Actor Charlie Barnett’s departure from Chicago Fire in 2015 stunned fans who had grown attached to his portrayal of rookie firefighter Peter Mills. As one of the original cast members since the show’s debut in 2012, Barnett brought a heartfelt intensity to the character, who joined Firehouse 51 to honor his late father, a firefighter who died in the line of duty. Mills’ journey, balancing personal loss with professional growth, resonated deeply with viewers, making his sudden exit after three seasons a tough pill to swallow.
Set in the fictional Firehouse 51, Chicago Fire showcases not just heroic rescues but the complex lives and relationships of its firefighters and paramedics. Peter Mills stood out as a compassionate and dedicated team member, striving to live up to his father’s legacy. His departure in Season 3, when he chose to leave the firehouse to help his family run their restaurant in North Carolina, left fans heartbroken and puzzled.
But why did Barnett leave Chicago Fire? The answer lies in behind-the-scenes storytelling decisions.
Why Charlie Barnett Was Written Off Chicago Fire
Barnett’s exit wasn’t the result of any controversy or lack of talent. Instead, it was a creative decision aimed at shaking up the cast dynamics and introducing new characters. In an interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Barnett revealed he was blindsided by the news.
“It was just a normal day of filming,” Barnett recalled. “Then [the writers and producers] pulled me into a room, sat me down, and apologized. They explained that it wasn’t about me as an actor but felt Peter had reached a plateau and they didn’t know where to take him next.”
Executive producer Matt Olmstead echoed this sentiment in an interview with TV Guide, explaining that Mills’ storyline had naturally run its course. “We wanted to bring in new characters and explore fresh storylines. As much as it was a tough decision, it felt necessary to keep the show dynamic.”
Barnett, despite the surprise, held no bitterness. “I wasn’t mad,” he said. “I got so much from the show—connections, family, and lessons as an actor. It will always be a part of my backbone.”
Life After Chicago Fire
Barnett wasted no time forging a path beyond Firehouse 51. In 2016, he landed a lead role in ABC’s mystery series Secrets & Lies and later appeared in the CW military drama Valor. However, his breakout moment post-Chicago Fire came with Netflix’s critically acclaimed Russian Doll. In the Emmy-nominated series, Barnett played Alan, a man caught in a time loop alongside Natasha Lyonne’s character, Nadia.
Since then, Barnett has built an impressive résumé, appearing in Netflix’s Tales of the City, the psychological thriller You, and CW’s superhero series Arrow. His versatile performances have solidified his reputation as a skilled and adaptable actor.
Will Peter Mills Ever Return to Firehouse 51?
While Barnett hasn’t reprised his role on Chicago Fire, he remains open to the idea. In interviews, he’s expressed a willingness to return if the opportunity arises. “I would absolutely be open to returning,” Barnett told TV Guide. “I love the show; it brought me everything I have. It was an incredible window into my career.”
Chicago Fire showrunner Derek Haas has also hinted at a potential comeback for Barnett, and fans are eager for his return. Online forums frequently feature discussions about Peter Mills, with viewers expressing their desire to see the character back in action. Whether for a brief cameo or a significant arc, Barnett’s return could rekindle the nostalgic charm of the series’ early days.
For now, Barnett remains busy with a steady stream of projects, but the door to Firehouse 51 seems to remain open. Fans can only hope that one day, Peter Mills will once again don his firefighter gear and step through those familiar firehouse doors.
