Jocelyn Hudon says things are about to get very complicated for Lyla Novak as Chicago Fire heads into the second half of season 14.
After stepping up from fan-favorite floater to series regular, Novak is finally getting her moment. Hudon reveals the shock sister twist opened the door to deeper emotional storytelling, pushing Novak into unfamiliar territory as the responsible one in her family. The storyline, she says, helps explain Novak’s chaotic charm and why Firehouse 51 feels like home.
Professionally, Novak is thriving. The paramedic pilot program with Violet has given her real authority and fresh dynamics on Ambo—proving she’s more than comic relief. And behind the scenes, the show is quietly building a strong female core with Novak, Violet, and Stella Kidd.
Romance? That’s where things get messy. Novak’s cross-show spark with Chicago Med’s Dr. John Frost hasn’t fully hit Firehouse 51 yet, while her deep, emotionally grounded bond with Vasquez adds another layer of tension. Hudon hints that trust—not just attraction—may decide where Novak’s heart ultimately lands.
