When Chicago Fire returns for its fourteenth season on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, fans can expect more than just sirens and smoky rescues. NBC’s hit firefighter drama is gearing up for a season of seismic change—both in the lives of its characters and in the makeup of its cast.
A Date Every Chi-Hard Needs to Circle
The One Chicago franchise’s flagship series will reclaim its signature 9/8c slot, immediately following Chicago Med and leading into Chicago P.D. on what NBC has dubbed “Windy City Wednesdays.” It’s a night tailor-made for binge-worthy drama, with Firehouse 51 once again serving as the heart-pounding centerpiece.
For fans still catching their breath after last spring’s explosive Season 13 finale, the countdown to October 1 marks the beginning of answers—and perhaps, a few heartbreaks.
A Season Shaped by Departures
In a move that caught viewers off guard, Chicago Fire will enter Season 14 without two familiar faces: Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver). Kyri, whose character grew from a three-episode arc into a fan favorite over seven seasons, confirmed in an emotional farewell post that he’d filmed his final scenes in early August. His departure, along with Lockett’s, is linked to behind-the-scenes budget tightening—a reminder that even TV’s most enduring hits aren’t immune to industry shifts.
While Lockett’s Carver exited in the Season 13 finale, Ritter’s goodbye will play out on-screen in the opening episodes of Season 14, giving fans a chance to see the beloved firefighter off properly. Whether his departure is bittersweet or tragic remains one of the premiere’s biggest question marks.
New Faces, New Fires
Departures often pave the way for fresh blood, and insiders suggest Season 14 will introduce at least one new recruit to the firehouse. Could this rookie fill the emotional gap left by Ritter and Carver? Or will their arrival stir tension among the veterans? Chicago Fire has a long history of weaving newcomers into its close-knit ensemble, but not without a few sparks flying first.
Lingering Threads from Season 13 
Beyond the personnel shakeups, the new season must address dangling plot threads from last year:
- Stella and Severide’s next chapter — After a season of turbulence, will married life finally settle for 51’s power couple, or is another storm brewing?
- Gallo’s uncertain future — Alberto Rosende’s surprise return late last season left fans wondering if the door is open for more appearances.
- Boden’s leadership — With changes looming at the CFD’s top brass, Chief Boden may face tough calls that could reshape Firehouse 51’s dynamics.
The Promise of High-Stakes Storytelling
If there’s one thing Chicago Fire has never shied away from, it’s delivering high-stakes, emotional storytelling. Expect Season 14 to lean into the franchise’s signature mix of adrenaline-fueled rescues and deeply personal drama. And given the show’s track record, don’t be surprised if the premiere’s call-of-the-week doubles as a catalyst for a season-long storyline.
Mark Your Calendars
The firehouse doors swing open again October 1, 2025, with the season kicking off just as Chicago’s autumn chill sets in. Whether you’re tuning in for the action, the romance, or the tight-knit camaraderie of Firehouse 51, Season 14 promises to keep the heat turned up.
