Behind the Scenes: Marina Squerciati Confirms What We All Suspected About Jason Beghe’s On-Set Behavior
The Electrifying Night with the Cast of “Chicago Med,” “Fire,” and “P.D.”
The studio buzzed with excitement as the cast of NBC’s hit “One Chicago” franchise walked onto the set of the “Tonight Show.” The audience erupted into applause, and the atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation for an evening of fun, revelations, and a sneak peek into the beloved series’ future.
A Warm Welcome
The host couldn’t contain his gratitude, welcoming the cast with a heartfelt thank you. “I’m so happy you guys are all here. Welcome, and I just want to say thank you for all of your shows. It’s a giant hit on our network. When the ratings are big, you’re our lead-in. So when you’re a hit, our show is a hit. Thank you, thank you, thank you for that. Good job. Welcome to New York!”
The Great Pizza Debate
The conversation quickly turned to a classic debate: which city has the best pizza, New York or Chicago? Without hesitation, the cast unanimously voted for New York. The audience cheered, celebrating their city’s culinary supremacy. One brave Chicago fan voiced dissent, but the cast humorously brushed it off, agreeing that New York’s thin crust was superior to Chicago’s deep dish.
The Chilling Polar Plunge
The host then brought up the notorious Polar Plunge in Chicago. To everyone’s amazement, several cast members revealed they’d participated in the freezing charity event. “You’ve done it? Many times? You’re a trooper,” the host exclaimed. He shared his own icy experience, recounting how he had been dared by the mayor and had plunged into the icy waters of Lake Michigan in his suit, hearing bagpipes as he emerged. The story had everyone in stitches, imagining the sight of the frozen host believing he was on the brink of an icy demise.
Celebrating Renewal
The night grew even more celebratory with the announcement that “Chicago Med,” “Fire,” and “P.D.” had all been renewed for another season. The cast beamed with pride and gratitude, and the audience’s applause echoed their appreciation. “You do great work,” the host praised. “You’re fantastic. You’re in the same universe as each other. You’ve all appeared on each other’s shows.”
Behind-the-Scenes Magic
The cast then gave fans an exclusive look behind the scenes. Miranda Rae Mayo offered a charming analogy for the different sets. “When you go to ‘Med’s’ set, it’s like a sophisticated dinner party. It’s elegant and mature, fitting for a hospital setting. ‘P.D.’ is a bit rougher, where everyone expects you to be on your P’s and Q’s. And ‘Fire’ is a circus, loud and vibrant, just like a firehouse.”
A Nod to Dick Wolf
S. Epatha Merkerson reminisced about her 32-year working relationship with producer Dick Wolf, beginning with “Law & Order.” The audience was in awe, realizing the longevity and success of their collaboration. “Was there any crossover of ‘Law & Order’ characters?” the host asked. Merkerson confirmed, delighting fans with tales of Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T making appearances in the “Chicago” universe.
Surprising Fan Moments
In a delightful twist, the host revealed that Charles Barkley is an avid fan of the “One Chicago” series. A clip showed Barkley gushing about his TV routine, watching the shows back-to-back, much to the audience’s delight. Even Dr. Fauci was mentioned as a fan, watching “Chicago P.D.” to relax during the pandemic. These surprising fan endorsements added a fun, relatable layer to the show’s popularity.
Teasing Season Finales
The cast shared tantalizing hints about the upcoming season finales. For “Chicago Med,” Goodwin faces a dilemma with a dangerous prisoner suffering from dementia, while also navigating a budding love interest. “Fire” promised a heartfelt episode titled “Never Say Goodbye,” paying tribute to Chief Boden, the first character cast in the series. A mysterious new member on the team would finally reveal his secret.
“Chicago P.D.” promised to deliver a mind-blowing surprise. “If you’re a fan of the show, our finale will blow your mind,” Jason Beghe teased. “It was one of the best episodes I’ve ever enjoyed making. It touched me deeply.”
A Delicious Finale
To cap off the night, the host treated everyone to slices of Joe’s Pizza, one of New York’s finest. The cast raised their slices in a toast, cheering and sharing their excitement for the future seasons. “Best of luck,” the host said, “and thank you so much for being here. One Chicago Wednesday kicks off at 8 p.m. on NBC. We’ll be right back with more ‘Tonight Show.’ Stick around!”
The evening was a perfect blend of laughter, heartfelt moments, and tantalizing teases, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapters in the “One Chicago” saga.
