Season 13 Shake-Ups: Who’s Leaving, Who’s Returning, and What It Means for Firehouse 51

For over a decade, Chicago Fire has weathered the heat — from explosive rescues and gut-wrenching goodbyes to dramatic cast changes that kept fans on edge. But Season 13 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal yet, not just for its storylines, but for what’s happening behind the scenes. With budget cuts, recasts, and character exits rippling through the One Chicago universe, Firehouse 51 is once again bracing for change.

Let’s break down everything we know so far: who’s staying, who’s going, and what these changes could mean for the heart of Chicago Fire.

A Season of Transition

When NBC renewed Chicago Fire for Season 13, it came with a catch: the network was under financial pressure, and several cost-saving measures were announced across the One Chicago shows. While the flagship series wasn’t canceled, whispers of salary cuts and cast turnover quickly followed.

That’s when fans began to notice: some beloved characters were suddenly getting less screen time. And others? Quietly written out.

Confirmed Departures: Who’s Saying Goodbye

1. Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett

As covered in-depth in her emotional wedding episode, Kara Killmer officially exited Chicago Fire in Season 12, Episode 6. Her departure was storyline-driven, with Brett moving to Portland to marry Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer). It was a happy ending — but still a major loss for the ensemble.

2. Alberto Rosende as Blake Gallo

Rosende, who played the energetic and often impulsive firefighter Gallo, exited earlier in Season 12. His departure wasn’t marked with fanfare; he simply left for a new opportunity after grappling with grief and purpose. Fans were disappointed but not surprised, as his arc had seemed directionless in recent episodes.

3. Jack Lockett as Sam Carver

The most recent shock came with news that Jack Lockett’s character, firefighter Sam Carver, will not be returning for Season 13. The exit, reportedly part of NBC’s cost-cutting measures, felt abrupt. Carver had been central in Season 11 and even shared a strong chemistry with Stella Kidd — a dynamic many hoped would develop further.

Though the exit hasn’t been explained in-universe yet, fans are already mourning what could’ve been.

Likely to Return: The Core of Firehouse 51

Despite the turbulence, many familiar faces are still standing strong.

David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann

As the soul of the firehouse and a fan favorite, Herrmann is still in action. His gruff wisdom and emotional depth anchor the show, especially in moments of loss.

Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd

After taking on greater leadership responsibility, Kidd is firmly established as a key player. With her storyline involving mentoring and potential command, she’s central to Season 13’s future.

Eamonn Walker as Chief Wallace Boden

Although there are occasional rumors about Boden retiring, Walker remains a cornerstone of the show. Boden’s steady hand and moral compass are irreplaceable, and his role could expand as newer team members struggle with transitions.

Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz

Still grappling with the loss of Otis and balancing fatherhood, Cruz continues to evolve. Fans love his quiet strength, and Season 13 could give him more leadership opportunities.

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide

Severide’s absence in Season 11 due to Kinney’s personal leave shook fans, but he returned in Season 12, reintegrating seamlessly. His future with Kidd and ongoing arson investigations remain essential storylines.

The Big Question: Will Casey Return for Good?

Matt Casey’s reappearance for Brett’s wedding in Season 12 raised more than a few eyebrows. With Jesse Spencer back for multiple episodes, some fans hoped he might rejoin the cast full-time.

So far, that’s still unclear.

Casey’s Portland storyline offers flexibility for guest spots, and the door is certainly open for occasional returns. But unless NBC makes an offer that justifies a full-time comeback — emotionally and financially — he may remain a recurring figure rather than a permanent fixture.

Still, One Chicago fans know: never say never.

New Faces on the Horizon?

With several departures, Season 13 will likely introduce new recruits. The revolving door of Chicago Fire has always been part of its identity, allowing the series to explore different personalities and backgrounds.

Whether it’s a fresh-faced paramedic filling Brett’s shoes, or a new firefighter clashing with Severide, the potential for new dynamics is huge. But any new character will need to earn fan trust — something that takes time in a universe this beloved.

How the Shake-Ups Will Impact Storytelling

These cast changes don’t just affect the credits. They reshape the DNA of Chicago Fire. Brett’s departure alters the emotional tone of Ambulance 61. Gallo and Carver’s exits open space on the truck but leave a void in terms of youth and energy. And if new characters arrive, their introduction must balance urgency with nuance.

The writing team now faces the challenge of honoring old relationships while building new ones. Thankfully, Chicago Fire has always handled change well. The loss of Shay in Season 3. The death of Otis in Season 8. Casey’s initial departure in Season 10. Each time, the show found a way to evolve — and survive.

What Fans Are Saying

Reactions online have been mixed.

• Some fans are heartbroken to see Brett, Carver, and Gallo go.

• Others feel the show needs fresh blood to move forward.

• Many worry that budget cuts will compromise the quality that’s kept the series strong.

Still, most viewers remain loyal — tuning in each week, no matter who’s on screen.

“Firehouse 51 is more than its roster,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “It’s a feeling. A family. And that doesn’t go away.”

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for an Old Favorite

As Chicago Fire blazes into Season 13, the message is clear: change is inevitable, but the heart of the show remains intact.

Characters will come and go. Some doors will close. Others will open.

And in the middle of it all, Firehouse 51 keeps answering the call — running into danger, supporting one another, and showing viewers what courage really looks like.

Whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure: Chicago Fire still has plenty of stories left to tell.