While Chicago Fire remains NBC’s top-rated scripted drama, season 13 is struggling to maintain its dominance despite impressive viewership numbers.
The show, which debuted in 2012, pioneered a genre centered around firefighters and paramedics, a unique premise that inspired other fire-focused series
like Fire Country. However, season 13 is proving to be a challenging one, largely due to the significant cast shakeup following the departure of
Fire Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker). Boden’s exit marked the biggest cast change in the series’ history, and it has left fans feeling uneasy about the new dynamics at Firehouse 51.
The introduction of Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) as the new fire chief was meant to bring a change in leadership, with Pascal aiming to run a tighter, more disciplined ship compared to Boden. Unfortunately, this shift has led to persistent conflicts with long-standing characters like Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), making the season feel tense and somewhat disjointed. The turmoil doesn’t stop there—Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), another new character, was recently transferred out after his refusal to follow orders at fire scenes, further compounding the show’s struggles. Meanwhile, fan-favorite Cruz (Joe Miñoso) finds himself at risk of losing his job after being blackmailed into participating in a botched robbery at Firehouse 51, adding yet another layer of drama to the already strained atmosphere.
Despite these challenges, Chicago Fire continues to perform well in terms of ratings. It’s currently the second-most-watched program on NBC, trailing only Sunday Night Football. With 4.8 million viewers, it ranks as the fourth most-watched scripted show across all of broadcast television. This strong performance indicates that the show will likely be renewed for a 14th season. Furthermore, all the One Chicago shows—Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD—are thriving, with Chicago Fire leading the pack. This success is particularly impressive considering the series’ long run and numerous cast changes, which might have derailed other shows.
However, despite its top ratings, Chicago Fire has seen a concerning 8% dip in viewership compared to season 12. While not catastrophic, this decline signals a potential issue with audience retention. It also places Chicago Fire at risk of losing its position to Chicago Med, which is closing the gap. The loss of Chief Boden likely contributed to some fans tuning out, though others might have stuck around to see how his replacement, Pascal, would fare.
Several factors are contributing to this decline. The aftermath of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strike affected network television as a whole, and Chicago Fire is no exception. Losing Boden, a pivotal character since the series’ beginning, was a significant blow to the show’s core. His absence has left a noticeable gap, and while Pascal is trying to make his mark, he hasn’t quite connected with the audience in the same way.
To revitalize the show and recapture its audience, Chicago Fire needs to return to its roots. When it first began, the series was known for its realistic portrayal of the dangers firefighters face, with high-stakes rescues and unexpected casualties adding emotional depth. However, in recent seasons, personal storylines have overtaken the action, with increasingly outrageous plots, like Cruz’s blackmail, taking center stage. These melodramatic subplots have made the show feel more like a soap opera than a serious drama. To regain its footing, Chicago Fire should refocus on its thrilling rescue stories, while allowing Pascal’s leadership and the internal firehouse politics to organically enhance the action.
