Since its debut in 2012, Chicago Fire has been a staple of the One Chicago franchise, captivating audiences with its high-stakes action and deeply human stories. Centered on the courageous first responders of Firehouse 51, the series thrives on its perfect balance of intense firefighting drama and heartfelt personal relationships. While the show’s action sequences are legendary, its true strength lies in its characters—making every return, departure, and reunion a pivotal moment for fans.
Now, Chicago Fire showrunner Derek Haas has teased some exciting returns for the series, hinting that fans might soon reunite with beloved characters from the past.
Big Returns Are on the Horizon
In a recent interview with TV Guide, Haas shared intriguing hints about the show’s future, promising to revisit unresolved storylines and bring back familiar faces. One notable highlight was his acknowledgment of Jesse Spencer’s exit as Matthew Casey during the show’s landmark 200th episode. While Casey’s departure left a void, Haas assured fans that the creative team has exciting plans for revisiting cherished parts of the Chicago Fire universe.
“I love these ‘bring back unresolved storylines or characters you haven’t seen in years,’” Haas said. “We have some more of those planned.”
Who Might Be Returning?
Though Haas remained tight-lipped about specific names, he did offer some tantalizing clues.
- The Original Molly’s Owner: One storyline under discussion involves revisiting the original owner of Molly’s Bar, who sold it to Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) in Season 1. “In a comedic storyline — this isn’t set in stone — we’re talking about the original owner of Molly’s returning,” Haas teased.
- Brett’s Half-Sister, Amelia: Haas confirmed plans to bring back Sylvie Brett’s (Kara Killmer) young half-sister, Amelia, a character whose absence was tied to COVID restrictions on child actors. “Now we’ve gotten the go-ahead,” Haas revealed, opening the door for Brett to explore her family ties in future episodes.
- Casey and Brett’s Long-Distance Relationship: Addressing Brett’s relationship with Casey, Haas assured fans that the couple is still “solid.” He added, “She’s going to go see him at some point in the season,” offering a glimmer of hope for Brettsey shippers despite the challenges of long-distance love.
Stella Kidd’s Return and More to Come
The show recently brought back firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), whose absence created tension with her on-again, off-again fiancé, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). While Stella’s return has delighted fans, the future of her relationship with Severide remains uncertain, adding to the anticipation surrounding upcoming episodes.
Haas’s comments suggest that Kidd may not be the only significant return viewers can expect. With plans to revisit early storylines and reintroduce familiar faces, Chicago Fire seems poised to deliver a mix of nostalgia and new drama, keeping audiences hooked.
Why These Returns Matter
For a show as enduring as Chicago Fire, reconnecting with its roots is a way to honor its legacy while continuing to evolve. By revisiting past characters and storylines, the series creates opportunities for emotional payoffs, comedic interludes, and new challenges for its central cast.
Haas’s teasers have undoubtedly sparked excitement among fans, ensuring that the upcoming episodes will be as gripping and heartwarming as ever.
