Change is in the air—both in the world of Chicago Fire and on the streaming screen. While Season 14 of NBC’s hit firefighter drama is undergoing a significant transformation, one of its rising stars is stepping into an entirely new spotlight. Michael Bradway, beloved by fans as Firefighter Jack Damon, is trading turnout gear for tender glances and moonlit reunions as he takes on the role of Charlie Florek in the highly anticipated Prime Video adaptation of Every Summer After.
Based on Carley Fortune’s bestselling debut novel, Every Summer After, the series marks Bradway’s first major leading role outside the One Chicago universe. And if early buzz is any indication, fans are ready to follow him from the firehouse to the lakehouse.
A staple on BookTok and a nominee for both Readers’ Favorite Romance and Readers’ Favorite Debut Novel in 2022, Every Summer After has amassed an impressive 4.71 rating on Goodreads and a devoted fanbase hungry for a screen adaptation. The story unfolds across six years and one unforgettable weekend in Barry’s Bay, a picturesque lakeside town that holds both the sweetest memories and deepest regrets of the protagonist’s youth.
At the center of this emotional whirlwind is Persephone “Percy” Fraser, played by Saltburn breakout star Sadie Soverall. Once inseparable from her childhood best friend turned first love, Sam Florek (played by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series alum Matt Cornett), Percy is jolted back to her hometown after years of silence and unresolved heartache. As she navigates one life-altering weekend, she must reconcile the choices that drove her away with the love that might still be waiting.
Joining the dynamic cast is Westworld’s Aurora Perrineau as Chantal, Abigail Cowen (Fate: The Winx Saga) as Delilah, and Joseph Chiu (Fear Street: Prom Queen) as Jordie. But it’s Bradway’s casting as Sam’s older brother Charlie that has readers particularly thrilled—especially since Charlie plays a central role in Fortune’s later novel One Golden Summer, sparking hope among fans that more adaptations may be on the horizon.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this fabulous cast!” author Carley Fortune gushed in a statement. “This is an enormously talented group of actors, whose auditions made me laugh, swoon, and cry. I know they’ll have fans of Every Summer After falling in love with their favorite characters all over again.”
Bradway echoed the excitement on social media, sharing: “Couldn’t be more excited to be your Charlie.” The response was electric. Fans praised the casting as “God tier,” while others begged for a full Fortune-verse adaptation, with one fan commenting, “I hope we get One Golden Summer adaptation next!!”
The move marks a dramatic shift for Bradway, whose exit from Chicago Fire coincides with a major shake-up for the show in its upcoming 14th season. In addition to Bradway’s departure, Daniel Kyri (who played firefighter Darren Ritter since Season 7) will not return, reportedly due to budget cuts. Jake Lockett, who portrayed Sam Carver, also confirmed he’s stepping away from the series, writing in a heartfelt Instagram post:
“While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was, and I am going to miss the hell out of that. It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life, and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years.”
To offset the loss, Chicago Fire is welcoming fresh faces. Brandon Larracuente—known for his role in On Call, another Wolf Entertainment project—will join Firehouse 51 as a new firefighter, promising new dynamics and fresh energy.
As Chicago Fire prepares for a new chapter and Bradway embarks on his romantic lead debut, fans find themselves caught in a whirlwind of emotion. One thing’s certain: whether you’re a loyal Chi-Hard or a book lover eagerly awaiting the next must-watch adaptation, the name Michael Bradway is one you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
And with Every Summer After poised to become the next big hit in the book-to-screen romcom boom, we may all soon find ourselves back at Barry’s Bay, falling in love right alongside him.
