers

Chicago Med season 10 was arguably the best of all 11 seasons. It delivered various high-stakes medical cases without cutting into the deeply personal appeal. The season launched into a mass-casualty event and developed engaging arcs.

Sharon Goodwin’s leadership is not always one to praise. The team at Gaffney had to face a financially difficult period this season. From an arm bite by a rabid patient to a full-scale ship capsize, this season brought it all, along with a One Chicago crossover.