There’s a five-alarm fire raging through Chicago Fire — and it’s not on-screen. In a surprising twist that’s sending shockwaves through the One Chicago fandom, another key cast member has officially exited ahead of Season 14. That makes three major departures in just a matter of months — and it’s safe to say fans are feeling the burn.
Michael Bradway, who joined the show in Season 12 as rookie firefighter Jack Damon, will not return for the upcoming season. As confirmed by TVLine, the rising actor has landed a leading role in Every Summer After, a buzzy new Prime Video adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel. While fans had hoped to see Damon’s intriguing storyline continue, especially after that family bombshell, Bradway’s new commitment officially takes him off the board — at least for now.
From Fresh Blood to Family Ties
Bradway’s Jack Damon was first introduced as a green recruit fresh from the fire academy, but it didn’t take long before suspicions about his mysterious background began to swirl. Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide were the first to sense that something wasn’t adding up — and their instincts were spot on. In one of Season 12’s most shocking moments, it was revealed that Damon is actually Severide’s half-brother, injecting emotional depth and fresh tension into the long-running procedural.
Though this twist promised to redefine Severide’s personal arc, it appears Damon’s departure may now leave that storyline hanging. Reports suggest Damon’s exit will happen off-screen, likely early in the new season, but the door hasn’t been fully closed. Producers are reportedly open to Bradway making guest appearances down the line — a small silver lining for viewers hoping to see that brotherly bond explored further.
A Growing Exodus
Bradway’s exit is just the latest in a string of cast shake-ups. Earlier this year, Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) confirmed he would not be returning for Season 14. His departure, at least, was foreshadowed — Carver accepted an out-of-state position in the Season 13 finale. But Daniel Kyri’s abrupt exit as fan-favorite firefighter Darren Ritter came with no build-up, prompting speculation that his character may not even get an on-screen goodbye.
Now, with Damon, Carver, and Ritter all exiting stage left, Firehouse 51 is facing one of its most significant overhauls in series history.
A New Generation Arrives
With so many departures, Chicago Fire isn’t wasting any time restocking the team. NBC has announced that 13 Reasons Why alum Brandon Larracuente is joining the cast as a series regular. While details about his role remain under wraps, insiders suggest he’ll be taking over one of the vacant firefighter slots — and possibly becoming part of the new emotional core of the show.
Larracuente’s casting marks a strategic move by producers to inject new energy into the show’s ensemble while keeping the team dynamic alive. The hope is that fresh faces will bring new perspectives and drama, while also appealing to a younger demographic tuning in for Season 14.
Holding the Line
Despite the behind-the-scenes upheaval, fans can breathe a small sigh of relief: several beloved cast members are still holding the line. Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), and Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal) are all confirmed to return, anchoring the series with familiar voices and veteran presence.
Kinney’s return is especially reassuring, as his character remains one of the show’s emotional anchors. After briefly stepping away in Season 11, Kinney returned in Season 13 with renewed vigor — and fans are hopeful that his bond with Kidd, as well as the unresolved storyline with Jack Damon, will continue to be central.
The Road Ahead
Chicago Fire returns this fall as part of NBC’s stacked Wednesday night One Chicago lineup, airing alongside Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.. While an exact premiere date has yet to be announced, production is already underway — and with so many moving parts, insiders say Season 14 could be one of the most pivotal yet.
As the firehouse adjusts to fresh recruits, off-screen goodbyes, and emotional fallout, one thing’s for certain: Chicago Fire isn’t slowing down — it’s only heating up.
More to Watch This Fall:
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Every Summer After starring Michael Bradway is slated to premiere in early 2026 on Prime Video.
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NBC is expected to unveil its fall premiere slate in the coming weeks — keep an eye on Wednesday nights.
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Could more One Chicago crossovers be on the horizon to bolster the cast shake-ups? Time will tell.
Stay tuned — Firehouse 51 may be changing, but the legacy lives on.
