The bells are ringing at Firehouse 51 once again! As we move into 2026, NBC has officially confirmed that Chicago Fire Season 14 is set to return from its winter hiatus on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 9 PM ET/PT.
Following a high-stakes fall finale in November, the team is gearing up for a 21-episode run that promises to be one of the most transformative in the show’s history. Here is everything you need to know about the “New Era” of Firehouse 51.
The “Stellaride” Bombshell: A New Chapter
The biggest storyline heading into the new year revolves around Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). After the heartbreaking loss of a potential adoption in the Season 13 finale, the couple was stunned by a positive pregnancy test.
Season 14 will dive deep into the complexities of “first responder parenthood.” Showrunner Andrea Newman has teased that the reality of both parents working a dangerous job will “amp everything up,” especially as they face the fear of leaving their child behind if a call goes wrong. Expect plenty of “sexy and in love” moments, but with a new layer of high-stakes anxiety.
Major Cast Shake-Ups: New Faces & Emotional Exits
Firehouse 51 is undergoing its biggest roster change in years. Due to reported “budget trimming” and creative shifts, several familiar faces have hung up their helmets:
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The Departures: Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) have officially exited as series regulars. While Ritter returned for a limited run in the fall to wrap up his story, Carver’s exit to the Denver Fire Department left a massive void—and a heartbroken Violet. Michael Bradway (Jack Damon) has also left the squad.
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The New Recruit: Filling the gap is Brandon Larracuente (13 Reasons Why) as Sal Vasquez. Described as a “wild card” with a charming but confident attitude, Vasquez is already causing friction on Truck 81 as he challenges Stella Kidd’s leadership style.
The Hierarchy Flip: Lieutenant Mouch?
In a surprising twist, Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) has decided that the “desk life” of a Chief isn’t for him. To the shock of the house, Herrmann relinquished his rank to return as a regular firefighter, clearing the way for his best friend Mouch (Christian Stolte) to finally take his Lieutenant’s exam and lead Engine 51. Watching the shift in power between these two veteran friends will be a central theme for the rest of 2026.
The “New Chief” Mystery
With the legendary Wallace Boden now serving as Deputy Commissioner, Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) has officially taken the helm as the new Battalion Chief. While Pascal was recently cleared of a murder cloud involving his past, his “arm’s length” leadership style continues to keep the crew on edge.
Are you ready for the One Chicago block to return? NBC has confirmed that Chicago Med (8 PM) and Chicago P.D. (10 PM) will also return on January 7th.
