NBC Confirms Season 14, But Not Without Sacrifices
Fans of Chicago Fire can breathe a sigh of relief—NBC has officially renewed the long-running drama for Season 14. The announcement came alongside renewals for sister shows Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, reaffirming the network’s commitment to its hit One Chicago franchise. However, while the shows are returning, the future won’t look exactly the same.
Behind the scenes, NBC is implementing budget cuts that will impact everything from episode counts to cast appearances. These changes were expected, as similar cost-saving strategies have been in place since the 2022–23 TV season.
Two Key Departures at the End of Season 13
As part of the network’s effort to control costs, actors Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) will not return after Season 13. Their exits mark a shift in focus for the show as it adjusts its cast and storylines. While the show has seen many departures over the years, losing two central figures at once signals a larger restructuring at Firehouse 51.
In addition, veteran actor Taylor Kinney’s (Kelly Severide) future remains uncertain. His contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and negotiations are still underway. Fans are holding out hope that he’ll return, but nothing has been confirmed.
Shorter Seasons, Fewer Episodes Per Actor
Another change viewers will notice is a likely reduction in episode numbers. Although official counts haven’t been released, Season 14 will likely contain fewer than the typical 22 episodes. Cast members, even series regulars, are also expected to appear in fewer episodes—missing between two and four each season. This shift reflects new minimum guarantees put in place by NBC.
Actors are also being encouraged to establish residency in Illinois, as the show is filmed in Chicago. Those who remain out-of-state may appear even less frequently due to increased travel costs and scheduling constraints.
What’s Next for Firehouse 51?
Despite the shake-ups, Chicago Fire isn’t toning down the drama. The end of Season 13 promises to set the stage for high-stakes developments in Season 14. With filming wrapped, speculation is growing about how the season will conclude—and whether it will hint at new leadership or emotional fallout from the character exits.
How to Catch Up and Prepare for Season 14
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. New episodes are also available to stream on Peacock the following day. All past seasons are currently on the platform, making it easy for fans to revisit their favorite moments—or catch up before the new season begins this fall.
