Chicago, Illinois, is home to millions of people, so naturally, the city is the center for many incredible stories. Over the years, many television shows have utilized the Windy City to entertain audiences, showing their characters navigate life in the location. Like all cities of a similar size, Chicago is exciting, but there is much more beneath the surface.

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Through stories of triumph, family, crime, and more, television shows that take place in Chicago have captivated audiences for decades. Watching the best series offers audiences a gripping look at certain aspects of the city that so many people call home, giving them entertaining stories in the process.

Boss (2011 - 2012) Available To Buy On Apple TV - 8.1

Kelsey Grammer stands in an office in a promotional image for Boss

Starring Kelsey Grammer in the lead role, Boss follows Tom Kane, the mayor of Chicago, as he is diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies. He continues with his position and attempts to conceal his diagnosis from those around him.

The show only ran for two seasons, but it features incredible performances from Grammer and the rest of the cast, bringing to life the characters in this political drama. Grammer even won a Golden Globe for Best Actor — Television Series Drama in 2012.

Chicago P.D. (2014 - ) Available On Hulu & Bravo Now - 8.1

Erin and Jay stand and look at something in Chicago P.D.

Chicago P.D., which is currently in its ninth season, centers on officers in the Chicago Police Department as they perform their jobs in the city. The series is a spin-off of Chicago Fire and is part of a franchise that also involves Chicago Med and Chicago Justice.

The highest-rated of these shows according to IMDb, Chicago P.D. has connected with many viewers over the years because of its performances and storylines. The series is still going strong and likely will for the foreseeable future.

The League (2009 - 2015) Available On Hulu - 8.2

Pete, Kevin, and Jenny sit on a couch in the League

The League centers around a group of friends who participate in a fantasy football league. The series also follows the participants in their everyday lives as they get themselves into absurd situations, often because of their undying investment in fantasy football.

Featuring the incredible talents of actors like Nick Kroll and Mark Duplass, among the rest of the fantastic cast, the show consistently impresses with its comedic performances. Some of the best episodes of The League are sprinkled throughout much of the series, showing that it often lived up to its previous seasons.

The Good Wife (2009 - 2016) Available On Paramount+ - 8.3

Alicia talks on the phone in The Good Wife

The Good Wife is a political drama show that focuses on the character of Alicia Florrick, who returns to work as a litigator after her husband, the Cook County State's Attorney, goes to jail for corruption. The scandal is present in the public consciousness, which she must deal with while also trying to continue to work and provide for her family.

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The series has been lauded, both during its run and in the years since, showing its phenomenal legacy as a television program. The performances of the entire cast have received recognition as well, providing grounded looks at the lives of the people the series surrounds.

The Good Fight (2017 - ) Available On Paramount+ - 8.3

Christine shows up for a court case in The Good Fight

A spin-off of The Good WifeThe Good Fight features several of the characters from the original and maintains much of the writing quality and tone that made the former so highly regarded. The series is about Diane Lockhart, who loses her savings after a major scam and joins a new law firm.

The show features important social commentary, and with plots that differentiate themselves from the original while reaching the high bar it set, The Good Fight is a worthy successor to The Good Wife that stands tall by itself as well.

Crime Story (1986 - 1988) Available On IMDb TV - 8.4

Dennis Farina holds a gun in Crime Story

Though only running for two seasons, Crime Story left its mark on the genre it is a part of. It centers on the characters of Mike Torello, a Chicago police officer, and Ray Luca, a member of a criminal organization in Chicago.

The plot of the chase could be plucked from some of the best suspenseful crime movies, and the excellent performances of the cast helped to solidify the show's legacy. The series partly takes place in Chicago and partly in Las Vegas, with its initial Chicago setting serving as the basis for the story.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974 - 1975) Available On Bravo Now - 8.5

Kolchak walks near candles in Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Following the release of two films, The Night Stalker and The Night StranglerKolchak: The Night Stalker centers around the titular character, a Chicago reporter who investigates mysterious crimes that have a supernatural angle to them.

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Over the brief one-season run, the show features a variety of supernatural beings, creating captivating storylines with interesting twists and turns. The series received a reboot in 2005, but the 1974-1975 series is much more highly regarded, receiving a loyal following since its release.

At The Movies (1986 - 2010) Not Currently Available To Stream In The U.S. - 8.5

Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel in a movie theater for a promotional image for At the Movies

Filmed in Chicago, At The Movies was a television program featuring film critic legends Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. In later seasons, new hosts were brought on, but the magic of the show surrounded the figures of the famed Siskel and Ebert.

From reviewing films that could be considered among the best movies of all time to some that are less highly regarded, At The Movies featured extensive insight and is a fantastic watch for cinema fans and those interested in history alike.

Shameless (2011 - 2021) Available On Hulu - 8.5

The cast of Shameless poses for a promotional photo

An adaptation of a British series, the U.S. version of Shameless takes place in Chicago. Only recently finishing its 11-season run, Shameless was one of the most beloved television series in recent years. The show centers primarily on the Gallagher family, who navigate their lives while dealing with the father of the family, Frank, whose alcoholism, drug addiction, and attitude lead his children to rely on themselves.

The series excellently blends comedy and drama, making the serious moments hit hard and the funny moments genuinely hilarious. With exceptional performances by the entire cast and especially William H. Macy as Frank, Shameless will continue to live on with an incredible legacy.

The Last Dance (2020) Available On Netflix - 9.1

Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan sit side by side

One of the best sports documentary series ever made, The Last Dance offers a fascinating glimpse into the rise of basketball legend Michael Jordan, as well as several other incredible players from the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls team.

Many consider Michael Jordan to be perhaps the greatest basketball player of all time, and this entertaining documentary series gives audiences insight into the world behind the scenes, involving friendships and drama that audiences may not be familiar with and giving fans and non-fans alike a series to enjoy.

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