At the end of Season 3 of NBC’s Chicago Fire, firefighter Peter Mills, portrayed by Charlie Barnett, made a heart-wrenching departure that left fans emotional and confused. Mills exited Firehouse 51 to move to North Carolina and help his family with their restaurant business. While the move made sense for his character’s storyline, it came as a surprise to viewers who had grown attached to Mills.
So why did Peter Mills leave Chicago Fire? The answer lies in a creative decision by the show’s writers and producers to reshape the narrative.
The Creative Decision to Write Off Peter Mills
Peter Mills’ departure wasn’t the result of behind-the-scenes drama or any shortcomings on Charlie Barnett’s part. Instead, it was a calculated choice by the show’s creators to refresh the storyline and bring in new characters.
Matt Olmstead, a former executive producer of Chicago Fire, explained the reasoning in a 2015 interview with TV Guide:
“The hardest part of this job is when you feel it’s the right time to make cast changes. Otherwise, it turns into a clown car.”
For the writers, Mills’ journey had reached a natural conclusion. He joined Firehouse 51 to honor his late father’s legacy, grew into a skilled firefighter and paramedic, and proved himself within the team. Leaving to help his family’s restaurant provided a meaningful and realistic ending to his arc.
Importantly, the show’s creators chose to let Mills leave on a positive note. They avoided the trope of killing off a departing character, instead preserving his legacy and leaving the door open for a potential return. As Olmstead put it:
“He fulfilled his father’s legacy to the extent he wanted to.”
Charlie Barnett’s Reaction to His Departure
Charlie Barnett, like fans, was surprised by the decision to remove his character from the show. In an interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Barnett revealed that learning about his exit was an emotional moment, though the producers assured him it was unrelated to his performance.
Initially, the news was difficult to process. In a 2022 interview with Digital Spy, Barnett admitted:
“It broke me for quite a long time.”
However, with time, Barnett came to view his departure as a “blessing in disguise.” He credited the experience with helping him grow as an actor and as a person:
“I learned so much about myself as an actor and about the business.”
Since leaving Chicago Fire, Barnett has continued to build an impressive career, landing roles in acclaimed series such as Russian Doll and The Acolyte. He has also maintained close ties with his former co-stars, underscoring the camaraderie he experienced while on the show.
Fans’ Love for Peter Mills
Despite his absence, Peter Mills remains a beloved character in the Chicago Fire fandom. Online discussions on platforms like Reddit often highlight fans’ admiration for Mills and their hope for his return.
One fan commented:
“I miss everyone from Season 1-2. Best cast of the show.”
Another added:
“I feel like it would have been a great opportunity for him to make a return when Kidd needed to fill her spot on the truck.”
Mills’ warmth, dedication, and connections with the Firehouse 51 team left a lasting impact. His relationship with Sylvie Brett (played by Kara Killmer) was particularly memorable, and Brett’s tearful reaction to his departure underscored the depth of their bond.
Peter Mills’ Legacy
Peter Mills’ story remains a standout example of how to thoughtfully write off a character in a long-running TV drama. His exit reflected personal growth and a commitment to his family, making it feel authentic and bittersweet.
For fans who want to relive Mills’ journey and other memorable moments from Chicago Fire, the series is available to stream on Peacock.
