It has been a difficult winter for the fans of Firehouse 51. After a gripping fall finale that aired on November 12, 2025, many were stunned to realize that the sirens of Chicago Fire would remain silent for the rest of the year. NBC has officially confirmed that there will be no new episodes for the remainder of 2025, as the network pivots to its holiday programming schedule and winter lineup resets.
However, the wait is almost over. NBC has finally revealed that Chicago Fire Season 14 will return on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at its usual 9 PM ET/PT time slot.
Why the Long Hiatus?
The two-month break following the November finale was a strategic move by the network. By clearing the Wednesday night block, NBC made room for holiday specials—including the televised debut of Wicked—and ensured that the “One Chicago” franchise wouldn’t have to compete with holiday travel and distractions. This hiatus also allows for a more consistent run of episodes in the new year, minimizing the “on-again, off-again” scheduling that often frustrates viewers during the spring.
Picking Up from the Cliffhangers
When the show returns in January, it has some massive fires to put out—both literal and metaphorical:
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Severide in Peril: The fall finale, “Pierce the Vein,” left Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Van Meter trapped inside a burning apartment building during an arson investigation. With the stairwell engulfed in flames and oxygen running low, the mid-season premiere will need to hit the ground running to resolve this life-or-death situation.
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The Fate of Station 51: Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) is facing a political nightmare. Significant budget cuts have placed Firehouse 51 on the chopping block for decommissioning. The upcoming episodes will follow the team’s desperate fight to prove their station is essential to the city’s safety.
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Internal Friction: The arrival of the “wild card” firefighter Jack Vasquez has already stirred the pot at the firehouse. His unpredictable nature and the emotional fallout of Sal’s father securing early parole will continue to test the unity of the crew.
The Road to May 2026
Season 14 is slated to have a total of 21 episodes. With only seven episodes having aired in 2025, fans can look forward to a massive 14-episode stretch starting in January. While the Winter Olympics in February may cause one more brief pause, the majority of the back half of the season will carry viewers straight through to a likely explosive season finale in May 2026.
