Get ready, Chi-Hards — Chicago Fire is officially back this fall, and things at Firehouse 51 are about to look very different.
NBC has confirmed that the long-running hit will return for Season 14 on Wednesday, October 1 at 9/8c, anchoring the One Chicago block for yet another high-stakes, emotionally charged season. But don’t expect things to pick up exactly where they left off. Between major cast departures, new faces, and a department-wide shakeup, Chicago Fire is entering uncharted territory.
Who’s Leaving Firehouse 51?
The biggest changes involve the exit of two beloved characters:
-
Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter)
-
Jake Lockett (Sam Carver)
Both stars wrapped their runs in Season 13, marking the end of an era for Truck 81. Kyri had been with the show since Season 7, while Lockett joined in Season 11 and quickly became a fixture. Their exits will leave a major gap — especially considering the dynamic both characters shared with Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). The reasons for their departures are still being kept under wraps, but Carver was last seen contemplating a move out of Chicago while reconnecting with Violet (Hanako Greensmith), hinting at unfinished business.
Michael Bradway, who played Severide’s half-brother Damon, will also not be returning as a regular — although the door appears open for guest spots, particularly with Stella now pregnant.
New Faces on the Horizon
To fill the void, Chicago Fire is bringing in Brandon Larracuente (The Good Doctor, 13 Reasons Why) in a brand-new series regular role. While details about his character are being kept under wraps, his arrival comes at a time of intense internal change at the CFD.
Showrunner Andrea Newman also teased that Kyri and Lockett may return in “some capacity,” so fans shouldn’t rule out a cameo or two in Season 14.
Where Season 13 Left Off
The Season 13 finale didn’t give viewers a concrete send-off for Carver or Ritter. Instead, it dropped emotional bombshells and teased dramatic storylines to come:
-
Stella Kidd is pregnant, a fact that will significantly impact her marriage to Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
-
Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) stepped down from his officer role so that Mouch (Christian Stolte) could take over as lieutenant on Engine.
-
Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) appears to be staying — for now.
-
A city audit is on its way, threatening to shake the department from top to bottom.
What to Expect in Season 14
In a post-finale interview, Andrea Newman confirmed a time jump to start the new season. How far? That’s still TBD — but the show will open with Stella and Severide already well into their pregnancy journey.
And while the parents-to-be will remain strong, the season promises emotional turbulence. “Parenthood is going to shake it up for sure,” Newman said. “It’s going to test this relationship in all new ways.”
But romance aside, the firehouse won’t be spared from institutional pressure. A new audit from city officials is coming for the CFD, and no one is safe.
“CFD is cleaning house, and things are going to get shaken up,” Newman explained. “Next season is going to be about how the s**t really hits the fan once that mandate comes down.”
Change Is Coming — and It’s Coming Fast
With leadership restructuring, personnel cuts, and new hires, Season 14 will challenge every firefighter and paramedic in ways we haven’t seen before. “It’s very much about how the change affects everybody, not just from the top down but from the ground up,” Newman said. “It’s about how our team holds together as a family while the world around them is falling apart.”
In other words, expect fire, emotion, drama, and plenty of surprises — exactly what One Chicago fans have come to crave.
🔥 Chicago Fire returns Wednesday, October 1 at 9/8c on NBC. Set your alarms, grab your gear, and brace yourself — Firehouse 51 is about to face the heat like never before.
