Where Is Herrmann in Chicago Fire Season 13? Why David Eigenberg’s Mysterious Absence
Although Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann was a main character on Chicago Fire from the start, he mysteriously disappeared for two consecutive episodes in season 13, leaving viewers wondering about his whereabouts. The NBC procedural drama, created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, never explained Herrmann’s absence. The network also never announced David Eigenberg’s departure, even if it was temporary. Instead, NBC left viewers wondering what happened to the Chicago Fire character in season 13 (and when or if he would return).
Episodes 6 and 7 focused on other characters, trying to distract viewers from Herrmann’s absence. Much of Chicago Fire season 13’s Sam Carver firing and Tori breakup took up time; Kelly Severide and Sheriff Dom Pascal worked together on an arson case; Mouch feuded with a pigeon; Violet Mikami’s relationship with Flynn evolved; and so on. Still, one can’t help but miss Herrmann, one of the best characters on Chicago Fire.
Neither David Eigenberg nor NBC have confirmed why Herrmann was absent from Chicago Fire season 13, episodes 6 and 7. However, some insight into how network television works these days might explain why the actor wasn’t there. Many network shows with ensemble casts have had to cut costs due to budget concerns, and one way to do that is to reduce the number of episodes that certain regulars (like Eigenberg) get each season.
According to Deadline, the FBI and FBI: Most Wanted are lowering their minimum episode guarantees for some of their main cast members, and Chicago Fire may be doing the same. The One Chicago shows followed this protocol in the 2023–24 season, so it makes sense that similar budget cuts would be implemented in the 2024–25 season. Unfortunately, Eigenberg’s Herrmann appears to be the first to suffer from this new rule in Chicago Fire season 13. The good news is that Herrmann’s unexplained departure from Chicago Fire season 13 won’t be long-term. David Eigenberg’s character will return in episode 8, “Quicksand,” which serves as the season finale in the fall. Since “Quicksand” will be the final episode of Chicago Fire season 13 in 2024, it makes sense for the entire cast to come along for the ride.
