NBC’s Chicago Fire, the flagship series of the One Chicago franchise created by Dick Wolf, has captivated fans for over a decade.

With its intense firefighting action, heartfelt drama, and interconnected storylines, the show has remained a fan favorite. However, even a well-crafted drama

like Chicago Fire isn’t immune to continuity errors—and viewers have recently spotted a major inconsistency regarding Griffin Darden’s age in Season 10.

The Emotional Connection to Andrew Darden’s Family

From the very first episode, Chicago Fire has emphasized the real-life dangers of firefighting, immediately showcasing the high stakes when Firehouse 51 loses one of their own—Andrew Darden. His tragic death leaves a lasting impact on the station and especially on his best friends, Kelly Severide and Matthew Casey. The show doesn’t just move past the loss; instead, it continues to explore how it affects those left behind, including Darden’s wife and two sons, Griffin and Ben.

In Season 2, Griffin and his family relocate, and their storyline fades from the series. But in Season 10, Griffin makes a surprising return, bringing a dramatic new storyline with him. However, observant fans quickly noticed something didn’t add up—his age had mysteriously changed.

Griffin’s Age Inconsistency Sparks Debate

A sharp-eyed Chicago Fire viewer pointed out the discrepancy on Reddit, questioning how Griffin could be “six when it happened” when earlier seasons had established that he was 10 at the time of his father’s death. Back in Season 2, it was clearly stated that Griffin was 11, which means he would have been much older than the newly stated age in Season 10.

Many fans speculated that the show intentionally altered his age to fit the current storyline. One theory suggests that Griffin needed to be under 18 for the plot involving him and his brother being placed in foster care. Had the writers stuck to the original timeline, Griffin would have been an adult by Season 10, legally capable of taking custody of his younger brother instead of being part of the foster system.

Why the Change Matters (or Doesn’t)

While inconsistencies like this can frustrate die-hard fans, they’re not uncommon in long-running shows. Writers sometimes tweak character details to better serve evolving storylines, and many viewers are willing to overlook minor changes if it helps the drama flow smoothly.

That said, devoted fans of Chicago Fire pride themselves on noticing these subtle errors, and this age-related slip-up hasn’t gone unnoticed. Still, in the grand scheme of things, this continuity issue doesn’t impact the core of the show’s storytelling. The emotional weight of Griffin’s return and his connection to Firehouse 51 remain intact, even if the math doesn’t quite add up.