Charlie Barnett left an indelible mark during his three-season tenure on Chicago Fire as rookie firefighter Peter Mills. The character’s journey of living up to his late father’s legacy while navigating personal and professional challenges made him a fan favorite. Mills’ complicated relationships with Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund) added depth to his storyline, but his departure in Season 3 left fans wondering what was next for Barnett.
Since stepping away from Firehouse 51, Charlie Barnett has been anything but idle. From compelling TV dramas to memorable roles on Netflix, here’s what he’s been up to since leaving Chicago Fire.
The Exit That Closed a Chapter
Peter Mills’ departure from Chicago Fire was a bittersweet moment for fans. Injured in a fire during the Season 2 finale, Peter worked tirelessly to recover and reclaim his place at the firehouse. However, in the Season 3 episode “You Know Where to Find Me,” Mills ultimately chooses to leave Chicago. Opting for a quieter life in North Carolina, he helps his family run their restaurant and steps out from under his father’s shadow.
Though the show moved on, Barnett’s portrayal of Mills remains a cherished part of the One Chicago franchise’s legacy.
A Leap into New Projects
Post-Chicago Fire, Charlie Barnett quickly transitioned to other TV roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He appeared in ABC’s soap Secrets and Lies and The CW’s military drama Valor, both of which lasted just one season. Barnett then landed a recurring role as Ben Marshall in Netflix’s 2019 adaptation of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City.
In the same year, Barnett joined Season 2 of Netflix’s psychological thriller You as Gabe, adding a layer of intensity to the series. Fans of superhero dramas also saw him as John Diggle Jr. in Arrow and later as a guest star on Netflix’s heartfelt show Special in 2021.
Stealing the Spotlight in Russian Doll
One of Barnett’s standout post-Chicago Fire roles is his portrayal of Alan Zaveri in Netflix’s critically acclaimed Russian Doll. The 2019 series, co-created by and starring Natasha Lyonne, follows two strangers trapped in a mysterious time loop. Alan, a meticulous and troubled man, must join forces with Nadia (Lyonne) to uncover the source of their predicament and find a way out.
Barnett’s nuanced performance added emotional depth to the series, making him a memorable co-protagonist. Russian Doll earned rave reviews for its originality, and while Barnett’s involvement in the show’s second season has yet to be confirmed, his role as Alan remains a career highlight.
Back to Primetime with Ordinary Joe
Charlie Barnett has returned to network television with a role in NBC’s Ordinary Joe. The innovative drama explores three alternate realities stemming from a single decision made by Joe Kimbreau (James Wolk) on his college graduation day. The series tracks Joe’s life paths as a rock star, a family-man nurse, and an unmarried police officer.
Barnett plays Eric Payne, Joe’s close college friend, who provides support across Joe’s various realities. His grounded and relatable portrayal brings balance to the show’s complex narrative structure. While the series is still finding its audience, Barnett’s performance stands out as one of its strengths.
A Career Full of Momentum
Since leaving Chicago Fire, Charlie Barnett has taken on diverse roles that highlight his range and ability to breathe life into complex characters. From surreal Netflix dramas to network TV’s latest offerings, he’s proven that his talent extends far beyond the walls of Firehouse 51.
