As Chicago Fire gears up for its highly anticipated 14th season, the long-running NBC drama is undergoing a notable cast transformation. The latest headline? Brandon Larracuente, best known for his emotionally layered performances in 13 Reasons Why and The Good Doctor, has officially signed on as a series regular.
His arrival follows the departure of two fan-favorite characters: Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver), both of whom will not be returning for Season 14. Their exits mark a significant shift in the fabric of Firehouse 51 and open the door for Larracuente’s fresh energy and untapped potential.
A New Face in the Firehouse
Though Chicago Fire producers have yet to release details about Larracuente’s character, sources close to the production confirm he will be a key member of the 51 family—likely filling the void left by Carver and/or Ritter. Given the emotionally charged Season 13 finale, which saw personal revelations and team reshuffling, Larracuente’s arrival comes at a pivotal time in the narrative.
His casting also underscores NBC’s continued effort to rejuvenate the One Chicago universe with rising talent. Larracuente, whose performances often blend emotional depth with youthful intensity, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the long-running procedural.
From On Call to Chicago Fire
Larracuente joins the series fresh off his lead role in On Call, a half-hour Prime Video drama executive produced by One Chicago creator Dick Wolf. Though On Call was not connected to the One Chicago franchise, the series marked Wolf Entertainment’s first original streaming drama and featured appearances from Chicago Fire alums including Monica Raymund and Eriq La Salle.
Following On Call’s cancellation after one season, Larracuente’s seamless transition to network television feels both natural and strategic. His extensive television credits, which also include Party of Five and Bloodline, speak to his range and adaptability—traits that make him well-suited for the ensemble structure of Chicago Fire.
Behind the Scenes
Chicago Fire is produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment. The series remains under the creative leadership of executive producers Dick Wolf, Peter Jankowski, Andrea Newman, Reza Tabrizi, and Matt Whitney.
Together, they’ve shaped Chicago Fire into one of NBC’s most consistent ratings performers, and their calculated casting choices have kept the narrative relevant for over a decade.
What’s Next for Season 14
Season 14 is already being framed as a rebuilding year for Firehouse 51. With the sudden departure of two central figures and the surprise pregnancy reveal of Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) in the Season 13 finale, the firehouse is undergoing both personal and professional evolution.
Larracuente’s addition, amid these changes, suggests a strategic effort to ground the series in new dynamics while honoring its core values: bravery, loyalty, and resilience under pressure.
Expanding the Universe — and the Experience
In tandem with the new season, Wolf Entertainment and USG Audio are preparing to launch the official One Chicago Podcast. Debuting this fall, the weekly series will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. with interviews from cast members, writers, directors, and producers.
This marks a significant expansion in how fans can engage with the One Chicago brand—beyond the screen and into the creative process itself.
A New Era Begins
As Chicago Fire prepares to return to NBC in fall 2025—retaining its signature Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET time slot—anticipation is mounting. Brandon Larracuente’s arrival comes at a moment of transition for the series, and with it, the promise of new stories, fresh challenges, and the enduring spirit of Firehouse 51.
Whether he becomes the next great firefighter or a completely new kind of hero, one thing is certain: Season 14 is not just a continuation—it’s a reinvention.
