Chicago Fire's 14th Season Is Almost Here: What Fans Should Expect When It Premieres

The Wait Is Almost Over for Chicago Fire’s Next Chapter

After months of anticipation, NBC is ready to bring back the firefighter drama that has captivated audiences for over a decade. Chicago Fire Season 14 will debut on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET, with episodes becoming available on Peacock the following day. For fans of the long-running series, this premiere marks the continuation of storylines that left viewers on the edge of their seats.

Major Changes Coming to Firehouse 51

The upcoming season will see significant shifts within the Chicago Fire Department. Showrunner Andrea Newman has confirmed that CFD layoffs and internal restructuring will create substantial upheaval. “There’s going to be a lot of turnover and considerable disruption coming from the top, with personnel being reassigned and cut,” Newman explained, promising that the firehouse will be shaken up in ways viewers haven’t seen before.

The Cast: Who’s Staying and Who’s Going

Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) will continue to anchor the ensemble, now navigating parenthood after their approval as adoptive parents—and with Stella’s surprising pregnancy revelation. The chemistry between these two characters remains central to the show’s appeal.

However, Season 14 will mark the departure of several beloved characters. Daniel Kyri, who portrays Darren Ritter, will have a limited presence as he wraps up his storyline in his final episodes. Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver left for Denver to focus on his recovery, though it remains unclear whether his exit will receive proper closure on screen. Michael Bradway will also be leaving in his role as Jack Damon.

Expected to return are David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), Christian Stolte (Randall “Mouch” McHolland), Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz), Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami), and others. Brandon Larracuente is joining the cast in an undisclosed role.

What Happened in Season 13?

Last season introduced Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) as the firehouse’s new commanding officer, replacing Chief Wallace Boden. Pascal worked alongside Severide to expose corruption within state law enforcement, eventually clearing his own name after being accused in connection with his wife Monica’s death.

The season finale delivered emotional beats: Herrmann relinquished his lieutenant position to Mouch, signaling a shift in the firehouse hierarchy. Carver’s return from rehab led to an “I love you” exchange with Violet before his relocation. Most significantly, Stella and Severide’s adoption journey took an unexpected turn when Stella revealed her pregnancy.

Season 14 by the Numbers

The new season will feature 21 episodes—one fewer than the previous season. This slightly reduced episode count reflects changes in network scheduling and production considerations.

What to Anticipate

Newman hints that the layoffs and restructuring will create ripple effects throughout Firehouse 51. Fans are particularly eager to see how Stella and Kelly navigate their expanding family, whether Carver’s storyline receives proper resolution, and how the firehouse adapts to new leadership challenges.

The mystery of whether Carver will appear beyond the premiere remains unresolved. “We may feature him sporadically throughout the season, and there’s clearly unfinished business between him and Violet that needs addressing,” Newman told NBC Insider.

As October 1 approaches, Chicago Fire viewers have plenty of reasons to mark their calendars. With major departures, new arrivals, and significant institutional challenges ahead, Season 14 promises to deliver the drama and character development that have kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.