The One Chicago franchise continues to keep fans on their toes with surprising returns and exciting twists. After the high-stakes One Chicago crossover, Chicago Fire is shifting back to its usual structure on February 5 with an episode titled “Relief Cut.” While the impact of the crossover will still linger, this episode will feature the return of a beloved character—Kylie Estevez (Katelynn Shennett).
Fans will finally get to see Kylie back in action, and given her strong ties to Firehouse 51, we’re eager to see how she fits into the evolving dynamics of the team.
Kylie Estevez Returns in “Relief Cut”
The official synopsis for “Relief Cut” reveals that Kylie Estevez will be teaming up with Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) to investigate a case involving missing fire hydrants. While Herrmann leads the charge, he enlists Kylie’s help to piece together critical details and uncover the truth.
This will mark Kylie’s first appearance in 2025, and her return is particularly exciting because of her past collaborations with Herrmann. Fans last saw Kylie in the season 13 episode “Down the Rabbit Hole” (November 2024), where she and Herrmann worked together to investigate a suspicious truck company with a shady reputation.
Kylie’s Strong Connection to Firehouse 51
Kylie has long been a special part of Firehouse 51. She was introduced as a protégé of Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) after becoming the first graduate of Kidd’s Girl on Fire program. Her deep mentor-mentee relationship with Stella, combined with her father-daughter dynamic with Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), made her a natural fit for 51.
However, despite her strong bonds with the team, Kylie ultimately chose to transfer to another firehouse. She was hired at Truck 46, where she continued to build her career. Her time away was short-lived, though—Kylie was brought back to Firehouse 51 after Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), Severide’s half-brother, was let go.
This return, however, has been a bit complicated. While Kylie is officially part of Firehouse 51, she hasn’t been featured in every episode, making her status on the show somewhat inconsistent.
Will Kylie Get More Screen Time?
Kylie’s sporadic appearances have left fans wondering about her long-term role on the show. She was a major presence in season 11, appearing in 13 episodes, but that number dropped to just 6 episodes in season 12. In season 13, she has only appeared once so far—despite being an official member of 51.
Given Chicago Fire’s recent focus on introducing younger characters like Carver (Jake Lockett) and Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), it would make sense for the show to give Kylie more screen time. She’s already established, well-liked, and has key relationships with multiple characters.
Could “Relief Cut” mark the beginning of a larger role for Kylie? Fans are hopeful that this episode will be the start of a much-needed boost for her character.
Final Thoughts
As Chicago Fire resumes its post-crossover storytelling, Kylie’s return adds another layer of intrigue to the show. Her experience, relationships, and history with Firehouse 51 make her a valuable part of the team, and it will be exciting to see how she contributes to the mystery of the missing fire hydrants.
Hopefully, this won’t be the last time we see Kylie this season—and perhaps Chicago Fire will finally give her the consistent presence she deserves.
