The countdown to Chicago Fire Season 14 is on, and a new behind-the-scenes video has fans buzzing. While the clip introduces Brandon Larracuente as the newest series regular through an unexpected dance moment, it also sparks fresh questions about Stella Kidd’s pregnancy storyline and the future of Truck 81.
A Fun Video Teases a Major Change
NBC released a lighthearted video featuring Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), Brandon Larracuente, Jocelyn Hudon, and Hanako Greensmith dancing to the Law & Order theme song. The clip was filmed in front of the iconic Ambo 61, giving fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the cast between takes.
While the vibe is playful, the video offers subtle clues about where Season 14 is heading. Larracuente joins the series after multiple cast departures, including Jake Lockett, Daniel Kyri, and Michael Bradway. With several firefighters gone, Truck 81 desperately needed a new face — and now it has one.
But as fans celebrate the arrival of a newcomer, the video raises an even bigger question: what’s happening with Stella Kidd?
Stella’s Pregnancy Mystery
In the Season 13 finale, Stella delivered a heartwarming twist: she told Severide (Taylor Kinney) that she was pregnant. The emotional scene had “everybody behind the monitor crying,” according to the showrunner. It seemed like a perfect way to close the season — but it also left viewers wondering how the show would handle Stella’s role on Truck 81 moving forward.
If the usual time jump applies, Stella should be several months into her pregnancy when Season 14 begins. That would likely take her off active duty, leaving her position as Truck 81’s lieutenant in question. However, the new dance video shows Miranda Rae Mayo fully geared up in her uniform, suggesting the timeline might not be as straightforward as fans assumed.
Flashbacks or a Shorter Time Jump?
Traditionally, Chicago Fire skips several months between seasons to match real-time scheduling. But the clues don’t quite add up this year. In the video, Stella is dressed for duty, while the paramedics are wearing short sleeves typical of Chicago’s fall weather.
This has led fans to speculate:
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Could the scene be a flashback set before Stella’s pregnancy shows?
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Or is the series breaking tradition with a shorter hiatus time jump?
The show rarely uses flashbacks, so if this season features one, it would mark a significant narrative shift. However, it’s also possible the clip was filmed earlier during the production of the premiere episode, even if it was released weeks later.
More Departures and a New Beginning
With three major cast exits confirmed over the summer, Truck 81 enters Season 14 in a period of transition. Brandon Larracuente’s addition brings fresh energy, but fans still wonder how Stella’s pregnancy will impact the team’s dynamic. Will she step back from her leadership role? And if so, who will take charge during dangerous calls?
Adding to the intrigue, Chicago Fire isn’t the only One Chicago series facing pregnancy-related questions. Over on Chicago Med, Jessy Schram’s character Dr. Hannah Asher is also expecting — leaving viewers curious about whether both shows might explore parallel motherhood storylines.
A Season of Unanswered Questions
The playful dance video offers fans an exciting introduction to the newest member of the Chicago Fire family, but it also leaves plenty unresolved. Will Stella remain in command of Truck 81? How will Severide handle impending fatherhood? And could this season surprise viewers with fewer time jumps and more personal storytelling?
Fans won’t have to wait much longer for answers. Chicago Fire Season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 1, 2025, on NBC, alongside Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. on the