Chicago Fire's Creators Wanted To Avoid Becoming A Remake Of This Beloved Firefighting Drama
The creators of Chicago Fire made sure the NBC series wasn't just a copy of one of the biggest dramas of the 2000s - and it only made the show better.
Chicago Fire, a popular NBC drama series, was created with the intention of avoiding becoming a remake of the critically acclaimed firefighter drama Rescue Me. Both shows showcase the firefighting profession but differ significantly in tone and setting. Rescue Me, set in New York, portrayed the gritty, dark underbelly of firefighting, featuring the flawed protagonist Tommy Gavin.
In contrast, Chicago Fire opted for an optimistic, hopeful, and positive portrayal of firefighting, focusing on the reality of human experience and genuine drama. Executive Producer Danielle Gelber explained that the shift in tone was intentional, given the era of Peak TV that emphasized difficult men in shows like Rescue Me. Despite not receiving the same critical acclaim as Rescue Me, Chicago Fire proved to be a major hit for NBC, becoming its top-rated non-sports program and the fourth-most-watched broadcast drama. The show also spawned two successful sister series, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.
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