It’s hard to believe, but Chicago Fire is gearing up for its 14th season, and fans everywhere are on high alert. After more than a decade of emotional goodbyes, blazing rescues, and enough cliffhangers to leave us gasping for air, Firehouse 51 is far from finished. But the biggest questions right now? When exactly will Season 14 premiere — and who will (or won’t) be there when it does?
🗓️ When Does Chicago Fire Return in 2025?
NBC has yet to drop an official date, but longtime fans know the drill. Chicago Fire typically kicks off in the last week of September or the first week of October, aligning perfectly with the fall launch of Chicago Med and Chicago P.D..
That means Season 14 is almost guaranteed to debut late September or early October 2025. If history repeats itself, expect NBC to confirm in June or July, giving the network enough time to unleash its high-octane promo campaigns. Translation: the wait is nearly over.
🔄 Cast Shake-Ups: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
No One Chicago season would be complete without a few surprises, and Season 14 is already shaping up to be a changing of the guard.
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Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) – His quiet exit last season didn’t go unnoticed. Carver’s storylines fizzled instead of flared, and by the finale, it was clear the writers were preparing fans for life without him.
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Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) – This one stings. Ritter has been a fan-favorite since his introduction, bringing warmth, humor, and representation to the firehouse. While details on his departure remain under wraps, most reports suggest he won’t be returning full-time. The hope? That Ritter gets the heartfelt send-off he deserves.
It’s a tough blow, but not entirely shocking. With budget adjustments and network shows tightening belts, long-running casts often face shake-ups. Still, Firehouse 51 has weathered this storm before — and emerged stronger with fresh faces.
🔥 What Will Season 14 Be About?
Plot details are locked up tighter than a firehouse on inspection day, but if Season 13 taught us anything, it’s that Chicago Fire thrives on unpredictability.
We’re bracing for:
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Fresh faces stepping into the firehouse, challenging dynamics and loyalties.
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Unfinished business from Season 13 — unresolved romances, simmering workplace conflicts, and personal struggles that refuse to stay buried.
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Big rescues and bigger risks — because if there’s one thing Chicago Fire never skimps on, it’s high-stakes drama where every second counts.
And then there’s the emotional heartbeat of the show: relationships. With Stella and Severide navigating new ground in their marriage, Violet still reeling from heartbreaking losses, and Herrmann continuing to be the backbone of the team, Firehouse 51’s personal lives promise to be just as gripping as the calls they answer.
🧡 Final Thoughts: Sirens Will Be Ringing Soon
Even without an official date, one thing’s for sure: Season 14 is already one of the most talked-about premieres of fall 2025. Between emotional cast exits, the promise of new blood, and storylines that are bound to test every firefighter’s limits, Chicago Fire is once again proving why it’s one of NBC’s crown jewels.
So keep your eyes on NBC’s announcements — because the sirens, the chaos, and the heart of Firehouse 51 are almost back. And when they return, you can bet it’ll be one fiery ride.
