The Chicago Fire season 14 will start on NBC on October 1, 2025. Firehouse 51 is going to have a lot of changes, like new characters, cast shakeups, and dramatic storylines.
Fans can expect a shorter season, changes that have to do with money, and some familiar faces to come back for a few episodes. This guide has everything you need to know about Season 14 of Chicago Fire, including who’s staying, who’s leaving, and what’s coming up.
Chicago Fire Season 14 – What to Expect This Fall
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The new season of Chicago Fire will start on NBC on October 1, 2025, and air every Wednesday night. There will be big changes at Firehouse 51 for people who like the Chicago shows. Season 14 has new plots, surprising changes in characters, and a shorter format because the network changed.
Setups From Season 13 That Will Impact Season 14
A lot of loose ends were left at the end of Season 13, and they will be picked up in Season 14. The first episodes of Season 14 will likely be based on these stories.
- Stella Kidd’s pregnancy: Stella announced that she is going to be a mom, and we’ll see how she handles being a mom and her job at the firehouse.
- Changes in leadership: Herrmann quit so that Mouch could be given more chores to do.
- Tension from audits: A review of the department puts everyone at Firehouse 51 under a lot of stress and threatens jobs.
- Team changes: The team might have to change how they work together if they get new trucks and squads.
What We Know About NBC’s New Creative Direction
There will be changes to how NBC runs its shows, such as Chicago Fire. The format, the speed, and even which characters show up will change because of these changes.
- Shorter episodes: There will be fewer episodes in each season on NBC, and this includes Chicago Fire and Chicago Med.
- Budget adjustments: Because they have less money, producers are choosing to focus on stories with fewer characters.
- Fewer crossovers: This season, don’t expect a lot of episodes that involve Chicago Med or Chicago P.D.
- More drama: Less filler episodes and more important moments will make the stories move faster.
Full Cast Breakdown for Chicago Fire Season 14
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Many cast members are back for Season 14, and a few are definitely leaving. Some characters will be back for a short time, while others will be back full-time. As of now, NBC has confirmed all of the changes.
Returning Regulars and Guest Stars Confirmed
There are some changes to the main cast, but most of them will stay the same. These actors have been confirmed to be back for the next season.
- Taylor Kinney: Back as Kelly Severide, returning after his time away in Season 13.
- Miranda Rae Mayo: Returns as Stella Kidd, dealing with her surprise pregnancy.
- Christian Stolte and David Eigenberg: Continue in their roles as Mouch and Herrmann, with Mouch taking on more leadership.
- Daniel Kyri: Will play firefighters Darren Ritter, but only for a limited time.
New Additions and Character Arcs Teased
New characters will be added in Season 14, and some old plots will be modified to fit the shorter season format.
- Brandon Larracuente joins: A new face joins the crew, but details about his role are still under wraps.
- No return for Sam Carver: Actor Jake Lockett has exited the series permanently.
- Exit of Jack Damon: Severide’s half brother, played by Michael Bradway, will not appear this season due to other work on Prime Video.
- Limited role for Ritter: Daniel Kyri will only appear in a few episodes, not as a full-time cast member.
Is Cruz Suspended from Chicago Fire or Leaving for Good?
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It’s not clear what will happen with Joe Cruz at Firehouse 51. Fans want to know if he’ll be back in Season 14 because his storyline in Season 13 ended with a lot of problems.
The Real Story Behind Joe Minoso’s Character Drama
In a shocking turn of events, Cruz took part in a theft at the firehouse after being threatened with jail time. Despite being shot and living, what happened could have very bad effects.
- Evidence against Cruz: His blood was found at the crime scene, which proves he did it.
- Legal and career risks: Cruz might have to step down or be charged.
- Backstory conflict: If he told the truth, his past mistakes would come to light, which could end his career.
- Chief Dom Pascal’s influence: Cruz might not get a second chance since Pascal is following strict rules.
Will Cruz Face Legal or Career Fallout in Season 14?
NBC hasn’t said for sure if Cruz will stay or leave. His story is likely to go on for at least a few more episodes, though.
- Ongoing investigation: What happens to Cruz might depend on how he deals with the stress.
- No public statement: Joe Miñoso, the actor, hasn’t said anything about it.
- Fan support strong: A lot of Cruz fans want him to stay and get through the problems.
- Unlikely to be ignored: This plot will probably stay a big part of the first few episodes of the season.
Who Is Leaving Chicago Fire Season 14?
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During Season 14, a number of characters will leave House 51. NBC is trying to make the show run more smoothly now that it’s back to its regular times. This is part of their plan. The first episode will air on October 1, 2025, and since the season will be shorter, the show will focus on fewer things.
All the Confirmed Exits So Far
Several actors are leaving the show, either because of scheduling issues or changes in the script. Fans saw early signs of change in posts and news stories.
- Daniel Kyri’s limited return: Will appear briefly as Darren Ritter but won’t be a regular this season.
- Jake Lockett’s exit: Leaves his role as Sam Carver after two impactful seasons.
- Michael Bradway’s departure: Won’t return as Jack Damon, Kelly Severide’s half brother, due to his new Prime Video project.
Why NBC Is Shaking Up the Cast Lineup
The network has said that the smaller cast list was necessary for both financial and creative reasons. It’s possible that even roles like Chief Dom Pascal may get less screen time.
- Budget cuts: Fewer episodes mean fewer full-time characters.
- Confirmed on social media: Most exits were shared in an Instagram story or official press quotes.
- Focus on core drama: Producers want to highlight central relationships in the Windy City firehouse.
Final Thoughts
Season 14 of Chicago Fire is going to be one of the most talked-about ones yet. With cast shake ups, surprise returns, and tighter plots, it’s clear that NBC is shifting gears. More attention will be paid to the main cast of the three One Chicago shows (Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.).
No matter how short the season is, the stories of the firefighters at Firehouse 51 are still important. Longtime fans can look forward to intense drama, high-stakes rescues, and emotional goodbyes on Wednesday nights in the Windy City, when the show usually airs. The premiere date is October 1, 2025.
FAQs About Chicago Fire Season 14
When is the premiere date for Chicago Fire Season 14?
The premiere date is October 1, 2025, airing during the usual time slots on NBC.
Is Chief Dom Pascal still in Season 14?
Chief Dom Pascal appears in the upcoming season but may have less screen time.
Why did Daniel Kyri only return for a short time?
Daniel Kyri will play firefighters Darren Ritter for limited episodes after being full-time for two seasons.
How does Chicago Fire connect with the three One Chicago shows?
Chicago Fire is part of the three One Chicago shows along with Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.
Are first responders still the main focus this season?
Yes, Chicago Fire continues to highlight the lives of first responders despite cast changes.
