The Most Popular Show in Chicago, Ranked

Choose the show you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:49
In a bustling city like Chicago, filled with a myriad of entertainment options from theatrical performances to live concerts, it can be overwhelming to choose what to see next. A ranked list of the most popular shows simplifies this decision, providing a curated guide based on collective audience preferences. It not only saves time but also enhances the overall experience by highlighting top-rated attractions. By participating in the voting process, users directly influence the rankings and ensure that the list remains reflective of current public opinion. This dynamic approach keeps the content fresh and relevant, allowing new and deserving shows to shine. Everyone's vote contributes to the ongoing narrative of what truly resonates with audiences in Chicago's vibrant entertainment scene.

What Is the Most Popular Show in Chicago?

  1. 1
    64
    votes

    Chicago P.D.

    Dick Wolf
    This police procedural drama follows the officers of the Intelligence Unit as they tackle crime in the city. It has a loyal fan base and has been on the air since 2014.
    Chicago P.D. is a popular television series set in the city of Chicago, focusing on the fictional district 21 of the Chicago Police Department. The show follows the lives of the uniformed patrol officers and the Intelligence Unit, as they combat crime and maintain order in the city streets.
    • Genre: Crime drama
    • Creator: Dick Wolf
    • Country of origin: United States
    • Original language: English
    • Number of seasons: 8
  2. 2
    28
    votes

    Chicago Fire

    Dick Wolf
    This action-packed drama centers around the firefighters, paramedics, and rescue squad of Chicago Firehouse 51. It has been on the air since 2012 and has a passionate following.
    Chicago Fire is a popular American television drama series that follows the daily lives and work of firefighters and paramedics in the city of Chicago. It revolves around the personal and professional challenges faced by the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51, including their intense and dangerous rescue missions, complex personal relationships, and the camaraderie that binds them together as a family.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Country of origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Original network: NBC
    • Original release: October 10, 2012 - Present
    Chicago Fire in other rankings
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers, through hip-hop and R&B music. It has been a major hit in Chicago since it opened in 2016.
    Hamilton is a city in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is located on the westernmost part of Lake Ontario, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Toronto. Known for its industrial history, Hamilton is also famous for its scenic natural beauty, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the city. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural scene, offering a blend of urban and outdoor experiences.
    • Population: approximately 536,917
    • Area: approximately 1,138.11 square kilometers
    • Nickname: The Hammer
    • Official Language: English
    • Mayor: Fred Eisenberger
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    The Second City

    Paul Sills
    This comedy troupe has been a fixture in Chicago since the 1950s, and has launched the careers of countless comedians, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and John Belushi. Its shows are always popular with locals and tourists alike.
    The Second City is a renowned improvisational comedy club and theater based in Chicago, known for producing exceptional comedic performances.
    • Location: Chicago, Illinois
    • Founding Year: 1959
    • Type: Improvisational comedy club and theater
    • Famous Alumni: Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Rivers, and more
    • Shows per Year: Over 25 different shows annually
  5. 5
    19
    votes

    Chicago Med

    Dick Wolf
    This medical drama follows the doctors and nurses of Chicago's busiest hospital as they deal with life and death situations. It has been on the air since 2015 and has a dedicated fan base.
    Chicago Med is a popular medical drama television series that follows the lives of doctors and nurses working in the emergency department at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The show explores the daily challenges faced by the medical professionals as they tend to a diverse range of cases and navigate their own personal and professional relationships.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Original Network: NBC
    • Original Release: November 17, 2015
    Chicago Med in other rankings
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    This unique performance art group has been entertaining audiences in Chicago since the 1990s. Their shows are a mix of music, comedy, and technology, and are always a hit with audiences.
    The Blue Man Group is a popular show in Chicago known for its unique blend of music, comedy, and interactive entertainment. The show features a trio of performers painted entirely in blue, who captivate the audience with their non-verbal expressions and energetic performances. Through a combination of music, art, technology, and comedy, the Blue Man Group creates a memorable and immersive experience for all ages.
    • Venue: Briar Street Theatre
    • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
    • Inception: 1991
    • Audience Participation: Extensive
    • Music Style: Experimental and percussion-driven
    Blue Man Group in other rankings
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Steppenwolf Theatre Company
    victorgrigas · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This theater company has been a Chicago institution since the 1970s, and has produced countless critically-acclaimed plays over the years. Its shows are always popular with theater fans.
    The Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a renowned theater company based in Chicago, known for its groundbreaking and innovative productions. It was founded in 1974 by a group of actors: Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry, and Gary Sinise.
    • Location: Chicago, Illinois
    • Founding Year: 1974
    • Theater Type: Non-profit
    • Ensemble: Yes
    • Number of Ensemble Members: 50+
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This popular musical tells the story of the witches of Oz before the arrival of Dorothy. It has been a hit in Chicago since it opened in 2005.
    Wicked is a highly popular musical that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is based on Gregory Maguire's novel 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West'. The musical explores the early lives of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy's arrival in Oz. With a captivating storyline and enchanting music, Wicked has been praised for its themes of friendship, acceptance, and the search for identity.
    • Genre: Musical
    • Premiere Date: October 30, 2003
    • Book: Winnie Holzman
    • Music: Stephen Schwartz
    • Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    This world-renowned orchestra is one of the city's cultural gems. Its performances are always popular with classical music fans.
    The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a renowned symphony orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. It is widely regarded as one of the top orchestras in the world, known for its exceptional musicianship and artistic excellence. The orchestra has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1891 and has since become an important cultural institution in the city of Chicago.
    • Location: Chicago, Illinois
    • Founding Year: 1891
    • Artistic Director: Riccardo Muti
    • Concert Hall: Symphony Center
    • Ensemble Size: Approximately 100 musicians
    The Chicago Symphony Orchestra in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    The Chicago Cubs

    William Hulbert
    While not a TV show, the Cubs are one of the most popular attractions in the city. This beloved baseball team has been a part of Chicago's culture for over a century, and its games are always a highlight for sports fans.
    The Chicago Cubs is a professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are one of the most popular and iconic sports teams in Chicago, known for their historic and passionate fan base. The team is a member of the Central Division in Major League Baseball's National League.
    • Year Established: 1876
    • Home Stadium: Wrigley Field
    • World Series Championships: 3
    • National League Pennants: 17
    • Central Division Titles: 6

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Ranking factors for popular show

  1. Audience ratings
    This is a measure of the number of people who watched the show in Chicago. Generally, the more people that tune in to watch a show, the more popular it is.
  2. Critical acclaim
    This refers to the reviews and ratings given by professional critics. A show that receives high praise from critics is likely to be popular with audiences in Chicago.
  3. Social media buzz
    The amount of chatter about the show on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram is a good indicator of its popularity.
  4. Awards and nominations
    Shows that have won awards or received nominations for awards are usually more popular with audiences.
  5. Box office success
    For theater productions, the amount of money the show has grossed is a good indicator of its popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular show in Chicago. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2015 views
  • 168 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular show in chicago

Chicago, known for its vibrant culture and diverse population, is home to some of the most popular television shows in the United States. From dramas to comedies, Chicago has something for every viewer. As the third largest city in the country, it's no surprise that the Windy City has a large and dedicated fanbase for television. In this article, we'll take a look at the most popular shows in Chicago, based on our StrawPoll rankings. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the top-rated shows that Chicagoans can't get enough of!

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