Chicago Fire Is One of the Best Shows on TV

There are no supernatural monsters or caped crusaders on Chicago Fire, and yet Dick Wolf's enduring firehouse procedural stands as one of the 100 Best Shows Right Now. Following the criminally good-looking firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51, the NBC series serves up a soapy mixture of thrilling action sequences, steamy love scenes and gripping drama that keeps viewers coming back each week.

But beneath all that lies a heartfelt story about what it means to be a family. What makes Fire truly worthwhile is the unwavering kinship shared by its deeply likable crew who are willing to put their lives on the line for each other without a second thought. We can't help but root for the show's ensemble of everyday heroes like Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who could inspire the dead back to life with his powerful speeches, and swoon-worthy Captain Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer), whose earnest desire to do the right thing makes us wonder if his side hustle is traipsing through the streets as Captain America.

FULL RANKING: The Best 100 Shows Right Now

More than that, Fire offers a dose of optimism we need during this time of political and social upheaval. Viewers can find comfort in these relatable heroes who somehow overcome seemingly impossible odds day in and day out.

In a crowded TV space where genre shows like Stranger Things and Game of Thrones are flourishing with obsessively loyal fanbases, showrunner Derek Haas' addictive series has amassed its own legion of vocal and supportive followers, proving there's still room for shows that don't traffic in brimstone. And with the series gearing up for its seventh season, there's no question of its endurance -- or its influence; Fire is the heart of Wolf's expansive Chicago-based universe, doing for One Chicago what Iron Man did for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Without Fire, there would be no Chicago P.D. or Chicago Med, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unitwouldn't have new ADA and Chicago Justicealum Peter Stone (Philip Winchester).

Fire might be a network drama, and a procedural, but it's a well-written one that offers a refreshing take on a stale genre. It's not just a great show; it's one of the best shows out there.

Chicago Fire will return for Season 7 on NBC later this month. And you can check out our full ranking of the 100 Best Shows Right Now below!