Happy New Year, One Chicago fans! As 2025 begins, NBC’s beloved Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. are back on January 8 to heat up our screens once again. After a strong fall season that landed the Chicago shows among NBC’s Top 5, the midseason premiere of Chicago Fire promises plenty of tension, action, and life-altering decisions for the crew of Firehouse 51.
Ahead of the premiere, NBC released a set of teaser images that have fans buzzing—particularly about the fate of firefighter Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), who seems to be at the center of the drama in the upcoming episode titled “A Favor.”
Cruz Faces His Past
When we last saw Firehouse 51 in the November midseason finale, Cruz found himself in a dangerous situation. A chilling message awaited him in his locker: a single bullet left by Junior (Richard Cabral), the cousin of Flaco—the gang leader Cruz chose to leave behind during a fire back in Season 1. Junior, now out of prison, tracked Cruz down, demanding a confrontation that’s sure to escalate in the new episode.
The recently released promo images reveal Cruz’s distressed expression during the confrontation, hinting at a tense and potentially life-threatening encounter. As he grapples with the consequences of decisions made years ago, Cruz will need to rely on his courage, and perhaps his colleagues, to navigate this precarious situation.
What’s Next for Severide, Mouch, and Herrmann?
The teaser images also provide a glimpse into the lives of other Firehouse 51 members. Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) is seen preparing to teach an arson investigation class at the academy, a role that could lead to new challenges and opportunities. Meanwhile, Mouch (Christian Stolte) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) appear to have received some good news, likely tied to their recent captain and lieutenant exams.
If the pair have indeed succeeded in advancing their ranks, it raises questions about the future dynamics at Firehouse 51. Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) might need to navigate a station filled with rising leaders, potentially shaking up the team’s hierarchy.
A Crossover Event Worth the Wait
While the midseason premiere is generating plenty of excitement, the One Chicago franchise has even more in store for fans. After a five-year hiatus, the much-anticipated One Chicago crossover event will air later this season. Executive producer Anastasia Puglisi described the ambitious effort as creating “essentially a three-hour action movie” that brings together the casts, crews, and creative minds behind Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.
This crossover promises to blend drama, action, and high-stakes storytelling as the interconnected worlds of the three shows collide. Fans can expect a unique and thrilling experience, further solidifying the franchise’s legacy as a cornerstone of NBC’s primetime lineup.
When and Where to Watch
Chicago Fire and its One Chicago counterparts return Wednesday, January 8, 2025, on NBC. The crossover event is slated to air three weeks later, giving fans plenty of time to catch up on all the action and drama leading up to the big night. Episodes will also be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.
With tensions running high, relationships evolving, and new challenges on the horizon, Chicago Fire Season 13 is shaping up to be one of its most gripping yet.
