Chicago Fire will not return next week as the show is taking a break and will return in November.
The news was confirmed by the One Chicago Instagram account along with a clip teasing the transition of Chicago Police Department Officer Kiana Cook to the Intelligence unit. The caption reads: “Will Cook accept Torres’ offer? One Chicago returns Wednesday, November 6 on @nbc.”
The brief hiatus comes after Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) left Chicago Fire’s Firehouse 51. Viewers were shocked when Jack was revealed to be Kelly Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) half-brother, but just a few episodes later, the young firefighter was fired by new chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) after he defied direct orders during a call.
While it’s not yet been confirmed whether Michael will reprise his role in future episodes, only the first four episodes of season 13 are listed on his IMDb page.
Taking to social media, one confused fan asked why the character was fired so early, writing: “If Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) is the one leaving, I really don’t understand why they introduced his character in such an explosive way in the first place? I really wanted him to stay.”
Another fan asked: “[What] is going on with the #ChicagoFire casting issues? First bring in Rome Flynn then accidentally fire him after a few episodes then replace him with Damon before firing him after a few episodes.”
Michael confirmed his departure from the show earlier this year in a social media post, hinting that he would only be on the show for one season. “Got to be a part of the Chicago Fire Family in Season 12!” he wrote. “Can’t wait for you guys to see next week!”
Jack Damon isn’t the only character to leave Firehouse 51 after such a short time. Actor Rome Flynn, who played Derrick Gibson in season 12, was written out of the show after just six episodes.
Speaking to Variety about his departure, the 32-year-old actor previously said: “Like all the fans, I’m sad to see Gibson leave. He’s a character I loved playing.” Sharing his hopes for a potential return in the future, he added: “I had a great time on Chicago Fire and have great respect for the cast and crew and hope to work with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.” Rome’s departure follows the departures of Alberto Rosende and Kara Killmer, both of whom have appeared on the show for multiple seasons.
