The Countdown Begins: Your Guide to Watching the ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 13 Finale
The highly anticipated Season 13 finale of Chicago Fire is set to ignite screens tonight, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, promising a fiery conclusion to a season filled with drama, heroism, and the ever-present challenges faced by the brave firefighters of Firehouse 51. Fans, affectionately known as “Chi-Hards,” are eagerly awaiting the resolution of simmering plotlines, including Severide’s intense investigation into Chief Pascal, and Herrmann’s long-awaited bid for the Chief’s position.
As part of the iconic “One Chicago” Wednesday lineup, the Chicago Fire finale will air sandwiched between its sister shows, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. This means a full night of compelling drama from the Windy City. To ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the action, here’s everything you need to know about when and where to tune in for the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale.
When to Watch: Prime Time Firehouse Action
The Season 13 finale of Chicago Fire, titled “It Had to End This Way,” will air tonight, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 9/8c on NBC.
Let’s break down the exact times across various U.S. time zones:
- Eastern Time (ET): 9:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 8:00 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 7:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 6:00 PM
So, whether you’re on the East Coast or the West Coast, you know exactly when to clear your schedule and settle in for what promises to be an explosive episode.
The Full “One Chicago” Finale Lineup Tonight
For those who follow the entire “One Chicago” universe, tonight is a triple threat! All three highly popular series will be airing their season finales back-to-back on NBC, ensuring a night of non-stop intensity and cliffhangers.
Here’s the full schedule for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on NBC:
- 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT: Chicago Med Season 10 Finale
- 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT: Chicago Fire Season 13 Finale
- 10:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM CT: Chicago P.D. Season 12 Finale
This strategic scheduling ensures that viewers can seamlessly transition from one gripping conclusion to the next, making for a truly immersive and thrilling night of television.
How to Watch: Live and On-Demand Options
For loyal fans and new viewers alike, there are several convenient ways to catch the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale:
Live Broadcast on NBC
The most straightforward way to watch is to tune into your local NBC affiliate channel at the specified time (9/8c) tonight. Make sure your television is set to the correct channel, and you’re ready for the live experience.
Live Streaming via NBC.com or NBC App
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can likely stream the episode live through the official NBC website (NBC.com) or the NBC app. Simply log in with your TV provider credentials, and you can watch the episode as it airs on television.
Streaming Services with Live TV
Many live TV streaming services include NBC in their channel lineups. If you subscribe to services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV, you can watch the Chicago Fire finale live through their platforms. Check your specific service’s channel guide to confirm NBC’s availability.
Next-Day Streaming on Peacock
For those who can’t watch live or prefer to binge-watch, the Season 13 finale of Chicago Fire will be available for streaming the very next day, Thursday, May 22, 2025, on Peacock. Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, offering a wide range of content, including all the “One Chicago” shows. You’ll need a Peacock Premium subscription to access new episodes the day after they air. This is a great option if you have work, school, or other commitments tonight that prevent you from watching live.
What to Expect in the Finale: “It Had to End This Way”
The logline for the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” offers tantalizing hints about the drama to unfold:
- Severide’s Risky Move: “Severide puts his job on the line to help out one of their own.” This almost certainly refers to Chief Dom Pascal, whose legal troubles have been a major plot point. Severide’s growing distrust of Pascal, as teased by showrunner Andrea Newman, suggests this “help” might lead to a shocking revelation or a difficult confrontation. Will Severide clear Pascal’s name, or uncover something far more damaging?
- Kidd’s Personal Battle: “Kidd navigates Natalie’s complicated relationship with her sister.” This subplot will undoubtedly bring personal stakes for Stella Kidd, as she deals with a complex family dynamic outside of the firehouse.
- Herrmann’s Big Test: “Herrmann prepares to take the Chief test.” This is a monumental moment for Christopher Herrmann, whose ambition to become chief has been a long-running storyline. With Chief Pascal’s uncertain future, this test could determine not only Herrmann’s career path but also the very leadership of Firehouse 51. As showrunner Andrea Newman stated, “Somebody is going to have to go” for Herrmann to achieve his dream, hinting at significant changes ahead.
Beyond these character-driven narratives, fans can expect the usual high-octane emergencies and emotional moments that define Chicago Fire. Season finales in the “One Chicago” universe are known for their cliffhangers, and this one is likely no exception, leaving viewers eager for Season 14.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Firehouse 51
Good news for “Chi-Hards”: Chicago Fire has already been renewed for Season 14! This means that while tonight’s finale will bring significant resolutions and potentially some shocking twists, the story of Firehouse 51 will continue. The finale will likely set up new challenges and character arcs for the upcoming season, maintaining the momentum and keeping fans invested.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Fiery Finale Tonight!
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” airs tonight, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 9/8c on NBC. With Severide’s high-stakes investigation, Herrmann’s pivotal Chief test, and personal challenges for Stella Kidd, this episode is packed with emotional intensity and dramatic potential. Whether you’re watching live on NBC or planning to stream on Peacock tomorrow, make sure you’re ready for a thrilling conclusion that will undoubtedly shape the future of Firehouse 51. The stage is set for an unforgettable night in the “One Chicago” universe!
