Chicago Fire has already delivered plenty of incredible moments in Season 13, but there is plenty to come according to one star of the series. Joe Miñoso has played Joe Cruz in the Chicago franchise since 2012, first playing the role in Chicago Fire before also crossing over into Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. as well. While discussing his role on the show with MovieWeb’s George Edelman, Miñoso shared a teasing insight into what fans will see as the current season comes to a close next month.
Chicago Fire has seen several changes recently, with Chief Boden leaving the station at the end of Season 12, and Dermott Mulroney’s Dom Pascal taking over as chief at the beginning of Season 13. While the fallout of a tragedy that has befallen Pascal in recent weeks continues into the season finale, Miñoso expects fans to experience “jaw drops” in the final episodes. He said:
“I just read the end of 21, we just got episode 21. We’re currently filming 20 and, oh boy, are you guys in for a surprise, like, concerning [Lauren] German’s character, like, it’s like, it’s one of those things where you’re reading it, it’s like, you’re like, your jaw drops. And it was, yeah, I think it’s going to be a very, very exciting last couple of episodes.”
‘Chicago Fire’ Continues to Fly the Flag for Network Shows
While many people believe that network television is dead and streaming is the only TV that matters, shows like Chicago Fire remind everyone that this is not exactly the case. In fact, for some people, the series is one of the few times families sit down together to watch the same show. Miñoso added:
“Our greatest point of pride, and this has happened to almost all of us, is at some point, some fan will come up to us and be like, ‘Oh my god, you guys are the only thing that the whole family sits down and watches, and we’re there for three hours, and we don’t move and no one calls us because they know don’t bother.’ And it’s like, how, I mean, how lucky are we that we get to be a part of, you know, anyone’s life, let alone a full family. And, you know, bringing them together for something like, that’s a great honor for me.”
While it is never easy to pinpoint exactly why a series is popular with so many people, Miñoso does have one reason why Chicago Fire calls out to a large audience. He said:
“We really try to exemplify hope, but hope that is specifically derived from people working together, because, and I think that that’s one of the greatest values that the show has to offer, is the idea that it’s like we are stronger than the sum of our parts, you know.”
Chicago Fire’s 13th season continues with Episode 18, which will premiere on NBC on April 16, 2025.
