Season 14 Is Heating Up! Everything We Know About Chicago Fire’s Fiery Return in 2025
The anticipation is building, the sirens are sounding, and the iconic firehouse doors are about to swing open once again. Chicago Fire is set to return for its fourteenth season, and if the early details are any indication, it’s going to be one of the most transformative seasons yet. The show, a cornerstone of NBC’s “One Chicago” franchise, has long been a master of blending high-stakes drama with deeply personal character arcs. But as we head into 2025, Firehouse 51 is facing its biggest challenges, both from within and from the outside. With a major cast shake-up, a new baby on the way, and a fresh face ready to stir the pot, here is everything we know about the fiery return of Chicago Fire.
Premiere Date and Production Buzz
Mark your calendars! Chicago Fire Season 14 will premiere on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. The show will once again anchor the network’s Wednesday night lineup, following Chicago Med and preceding Chicago P.D. The cast and crew have already been hard at work filming on location in Chicago, and social media sneak peeks from the actors have only amplified the excitement.
A Seismic Shift in the Cast
Perhaps the biggest news surrounding Season 14 is the significant turnover in the Firehouse 51 roster. The show is known for its tight-knit ensemble, so any cast changes are felt deeply by the fans. This season, we are saying a temporary or permanent farewell to several key players.
- Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) are exiting. Showrunner Andrea Newman has confirmed that both actors will be leaving their series regular roles. While the Season 13 finale left their fates somewhat ambiguous, it’s been announced that Kyri will return for a limited run to give his character, the beloved Ritter, a proper send-off. Lockett’s exit as Carver, however, seems more definitive, paving the way for Violet to navigate life after their brief reconnection.
- Michael Bradway’s Jack Damon will also not return as a series regular. With actor Michael Bradway cast in a new project, the storyline involving Severide’s half-brother will likely be resolved off-screen, a quick and clean wrap-up to a recently introduced character arc.
With these departures, the firehouse is in need of new blood. Enter Brandon Larracuente, who joins the cast as Sal Vasquez, a new firefighter. Early reports suggest that Sal will be a challenging presence, a charming but confident firefighter with a hidden family history in the first responder world. He’s set to join Truck 81 and will likely test the leadership of Lieutenant Stella Kidd. Showrunners have teased that his character is reminiscent of a younger Severide, which could lead to an interesting dynamic between the two.
Another notable addition is Annabeth Gish, who joins in a recurring role as Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff. Her character is tied to looming budget cuts and will add a layer of political intrigue, creating a “very complicated” relationship with Battalion Chief Dom Pascal. This new dynamic promises to expand the show’s scope beyond the firehouse and into the corridors of power.
What’s in Store for Our Favorite Characters?
The Season 13 finale left us with a number of tantalizing cliffhangers, and Season 14 is poised to tackle them head-on.
Stellaride’s Baby Journey: The most heartwarming reveal of the last season was Stella Kidd’s pregnancy. After a challenging journey, the news that they are expecting a baby will undoubtedly be the central personal storyline for the power couple. Showrunner Andrea Newman has said that this new chapter will “amp everything up for these two” and test their relationship in “all new ways.” For two characters whose jobs are inherently dangerous, the added stakes of impending parenthood will create a new level of tension and emotional depth. Fans will be eager to see how the famously cool-headed Severide and the determined Stella navigate this monumental change.
The Rise of Lieutenant Mouch: In a truly unexpected turn, Christopher Herrmann decided to step down as an officer to allow Randy “Mouch” McHolland to take on the role of Lieutenant on Engine 51. This power shift is a major professional development for both characters and promises to shake up their long-standing friendship. How will Herrmann adjust to being a regular firefighter under his friend’s command? And how will Mouch handle the pressures of a leadership role? This storyline has the potential for both hilarious moments and poignant drama.
Violet’s New Chapter: With Carver’s departure, Violet is left to pick up the pieces of her complicated love life. The finale saw them share a passionate kiss, but with Lockett’s exit, Violet will be forced to move on once again. Adding to her plate is the increased pressure on Ambulance 61, as aggressive budget cuts lead to the closure of other firehouses. Violet, already a Chief Paramedic, will have to bear the weight of a heavier workload while also navigating her personal life.
Political and Professional Shake-Ups: Showrunner Andrea Newman has been vocal about a major “shake-up” coming to the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) as a whole. An auditor will be brought in to “clean house,” meaning “nobody is safe.” This systemic change will create a new layer of conflict, threatening the stability of Firehouse 51. The arrival of Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff, is tied directly to this political and professional turmoil, adding a sense of real-world gravitas to the season’s narrative.
The Return of Familiar Faces
While some characters are leaving, the heart of Firehouse 51 remains. Fans can look forward to the return of remaining original cast members Taylor Kinney (Lt. Kelly Severide), David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), and Christian Stolte (Randy “Mouch” McHolland). We’ll also see the familiar faces of Miranda Rae Mayo (Lt. Stella Kidd), Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami), Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz), and Jocelyn Hudon (Lyla Novak). Their presence ensures that while the firehouse is evolving, its core family remains intact.
In conclusion, Chicago Fire Season 14 is shaping up to be a season of significant change and emotional depth. The departures of beloved characters will be felt, but the new additions and compelling storylines promise to keep the show as thrilling and engaging as ever. From the joyous prospect of Stellaride’s baby to the dramatic tension of departmental shake-ups, Firehouse 51 is poised for a truly unforgettable return. Get ready for a season that is hotter and more dramatic than ever before.
