Chicago Fire's Long-Awaited Season 14 Premiere: What Fans Need To Know About The October Return

After months of anticipation, NBC is finally bringing back one of its most beloved firefighter dramas. Chicago Fire Season 14 is poised to make a massive comeback with a fresh slate of storylines, new character dynamics, and some unexpected departures that will shake up Firehouse 51.

Mark Your Calendars: Season 14 Officially Kicks Off October 1st

The firefighting drama will return Wednesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with streaming episodes becoming available on Peacock the following day. Unlike previous seasons, this installment will feature 21 episodes rather than the typical 22-episode run, according to network reports.

A Season Of Major Changes: Who’s Staying And Who’s Going

The upcoming season promises significant turnover within the Chicago Fire Department. Showrunner Andrea Newman revealed that budget cuts and departmental restructuring will play a central role in Season 14’s narrative arc. “We’re going to have a lot of turnover and craziness going on in the CFD from the top, where people are being cut and moved, and everything’s going to get shaken up,” she explained.

The Core Cast Returning for Season 14:

Taylor Kinney returns as Kelly Severide, maintaining his central role in the firehouse hierarchy. Alongside him, Miranda Rae Mayo continues as Stella Kidd, with their storyline taking an exciting turn following Season 13’s surprising finale revelation. Dermot Mulroney reprises his role as Chief Dom Pascal, continuing his tenure as the firehouse’s stern leader.

Supporting players david eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), Christian Stolte (Randall “Mouch” McHolland), and Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz) will all be back. Hanako Greensmith returns as Violet Mikami, whose personal life remains a focal point following last season’s emotional cliffhanger. Additional returning cast members include Jocelyn Hudon and KaDee Strickland.

Notable Departures:

Daniel Kyri’s character, Darren Ritter, will have a reduced presence as his storyline wraps up in the final episodes. Jake Lockett, who exited the show as Sam Carver last season, may return for limited appearances to resolve his relationship arc with Violet. Michael Bradway’s character Jack Damon will also not continue into Season 14.

New Additions:

Brandon Larracuente joins the ensemble in an as-yet-unannounced role, bringing fresh dynamics to the firehouse.

What Went Down In Season 13 That Sets Up Season 14

The Season 13 finale delivered multiple bombshells that will reverberate throughout the new season. Most significantly, Stella revealed she’s pregnant—a development that creates new possibilities for her and Severide’s family journey as they navigate their recent approval as adoptive parents.

Meanwhile, Carver returned from his rehab stint only to announce his departure to Denver, prioritizing his recovery over his firehouse family. This emotional exit opens questions about whether his relationship with Violet can survive the distance.

On the personnel front, david eigenberg’s character Herrmann made the difficult decision to step down from his lieutenant position, paving the way for Mouch to assume leadership of the engine company. This shift in the chain of command will likely create new tension and storylines as the team adjusts to restructured roles.

Chief Pascal faced serious criminal accusations connected to his wife Monica’s death but was ultimately cleared of suspicion, resolving one major plot thread while establishing his credibility within the firehouse.

What To Expect From The New Season

Andrea Newman teased that the CFD will undergo significant organizational upheaval beyond just character departures. Layoffs and strategic reassignments will create an atmosphere of uncertainty at Firehouse 51, forcing longtime members to question their futures with the department.

The pregnancy revelation involving Stella and Severide signals a major life transition for the couple, potentially exploring themes of parenthood and balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Newman also hinted that while Carver may not appear full-time, his relationship resolution with Violet remains unresolved and could be revisited.

The arrival of new cast member Brandon Larracuente suggests the show is actively rebuilding its roster, introducing fresh characters who will interact with the established firefighters in unpredictable ways.

Where To Watch Season 14

NBC viewers can tune in to the premiere on October 1st at 9 p.m. ET, while cord-cutters and Peacock subscribers can stream new episodes every Thursday. The 21-episode season will unfold over the typical television calendar, giving fans plenty of content to anticipate.