The stars of the One Chicago universe are back on set, and they’re not holding back. In a series of recent interviews and social media posts, cast members from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. have been dropping tantalizing hints about what’s to come. Their consistent message? Brace yourselves for a season of unprecedented change. From shocking character departures and new faces to explosive plot twists and emotional goodbyes, the upcoming seasons will test the limits of our favorite characters and the bonds that hold them together. The cast is promising a season unlike any other, one that will redefine the franchise and leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Chicago Fire Season 14: A Firehouse in Flux
The cast of Chicago Fire has been the most vocal about the massive shakeup coming to Firehouse 51. The Season 13 finale left a trail of cliffhangers, and according to stars like David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) and Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), the new season will waste no time in addressing them.
The most significant news revolves around character departures. It has been confirmed that three major characters are leaving: Sam Carver, Darren Ritter, and Jack Damon. The departures of Carver and Ritter in particular will leave a significant void on Truck 81. Daniel Kyri, who plays Ritter, has confirmed he filmed a few episodes to wrap up his character’s storyline, but his time as a series regular is over. This emotional farewell will be a major plot point early in the season, forcing the team to process a goodbye they never saw coming.
But where there are farewells, there are also new beginnings. The show will welcome new series regular Sal Vasquez (played by Brandon Larracuente), a new firefighter whose arrival will undoubtedly change the dynamics of Firehouse 51. The cast has teased that his integration into the tight-knit family will not be without its challenges.
Beyond the cast changes, the new season promises some of the most personal storylines yet.
- The Stellaride Pregnancy: The biggest news from the finale was Stella Kidd’s pregnancy. Cast members have teased that this storyline will be anything but “goo-goo-ga-ga.” The writers are planning to explore the challenges of a firefighter carrying a child on active duty, a first for the show. This development will add a layer of emotional stakes to every call, forcing Stella and Severide to confront the new risks their job presents.
- Herrmann’s Demotion: Christopher Herrmann’s decision to step down from his officer role to allow Mouch to get his promotion will have a profound effect on the firehouse. Actors David Eigenberg and Christian Stolte have hinted that this “demotion” will create a new and interesting dynamic for their characters, challenging their friendship and professional relationship.
- Political Intrigue: As if that weren’t enough, the cast has also teased a major new antagonist in Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish), the mayor’s chief of staff. Her presence will be tied to looming budget cuts, and cast members have hinted that her political machinations will be a new kind of threat to Firehouse 51, a threat that cannot be fought with hoses and axes.
Chicago Med Season 11: A Beloved Nurse Says Goodbye
The Emergency Department at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center is also preparing for a significant emotional hit. Cast members have confirmed that actress Marlyne Barrett will be leaving the show, meaning the beloved charge nurse Maggie Lockwood will not be a series regular in Season 11.
Barrett’s departure is a monumental loss. As one of the original cast members who has been with the show since the pilot, Maggie has been the heart and soul of the ED. Her exit is described as being for “personal reasons,” and while producers have expressed hope for her return in the future, her absence will be immediately felt. The new season will explore how the ED staff, including Dr. Charles and Sharon Goodwin, cope with the loss of their friend and colleague.
However, the season is not without its surprises.
- Hannah’s Pregnancy: Cast members have teased that the question of who is the father of Dr. Hannah Asher’s baby will be answered early in the season. The show’s writers have also hinted at a “terrible development” in her pregnancy, a mysterious and concerning plot point that could mean anything from complications to a miscarriage.
- Dr. Will Halstead’s Return: The most exciting news for fans of the show is the confirmed return of Dr. Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss). After his emotional exit to be with Dr. Natalie Manning, Gehlfuss will be back for a guest role in the second episode of Season 11. His return is said to be “very special” and will provide some long-awaited answers about his relationship with Natalie, as well as a chance to reconnect with his old friends.
Chicago P.D. Season 13: New Challenges, New Faces
The Intelligence Unit is also entering a new chapter in its thirteenth season. After the long-awaited wedding of Burgess and Ruzek, the show will shift its focus to the new professional and personal challenges facing the team. The cast has teased that while there was a happy ending for one couple, the new season is anything but smooth sailing.
- A New Officer: The show is saying goodbye to Officer Kiana Cook, but it will be welcoming a new face: Officer Naomi Kerr (Arienne Mandi). Her character is described as a former soldier with a guarded past, and her arrival will create a new dynamic within the tight-knit Intelligence Unit.
- Voight’s New Battle: Cast members have hinted that Sergeant Hank Voight’s moral compass will be tested once again. After taking down a corrupt deputy chief in the Season 12 finale, Voight will be forced to confront his demons and the fallout from his “old school” tactics. The cast has promised that this storyline will be a deep dive into Voight’s psyche and his relationship with the team.
- The Aftermath of a Wedding: After years of a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship, Burgess and Ruzek are finally married. But the cast has hinted that their new dynamic as a married couple will be explored in a “fun” new way, suggesting that their love story is far from over and will continue to evolve in the new season.
The One Chicago franchise has always been about the resilience of its characters. This season, however, feels different. The cast’s own excitement and apprehension about the changes are palpable, and their sneak peeks have confirmed that these aren’t just minor plot points; they are seismic shifts that will redefine the shows. As a fan, the thought of a “season of change” can be bittersweet. We will have to say goodbye to some of our favorites, but we will also get to witness the birth of new relationships, the exploration of new dynamics, and the introduction of new heroes. The stage is set for a truly unforgettable return, and the wait for October 1st just got even harder.
