Chicago Fire Season 14: The Firehouse 51 Crew Returns With A Fresh Lineup And Major Changes

After months of anticipation, NBC’s beloved firefighter drama Chicago Fire is back with Season 14, bringing new challenges, departures, and the familiar faces fans have come to love—including longtime stars like Randy Flagler. The new season promises significant shifts at the CFD, relationship developments, and the introduction of fresh dynamics that will reshape the firehouse experience for both characters and viewers.

The Return Date: When To Tune In

Chicago Fire Season 14 officially returned on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. With several months now passed since the premiere, new episodes continue to air on the network, with streaming access available on Peacock the following day for those who prefer to catch up at their own pace. The 21-episode season represents a slight reduction from the previous year’s order, but promises an action-packed run that will keep audiences invested in the firehouse drama.

The Cast: Familiar Faces And Notable Changes

The ensemble cast of Chicago Fire Season 14 features the core crew viewers have grown attached to over the years. Taylor Kinney continues his role as Kelly Severide, while Miranda Rae Mayo returns as Stella Kidd. David Eigenberg and Christian Stolte reprise their roles as Christopher Herrmann and Randall “Mouch” McHolland, respectively. Joe Miñoso rounds out the main engine crew as Joe Cruz, with Hanako Greensmith returning as Violet Mikami.

Randy Flagler maintains his presence as Harold Capp, contributing to the seasoned veteran presence in the firehouse alongside other returning ensemble members. Dermot Mulroney returns as the commanding Chief Dom Pascal, while KaDee Strickland reprises her role as Monica Pascal. New addition Brandon Larracuente joins the cast in an undisclosed role, bringing fresh energy to the already dynamic group.

However, Chicago Fire Season 14 marks some significant departures. Daniel Kyri, who portrayed Darren Ritter, appears in a limited capacity during his final episodes, having teased that fans “can’t wait” to see what unfolds for his character’s exit. Jake Lockett’s departure as Sam Carver was finalized last season, though there remains speculation about whether he’ll return briefly to wrap up loose ends with his character’s romance with Violet.

What To Expect: Major Plot Developments

The Season 14 premiere launched with the aftermath of Season 13’s cliffhangers. Stella Kidd’s unexpected pregnancy marks a new chapter for her relationship with Severide, while their journey toward adoptive parenthood adds another layer of complexity to the season’s emotional arc. Meanwhile, changes in the firefighter hierarchy—with Herrmann stepping down and Mouch stepping into the lieutenant position—signal shifts in leadership dynamics at Firehouse 51.

Showrunner Andrea Newman revealed that Season 14 will explore significant organizational upheaval at the CFD. “We’re going to have a lot of turnover,” Newman explained to media outlets, “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.” These layoffs and restructuring will serve as a backdrop for character conflicts, personal growth, and surprising alliances.

One lingering question involves Sam Carver’s eventual return. Newman indicated that while Carver may not appear full-time, there’s potential for his involvement throughout the season to help resolve his romantic storyline with Violet. “We may not have Carver full-time next season, but we may have him for a bunch of it too, and I think there’s a lot left to figure out between them,” she shared with NBC Insider earlier in the year.

The Road Ahead: Chicago Fire Season 14’s Creative Direction

Chicago Fire continues to evolve its storytelling approach with Season 14, balancing the departure of key characters with the introduction of fresh perspectives. The show’s commitment to exploring organizational challenges at the CFD promises to deliver both dramatic tension and character-driven narratives that will keep long-time viewers engaged while attracting new audiences to the firehouse’s ongoing saga.