As NBC’s Chicago Fire gears up for its 14th season this fall, fans are still reeling from the emotional finale in May — and wondering how Firehouse 51 will adapt to some big changes. Now, just months before the show’s return, a major casting update offers a glimpse into the future of the series.
Brandon Larracuente, best known for his roles in On Call and The Good Doctor, is officially joining Chicago Fire as a series regular — stepping into a cast that’s just said goodbye to two longtime members: Daniel Kyri (Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Carver).
But with no character details revealed yet, the big question remains: Can Larracuente truly fill the boots of the beloved firefighters he’s replacing?
A Familiar Face From a Cancelled Show Joins Firehouse 51
Larracuente’s casting was confirmed via Deadline, with the actor set to portray a central member of the Firehouse 51 team. Though On Call, the now-cancelled Prime Video drama, wasn’t part of Dick Wolf’s One Chicago universe, it shared behind-the-scenes DNA — with familiar names like Monica Raymund and Eriq La Salle involved.
After On Call was cancelled in May after just one eight-episode season, Larracuente’s transition to Chicago Fire feels like a natural next step — and a major vote of confidence from Wolf Entertainment.
Filling the Void: Can One Newcomer Replace Two Departing Heroes?
Season 14 will begin without Ritter, who joined the show in Season 7, and Carver, who became a fan favorite after arriving in Season 11. With no clear exit story for Ritter yet, and Carver’s fate still unfolding after the Season 13 finale, fans are left to speculate how Chicago Fire will address their absences.
Larracuente’s character is expected to join Truck 81, a squad now in flux with Stella Kidd’s surprise pregnancy potentially affecting her active duty status. Given Firehouse 51’s ever-changing team dynamics, his character may walk into a unit in the middle of emotional and professional upheaval.
Why Larracuente’s Casting Makes Sense — and Raises Questions
Larracuente’s resume speaks for itself. From the intensity of Bloodline to the medical world of The Good Doctor, he brings dramatic range and a youthful energy that could inject new life into Chicago Fire. Plus, with Fire’s ensemble cast known for evolving over time, a bold new presence might be exactly what the show needs post-Ritter and Carver.
That said, fans are notoriously protective of Firehouse 51’s chemistry — and filling not one, but two emotional vacancies will be no easy feat. Whether Larracuente’s character is a fresh recruit, a transfer, or something entirely different remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Firehouse 51?
Season 14 is poised to pick up after a likely time jump, meaning Stella’s pregnancy could already be advanced — or even postpartum — when the show returns. She could find herself in a modified role, much like Gabby Dawson did during her pregnancy storyline seasons ago.
That shift alone may create room for new characters to step up — which is likely part of the reason for Larracuente’s early promotion to series regular status. Whether he’s part of Truck 81, Rescue Squad, or arrives with a backstory of his own, he’ll be stepping into a firehouse at a crossroads.
Meanwhile, Deadline also reported that efforts to revive On Call are still ongoing. If a second season materializes, Larracuente’s departure from that world could be written off cleanly, especially considering how the first season ended.
A Bold Move for a Show That Knows How to Evolve
Chicago Fire has weathered many cast changes over the years — and each time, it’s found a way to adapt without losing the heart of the show. From the loss of Casey to Brett’s emotional exits and returns, the series has proven its staying power lies not just in its characters, but in the way it tells human stories through them.
Brandon Larracuente’s casting may not answer all the questions surrounding Season 14, but it gives fans something to get excited about — and a fresh opportunity to see how Firehouse 51 handles the heat.
Chicago Fire returns this fall to its regular Wednesdays at 9 PM ET time slot on NBC, airing between Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.. You can stream past seasons now on Peacock as we wait to see how the next chapter unfolds — and whether Firehouse 51’s newest member is ready to rise to the challenge.
