Chicago Fire is back on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and Firehouse 51 is facing more threats than ever. Engine Company 51 could be cut due to budget issues, putting Mouch’s newly minted lieutenant position in jeopardy—but that’s just the beginning.
The fall finale left fans gasping: Severide and Van Meter are trapped in a burning building, unaware that another fire has been set inside, potentially leaving them with no way out. With Stella away in Cleveland, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and no one knows if Severide will make it out alive.
Executive producer and director Reza Tabrizi revealed that every storyline from the fall finale ended on a cliffhanger—from Severide and Van Meter’s investigation to the tension between Violet and Vasquez, all the way to Pascal and Mouch’s fallout. Tabrizi explained that preparing the winter premiere required meticulous planning, coordination with the previous episode’s director, and countless Zoom meetings to ensure the action and suspense carried over seamlessly. The investigation continues across multiple episodes, so not everything will be resolved in the first winter premiere.
Over the years, Tabrizi has refined his directing style. The crew has grown incredibly experienced, making the fire scenes safer and more cinematic. Each episode now feels like a weekly action movie, while keeping the focus on the core of the series: characters facing life-or-death danger, whether on the fireground or in unexpected situations.
The personal stakes are just as high. Severide and Stella will struggle with missed calls and worry as one faces life-threatening danger. Sal Vasquez must confront his complicated past when his father shows up unannounced, forcing him to make a tough decision in front of his colleagues. Novak’s story also gets deeper, exploring her relationship with her sister and mother, adding emotional weight alongside the high-stakes action.
One of Tabrizi’s favorite parts of directing this episode is watching Severide MacGyver his way out of impossible situations, blending intense action with character-driven drama.
One thing is certain: the winter premiere is more than just a return—it’s a thrilling ride full of fire, danger, and emotional drama that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
