Chicago Fire shocked fans during its Season 13 winter premiere, delivering a tense and emotionally charged episode focused on Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) and his connection to ex-convict Junior Polanco (Richard Cabral). However, it wasn’t just the episode’s explosive ending that left viewers reeling—it was the absence of a promo teasing what’s next.
The lack of a teaser was especially baffling given the dramatic cliffhanger: Cruz, caught in a violent shootout involving Junior and another ex-con, was shot in the arm. While he managed to survive, the trauma of the encounter left him breaking down in tears. The episode concluded abruptly, leaving fans desperate for a glimpse of the aftermath. Yet, NBC chose not to air a promo for the next episode, sparking widespread confusion.
Breaking the One Chicago Tradition
It’s rare for One Chicago shows to skip a next-episode promo, particularly after returning from a hiatus. Both Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. aired teasers for their upcoming episodes on the same night, further puzzling fans of Chicago Fire.
NBC hasn’t provided a direct explanation, but recent events may offer some insight.
The Impact of L.A. Wildfires
The devastating wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles have displaced over 100,000 people, forcing many to evacuate their homes. In light of this tragedy, networks with firefighting dramas, including Chicago Fire, are exercising sensitivity about their content.
For instance, CBS recently pulled a rerun of Fire Country scheduled for Friday, January 10, replacing it with an episode of NCIS: Sydney. The decision reflects an effort to avoid airing potentially upsetting content for viewers affected by the ongoing disaster.
Given the context, NBC may have opted to withhold the Chicago Fire promo to avoid appearing insensitive, especially if next week’s episode features a storyline involving a deadly blaze. This approach demonstrates a level of caution and respect for audiences currently experiencing real-life trauma.
Navigating a Delicate Situation
NBC faced a challenging decision heading into the One Chicago winter premiere lineup. Unlike CBS, which postponed a rerun, NBC was debuting new episodes, including Chicago Fire’s highly anticipated midseason return. Pulling the show entirely would have been difficult, given its popularity and integration with Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. in the Wednesday night block.
While NBC chose to proceed with the episode, they may have felt airing a promo for the next installment—which likely continues Cruz’s harrowing storyline—was inappropriate under the circumstances.
When Will Chicago Fire Return?
Despite the lack of a teaser, fans can rest assured that Chicago Fire will return with a new episode on Wednesday, January 15. The absence of a promo hasn’t dampened excitement, as viewers remain eager to see how Cruz’s story unfolds and how the team at Firehouse 51 rallies around him.
For fans looking to catch up, previous episodes of Chicago Fire are available for streaming on Peacock. As always, the upcoming episode promises high-stakes drama, emotional depth, and the camaraderie that makes the series a fan favorite.
