Chicago Fire fans are bracing for a bittersweet fall finale, as it looks like Stella Kidd won’t be the only familiar face absent when season 14 closes out 2025.
After episode six revealed Kidd’s temporary departure from Firehouse 51, new hints suggest that Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) might also be missing from the final episode of the year — leaving fans worried about another beloved veteran’s fate.
Kidd’s Sudden Exit to Cleveland
In episode six, viewers learned that Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) would be leaving Chicago temporarily to relocate to Cleveland with Isaiah, helping his mother settle into a rehab facility. The storyline offered a heartfelt reason for her absence, allowing Mayo to step away from the show for a few episodes.
Given the timeline, it’s expected Kidd will miss the fall finale, set to air November 12, and won’t return until Chicago Fire resumes in early 2026. Fans have already begun to speculate about how her absence will impact Severide (Taylor Kinney) and the team’s dynamics at 51.
Herrmann’s Mysterious Absence Raises Questions
While Kidd’s absence is explained, Herrmann’s vanishing act remains a mystery. He was one of five characters missing from episode six — and there’s still no sign of him returning for the finale.
NBC’s promo materials, synopsis, and released stills for the episode make no mention of Herrmann. His complete omission has sparked concern that he’s being quietly written out, though insiders suggest otherwise.
Given that Herrmann recently lost his house in a devastating fire, his potential break from the action makes narrative sense. He may simply be taking personal time to recover from the trauma — a grounded and believable reason for his temporary absence.
Fans Fear the Worst — But There’s Good News
Longtime fans have grown attached to Herrmann, one of Firehouse 51’s emotional anchors since season one. His sudden disappearance without context has raised alarms online, but there’s no indication that David Eigenberg is leaving the show.
Most Chicago Fire series regulars miss a few episodes per season, often to balance scheduling or story arcs. Herrmann has now been absent for two episodes, suggesting this could just be part of that rotation.
“We’ve already been without Herrmann for two episodes,” one One Chicago Center source noted. “Hopefully, this means he’ll be back early in the new year when season 14 returns.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
Despite the missing faces, Chicago Fire’s fall finale promises big emotional payoffs and a major cliffhanger to set up the 2026 storyline. With Kidd away, Severide’s leadership will face fresh tests, and the team must continue holding the fort without two of their most reliable veterans.
The good news? Both Kidd and Herrmann are expected to return when Chicago Fire resumes next year — ensuring that Firehouse 51’s family remains intact.
