For over a decade, Chicago Fire has been a cornerstone of primetime television, delivering pulse-pounding action, emotional drama, and a family dynamic that has captivated audiences around the world. As the flagship of Dick Wolf’s legendary “One Chicago” franchise, the show has consistently kept fans on the edge of their seats with daring rescues, personal triumphs, and gut-wrenching goodbyes. With the dramatic conclusion of Season 13, which left the fate of several beloved characters hanging in the balance, the anticipation for Season 14 has reached a fever pitch.
Fans are clamoring for answers: When will Firehouse 51 return? Who is coming back? And what new dangers will our favorite firefighters face? As the fall television season kicks into high gear, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the upcoming return of Chicago Fire.
The Official Premiere Date
The long wait is almost over. NBC has officially announced the premiere date for Chicago Fire Season 14. The new season is set to ignite our screens on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, kicking off another exciting night of “One Chicago” action, followed by its sister shows, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. This return to its traditional Wednesday night slot brings a sense of normalcy and continuity to the long-running series, giving fans a reliable schedule to look forward to each week.
Major Cast Shake-ups: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Chicago Fire is no stranger to cast changes, and Season 14 is shaping up to be one of its most significant. The Season 13 finale left a major void that will be felt throughout the firehouse, with at least one major character confirmed to have made their final appearance.
Confirmed Departure: Stella Kidd
In a truly shocking and emotional twist, Miranda Rae Mayo, who has played the fierce and dedicated Stella Kidd since Season 4, will not be returning as a series regular. The Season 13 finale saw Stella make a heartbreaking decision to prioritize her mental health and family after a traumatic event on a call. While the door has been left open for guest appearances, fans will have to say goodbye to seeing Stella’s leadership and spirit on a weekly basis. Her departure leaves a gaping hole in Truck 81 and will undoubtedly impact her relationship with her husband, Kelly Severide.
New Series Regular: Officer Miller
To fill the void, Firehouse 51 will be getting a new addition. Officer Miller, a paramedic with a sharp wit and a complicated past, has been promoted to a series regular. Played by newcomer Eva Ramirez, her character made a strong impression in a few Season 13 episodes. Her fresh perspective and no-nonsense attitude are expected to shake things up, particularly in her interactions with the established crew. Early reports suggest her character will have a strong connection to a case that carried over from last season, making her addition feel organic to the plot.
The Return of a Fan Favorite?
While nothing has been officially confirmed, there is a lot of fan speculation about the possible return of Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey. His character, who left the show to care for his late friend’s children, has made guest appearances in recent seasons. With the departure of Stella Kidd and the need for a strong, familiar presence at Firehouse 51, rumors are swirling that Casey could make a dramatic return, possibly in a recurring role to help guide the team through a difficult new chapter. This remains the biggest rumor heading into the new season and would be a monumental development for the show.
Major Plotlines and Cliffhangers to Be Resolved
Season 14 will pick up right where the finale left off, tackling several major cliffhangers head-on.
1. The Aftermath of Stella’s Decision: The biggest unresolved issue is the fate of Stella and Severide’s marriage. With Stella gone, Severide will have to navigate life at the firehouse and at home without his partner. We will see him grappling with her absence and the emotional toll it takes on him. The premiere is expected to show the immediate aftermath of her departure, with the crew of Firehouse 51 trying to adjust to their new reality.
2. Boden’s Future: The finale hinted that Chief Wallace Boden might be considering a new professional path. The show has always centered around the paternal figure of Boden, and the possibility of him leaving could shatter the team. Season 14 will explore his decision-making process and what it could mean for the leadership of Firehouse 51.
3. The New Paramedic and the Mystery Case: Officer Miller’s arrival is directly tied to a lingering mystery from last season. A complex arson case that has stumped the police department has a personal connection to her, and she will be working with the team to uncover the truth. This storyline is expected to be a major arc for the first half of the season, bringing in new characters and new dangers.
Everything Else to Know
- Crossover Potential: As always, Chicago Fire will be an integral part of the “One Chicago” universe. Expect multiple crossover events with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, particularly as characters from each show deal with the fallout of the Season 13 finale. A three-part crossover event is rumored for later in the season.
- Production and Filming: Filming for Season 14 began in July 2025, and the cast has been tight-lipped about major spoilers. However, social media posts from cast members have confirmed that the new dynamics on set are already creating some exciting new energy.
- A New Beginning: With new faces and a beloved character’s departure, Season 14 is shaping up to be a transitional one. It will force the characters to adapt, grow, and redefine their bonds, a process that has made the show so compelling for over a decade.
The emotional stakes have never been higher, and fans are ready to see how their favorite characters will navigate a firehouse changed by new beginnings and old goodbyes. As the new season approaches, all eyes are on Firehouse 51 to see what new challenges will arise, and how the bonds of family will endure through the flames.
