As the flagship series of Dick Wolf’s One Chicago universe, Chicago Fire has kept fans hooked since its debut in 2012. The show’s mix of high-stakes rescues and deeply personal drama has made it a consistent ratings winner, earning an impressive 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, even the most beloved shows can misstep. With over a decade of episodes under its belt, Chicago Fire has delivered its fair share of moments that left fans frustrated, bewildered, or outright angry. From questionable plotlines to divisive character arcs, here are some of the moments that sparked heated debates among the show’s dedicated Chi-Hards.
The Cringe-Worthy Protest Episode
One of the most criticized episodes in Chicago Fire’s history is Season 8’s “Light Things Up.” The storyline centers on a group of disgruntled citizens staging a sit-in at Firehouse 51 to protest their lack of city services. The premise, however, didn’t sit well with fans, many of whom found it contrived and unrealistic.
Redditor u/ssstuart123 expressed their frustration, writing:
“I’m honestly hating this new season of Chicago Fire. It’s soooo cringe now, especially this episode… protesters take over the firehouse? Like, come on!”
Other fans echoed similar sentiments. One user, u/MamaDragon, dismissed the plot as “dumb and unbelievable,” while others bemoaned the overall direction of the season. The episode remains a sore point for many who felt the show sacrificed realism for forced drama.
Stella Kidd: Too Perfect to Be True?
Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is one of Chicago Fire’s most prominent characters, but her idealized portrayal has rubbed some fans the wrong way. Many believe the writers have turned her into an overly perfect character, making her less relatable.
On Reddit, u/Key_Text_42 shared their frustration with Kidd’s meteoric rise:
“Stella has become almost too perfect to be realistic. I’m really hoping she does NOT pass her Lieutenant’s exam.”
Another fan, u/AFuzzyredpillow, pointed out the inconsistency in her rapid promotion compared to other characters:
“It took Herrmann [David Eigenberg] five seasons to get promoted, and even now it’s hardly acknowledged. Stella just breezes through everything.”
This perception of favoritism and lack of realism in Kidd’s storyline has left some viewers yearning for more nuanced character development.
Captain Casey’s Character Shift
Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) was a fan favorite for much of the series, but some viewers noticed a troubling change in his demeanor after his promotion to Captain in Season 6. Critics felt that Casey became overly arrogant, which tarnished his once-admirable character.
One Reddit user, u/obviously_blond, lamented:
“Casey’s arrogance after becoming Captain can be quite unbearable at times.”
Another, u/rayoncee, noted the opposite shift, describing him as “too soft” in his leadership role. Regardless of the perspective, it’s clear that Casey’s character arc as Captain sparked mixed reactions, with some fans feeling his development was mishandled.
Severide Takes the Blame
Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) is no stranger to drama, but fans are tired of him being unfairly blamed for situations beyond his control. A prime example is the Season 4 storyline where Severide loses his rank due to personnel issues at Firehouse 51—something fans argued was entirely out of his hands.
Redditor u/Honkerstonkers called this arc “the very worst storyline of the show,” while u/Ta-veren added:
“How is any of what happened Kelly’s fault? It doesn’t make sense.”
The mishandling of Severide’s demotion remains a point of contention, with many feeling the storyline did a disservice to his character.
Casey’s Departure Divides Fans
Jesse Spencer’s exit as Matthew Casey in Season 10’s landmark 200th episode was a significant moment for the show. While some fans were ready to bid farewell, others were deeply upset by his departure, attributing it to inconsistent writing.
One fan, u/mug3n, criticized the show’s tendency to disrupt romantic pairings:
“The Casey/Brett storyline dragged on for two seasons, and then Spencer left the show. It’s just bad writing.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Casey’s exit marked a turning point in Chicago Fire, leaving fans divided over whether the show could maintain its spark without him.
Final Thoughts
While Chicago Fire has delivered countless memorable moments over its long run, not every storyline has been a hit. From polarizing character arcs to implausible plotlines, these missteps have frustrated fans at times. But despite these bumps in the road, the series continues to thrive, proving its ability to keep Chi-Hards tuning in week after week.
