NBC’s Holiday Break Leaves Fans Hanging
Chicago Fire has officially entered hiatus mode, and fans are already feeling the heat—not from burning buildings, but from burning cliffhangers. NBC’s One Chicago block aired its fall finales on November 12, with no new episodes scheduled until Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
That leaves 14 episodes still to go in Season 14, which is set for 21 total. While Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med also left fans on edge, Chicago Fire delivered the most explosive ending of all: Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) was last seen trapped inside a burning apartment mid-arson investigation.
Fall Finale Recap: Firehouse in Crisis
In the fall finale, Severide’s case took a fiery turn—literally—as the blaze turned out to be no ordinary fire. While he fought to get out alive, Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) received devastating news: budget cuts may permanently shut down Firehouse 51. The decision sent shockwaves through the station and set the stage for a battle between politics and survival.
Tensions continue to rise between Dom and Annette (Annabeth Gish), whose political ambitions may compromise the safety of the entire crew. Meanwhile, Mouch (Christian Stolte), Van Meter (Tim Hopper), and the rest of Engine 51 stand on the brink of not only losing their home—but their purpose.
What to Expect in 2026: Smoke, Fire, and Fallout
When Chicago Fire returns in January, expect answers to come fast—but not easy. The status of Severide remains unknown. Will he make it out alive—or will Firehouse 51 be mourning one of their own?
Meanwhile, the looming closure of the station will pit firefighter loyalty against city politics, and new rivalries are likely to ignite. Dom’s entanglement with Annette has already blurred the lines between duty and personal ambition—and that’s before the public learns what’s really at stake.
Pascal’s next move could determine not only Firehouse 51’s fate—but the entire future of the Chicago Fire franchise.
Where to Watch and What to Binge While You Wait
While One Chicago Wednesdays are on hold, NBC is filling the gap with holiday specials, including the TV debut of Wicked on November 19 and festive programming through December.
All past Chicago Fire episodes are available to stream on Peacock, alongside Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. It’s the perfect time to revisit the highs, the heartbreaks, and the heroism of Firehouse 51 before the series returns with a vengeance.
Will Firehouse 51 survive the political firestorm—and can Severide be saved in time? Or are fans about to lose more than just a building?
