Chicago Fire's 14th Season Is Almost Here: Major Cast Changes And What To Expect

After a lengthy summer break, NBC’s iconic firefighter drama Chicago Fire is preparing to make its grand return, and the upcoming season promises significant shifts in the firehouse roster. While fans are eager to see their favorite characters return, notable departures will reshape the dynamic of Firehouse 51.

Major Departures Mark A Turning Point

The most anticipated question on fans’ minds concerns the fates of departing cast members. Jake Lockett, who brought depth to the character of Sam Carver, exited the firehouse last season after moving to Denver to support his recovery journey. Though his departure was resolved in the Season 13 finale, showrunner Andrea Newman has left open the possibility that Lockett’s character may make return appearances to properly conclude his romantic arc with Violet Mikami.

Darren Ritter, portrayed by Daniel Kyri, is also saying goodbye to the CFD family. Kyri has promised fans that his final episodes will offer compelling moments, though details remain sparse. Additionally, Michael Bradway, who played Jack Damon, has also departed from the series.

Who’s Returning To The Firehouse?

The core ensemble remains largely intact. Taylor Kinney continues as Kelly Severide, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Christian Stolte as Randall “Mouch” McHolland, and Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz are all expected back. Hanako Greensmith returns as Violet Mikami, while Dermot Mulroney maintains his role as the unconventional Chief Dom Pascal. KaDee Strickland and Jocelyn Hudon round out the returning cast, with newcomer Brandon Larracuente joining in an unspecified capacity.

Season 14 Premiere Details And Episode Count

Chicago Fire Season 14 will premiere on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes becoming available on Peacock the following day for streaming subscribers. The season will consist of 21 episodes—one fewer than the previous season—providing fans with a slightly condensed but still substantial run.

What Lies Ahead For The Crew?

The finale of Season 13 left viewers with several cliffhangers and new beginnings. Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide received approval as adoptive parents, only for the finale to reveal that Stella is expecting a biological child. Meanwhile, Christopher Herrmann stepped down from his lieutenant position to make room for Mouch’s advancement, creating new hierarchical dynamics at the station.

Newman has teased that Season 14 will tackle significant institutional challenges. The Chicago Fire Department faces budget cuts and personnel restructuring from administration, which will create turbulence throughout the organization. “We’re going to have a lot of turnover and a lot of craziness going on in the CFD from the top, where people are being cut and moved, and everything’s going to get shaken up next season,” Newman revealed.

These layoffs and reassignments will serve as the backdrop for personal storylines, raising questions about where certain characters will land and how the firehouse will adapt to its new reality.

Teaser And Promotional Content

As of early September, NBC has not yet unveiled an official trailer or promotional teaser for Season 14. Fans should expect promotional materials to roll out in the weeks leading up to the October premiere.