Change is in the air at Chicago Fire, as the long-running hit series prepares to return for its 14th season with a restructured cast and major behind-the-scenes shifts. True to the One Chicago tradition, characters come and go—but this time, the shakeup feels especially significant.
NBC has confirmed that Chicago Fire, along with Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., will return for the 2025–2026 TV season. But as fans gear up for Season 14, they’re also bracing for a wave of cast departures, new additions, and dramatic transitions that could redefine the tone of the show.
Despite the turnover, NBC President of Program Planning Jeff Bader isn’t worried. “Cast comes in, cast goes out,” Bader told TVLine in July 2024. “Every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question. But [the shows] just keep going on.” He emphasized that the One Chicago brand remains strong and continues to dominate Wednesday night TV.
However, fans are understandably anxious after multiple exits were hinted at ahead of the new season. Showrunner Andrea Newman didn’t hold back. “We’re going to have a lot of turnover,” she told TVLine in May 2025. “And a lot of craziness going on in the CFD from the top. People are being cut and moved, and everything’s going to get shaken up next season. There will be hellos, and there will be goodbyes.”
Here’s a breakdown of who’s confirmed to return, who’s departing, and who remains a question mark:
✅ Returning for Season 14
Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide)
While much of the cast is in flux, Kinney’s Severide remains central to Chicago Fire. His return brings a stabilizing presence to Firehouse 51—and according to many, the show simply wouldn’t be the same without him.
David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann)
Despite teasing a potential promotion, Herrmann chose to stay on as a regular firefighter in the Season 13 finale. He’s confirmed to return in Season 14.
Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz)
Minoso is locked in for another season, continuing Cruz’s steady role as a reliable team member.
Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd)
A staple of the show since 2016, Mayo is expected to stay on despite the behind-the-scenes shakeups. As Kidd continues to rise as a central leader, her presence will be vital.
Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami)
With her character’s future tied to Carver’s departure, Violet is staying put—for now. Greensmith is expected to remain part of the core ensemble.
Jocelyn Hudon (Lyla Novak)
Hudon has confirmed her character is committed to Firehouse 51. “She’s settled. She’s with her family,” Hudon told Us Weekly in April 2025.
❌ Not Returning
Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter)
Kyri’s departure was reported in April 2025, with sources citing possible budget cuts as the reason. Ritter’s absence will certainly leave a gap in the firehouse dynamic.
Jake Lockett (Sam Carver)
Lockett confirmed via Instagram that he is leaving the series after Season 13. Though his exit storyline remains under wraps, his farewell message made it clear the decision was final: “It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life.”
❓ Status Unclear or Evolving
Eamonn Walker (Wallace Boden)
After 12 seasons as Firehouse 51’s rock, Walker officially stepped down in Season 12. He made a guest appearance in Season 13’s standout episode “Post-Mortem,” but his future involvement is currently unknown. Showrunner Newman has not ruled out more appearances.
Christian Stolte (Randall “Mouch” McHolland)
Stolte is expected to return, but Newman hinted that no one is entirely safe. “There’s nobody safe in this shakeup,” she warned. Mouch may be staying—at least for now—but the CFD’s future is anything but predictable.
Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal)
Introduced in Season 13 as Boden’s replacement, Pascal’s leadership style and controversial past—marked by an attempted murder accusation—make his future uncertain. While Newman hasn’t confirmed his status for Season 14, his character is positioned as a major disruptor heading into the new season.
As the show enters Season 14, Chicago Fire is embracing change—restructuring both its cast and its narrative focus. With new leadership at Firehouse 51 and legacy characters making big decisions, fans can expect emotional highs, dramatic turns, and the kind of unpredictability that has kept the franchise going strong for over a decade.
Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Firehouse 51 won’t look the same—but it’s far from extinguished.
