When are we heading back to Firehouse 51?
Chicago Fire returned to screens in the US for its 12th season in the US, but fans in the UK have had to wait. Finally, that wait is over.
The series, produced by Law & Order’s Dick Wolf, is back on Sky Witness and NOW, with the new season continuing to follow the day-to-day lives of firefighters and paramedics in the Windy City.
This season has seen The Vampire Diaries alum Taylor Kinney return to the ensemble cast following a leave of absence, while Alberto Rosende is departing as Blake Gallo.
The drama, which is part of a shared television universe also inhabited by Chicago PD, Chicago Med and Chicago Justice, has already been renewed for a 13th season – so fans don’t need to worry that this is the last they’ll see of the team.
Read on for more details on the upcoming episodes, including the latest news and release date for when they will arrive on Sky and NOW in the UK.
Chicago Fire season 12 release date
Chicago Fire usually returns in the autumn of each year, following a brief hiatus over the summer as the cast and crew get prepped for their next round of shooting.
However, due to the lengthy strike organised by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), this process was delayed – hence why Chicago Fire season 12 made its US premiere on Wednesday 17th January.
The programme returned to the 9pm slot on NBC, while it is also available on Peacock in the US. However, fans in the UK still had to wait.
Finally, a UK release date has been revealed, with the show returning to Sky Witness and NOW at 9pm on Friday 5th April 2024.
Chicago Fire season 12 cast: Who could return?
Chicago Fire fans can expect to see the following stars return in season 12:
David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann
Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz
Miranda Rae Mayo as Lt Stella Kidd
Kara Killmer’s return as Sylvie Brett
Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter
Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami
Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide
Rome Flynn as Jake Gibson
Jocelyn Hudon as Lyla Novak
Michael Bradway as Jack Damon
Christian Stolte’s future with the show is now in question following the events of season 11’s dramatic finale.
Randall “Mouch” McHolland appeared to be recovering from his gunshot injury until Herrmann suddenly saw him flatline in hospital as blood soaked through his blanket.
While he could still pull through, this wouldn’t be the first time that the writers have killed off a major character on this show.
Taylor Kinney’s future as Kelly Severide was previously also in doubt, after the star took a temporary leave of absence. However, it has now been reported he will indeed be back at the start of season 12.
Rome Flynn (How to Get Away with Murder) was also added to the cast as amateur boxer Jake Gibson, who crosses paths with team at Firehouse 51 and becomes a recurring player throughout the season (via Deadline). However, the character was seen to leave the show after just six episodes, and it’s currently unclear if he will be back.
Meanwhile, other new additions for the season include Jocelyn Hudon as paramedic Lyla Novak and Michael Bradway as firefighter Jack Damon.
However, Alberto Rosende is officially out as firefighter Blake Gallo, after amicably parting ways with Dick Wolf Productions.
