NBC’s Chicago Fire holds a special place in television history as the show that launched the One Chicago franchise. Since its debut in 2012, it has captivated audiences with high-stakes emergencies and compelling character drama, giving rise to hit spin-offs like Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice. With an impressive 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a decade-long run, Chicago Fire is clearly a fan favorite.
However, even the most beloved shows have episodes that fans deem less stellar. According to IMDb, two episodes stand out as the least-loved in the series’ history: the Pilot episode and Season 9’s “Smash Therapy.”
Why “Smash Therapy” and the Pilot Rank Low
Season 9, Episode 4: “Smash Therapy”
“Smash Therapy” follows Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) as he struggles with both emotional and physical challenges. His relationship with Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) hits a rough patch, adding tension to the episode. The drama peaks when Casey has a dangerous ladder accident that he blames on veteran firefighter Mouch McHolland (Christian Stolte).
While the episode provides character-driven storylines, some viewers found it overly focused on interpersonal drama rather than the high-octane action they expect from Chicago Fire. This may explain why “Smash Therapy” earned a less enthusiastic response from fans, despite its solid 7.8 IMDb rating.
Season 1, Episode 1: The “Pilot”
The Chicago Fire Pilot introduces the core members of Firehouse 51 but lacks the polish and chemistry of later episodes. The strained relationship between Casey and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), two of the show’s most enduring characters, feels jarring to fans who later grow to love their bond.
Given the challenge of laying the foundation for a long-running series, the Pilot was understandably rough around the edges. It set the stage for what the show would become but lacked the emotional depth and balance of action and drama that defined future episodes.
Context Matters: These Episodes Aren’t “Bad”
It’s important to note that neither “Smash Therapy” nor the Pilot episode is hated. Both boast an IMDb score of 7.8 out of 10, a respectable rating for any TV series. In fact, the relatively high scores highlight the consistent quality of Chicago Fire. The fact that its “worst” episodes are still well above average speaks volumes about the show’s enduring appeal.
Why Fans Still Love Chicago Fire
Even with its occasional missteps, Chicago Fire remains a powerhouse of compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and high-stakes drama. Episodes like “Smash Therapy” and the Pilot are outliers in a series that has consistently delivered both emotional moments and adrenaline-pumping action.
For longtime viewers, these “weaker” episodes are simply part of the growing pains or momentary lapses of a show that continues to evolve and entertain. And for new fans, they’re opportunities to appreciate how Chicago Fire has improved over time, building stronger relationships and delivering more gripping narratives with each passing season.
