When Charlie Barnett left Chicago Fire in 2015 after three seasons, fans were shocked. Since the series premiere in 2012, he portrayed rookie firefighter Peter Mills, whose father had tragically died in the line of duty. Barnett’s departure left many wondering how the show could possibly replace such a beloved character.
Chicago Fire, part of the One Chicago franchise that includes Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., follows the lives of firefighters and paramedics at the fictional Firehouse 51. The series is known for its character-driven storytelling, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the ensemble cast.
During his time on the show, Mills was depicted as a compassionate and determined team member, motivated by the desire to honor his father’s legacy. However, in Season 3, the character made the surprising decision to leave the firehouse and return to his family’s restaurant in North Carolina. This unexpected plot twist left fans bewildered and heartbroken.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Reason for Barnett’s Departure
Barnett’s exit was not just a narrative choice; it was driven by decisions made behind the scenes. After the news broke, Barnett expressed his surprise in an interview, revealing that he had been blindsided by the decision.
“It was just a normal day of filming,” he recounted. “I hadn’t heard anything about it, and then [the writers and producers] pulled me into a room, sat me down, and apologized. They explained it wasn’t about me as an actor or my personality, but they felt that Peter had reached a plateau, and the writers didn’t know where to take him because he’d done so much already.”
The move to write Mills off the show also stemmed from the introduction of new characters. Executive producer Matt Olmstead stated, “The hardest part of this job is when you feel it’s the right time to make cast changes. Losing Barnett was solely based on bringing in new people for new stories.”
Despite the abrupt end to his character’s arc, Barnett holds no ill feelings towards the decision. “I was definitely stunned,” he admitted. “I got so much from the show and the connections we created. It’s a special experience that will never go away. I learned a lot about myself as an actor and what direction I want to go in.”
Life After Chicago Fire: Barnett’s Acting Journey
After leaving Chicago Fire, Barnett quickly found new opportunities. He starred in the ABC mystery series Secrets & Lies in 2016, followed by a role in the short-lived CW military drama Valor. However, it was his part in the Netflix series Russian Doll that brought him renewed recognition. The critically acclaimed show, which premiered in 2019, features Barnett as Alan, a character caught in a time loop alongside Natasha Lyonne’s character, Nadia.
In addition to Russian Doll, Barnett has appeared in various other series, including the Netflix miniseries Tales of the City and the psychological thriller You. He also took on the role of John Diggle Jr. in the CW’s Arrow, which concluded in 2020.
A Possible Return to Chicago Fire?
Although Barnett has not reprised his role on Chicago Fire since his exit, he has expressed interest in returning. In past interviews, he stated that he would love the chance to return to Firehouse 51. “I would be more than happy to return. I love the show; it brought me everything I have. It was an incredible window in my career,” he shared.
Showrunner Derek Haas has also hinted at the possibility of Barnett’s return, stating he hopes to welcome him back one day. Barnett even joked about a potential spin-off where Mills and his on-screen love interest, Gabby Dawson, find their way to Puerto Rico to start their own firehouse.
Fans of the show have also expressed their desire to see Barnett return. Many have taken to online forums to share their enthusiasm for his possible comeback. Comments range from excitement about his return to suggestions for deeper character development if Mills does come back.
While there are no concrete plans for Barnett’s return, both he and the show’s fans remain hopeful. Only time will tell if Peter Mills will find his way back to Firehouse 51.
