5 Shocking Things We Know About Chicago Fire Season 14: Cast Exits, New Faces, And The January 2026 Return

The fourteenth season of Chicago Fire has already proven to be one of the most tumultuous in the show's history, bringing massive changes to Firehouse 51 and the entire Chicago Fire Department (CFD). As of late 2025, the season has premiered and is currently on its winter hiatus, leaving fans on a major cliffhanger.

The series, which was officially renewed for Season 14 back in May 2025 alongside its sister shows Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, returned to NBC on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 TV season. Now, all eyes are on the mid-season return, where the ongoing storyline of budget cuts and personnel changes is set to explode. Here is a definitive look at the five most shocking and crucial details fans need to know about the current state of Season 14.

The Confirmed Release Schedule and Episode Count

The good news for fans of the One Chicago universe is that the wait for new episodes is almost over. After the initial batch of episodes aired through the fall, the series went on its traditional holiday break. The mid-season premiere, which will be Episode 8 of Season 14, is officially scheduled to return on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

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This date marks the simultaneous return of all three Dick Wolf-produced shows, with *Chicago Fire* maintaining its usual time slot on NBC. For those who need to catch up on the first seven episodes of Season 14, they are available for streaming on Peacock.

• Return Date: January 7, 2026 (Episode 8)
• Total Episodes: Season 14 is slated to have a full run of 21 episodes.
• Network/Streaming: NBC and Peacock.
• The Ongoing Crisis: The season's second half is expected to heavily feature the continuing fallout from the city of Chicago's budget cuts, which have been a source of tension and staff changes at the CFD.

The premiere episode, titled "Kicking Down Doors," set the stage for a season of high-stakes rescues and even higher-stakes internal drama, introducing a "new face" that immediately caused ripples within the close-knit family of Firehouse 51.

Major Cast Shakeups: Exits and Departures

Season 14 has been defined by significant cast changes, with several beloved characters either leaving or being confirmed for an exit. The narrative arc surrounding city-wide layoffs and budget constraints has provided a dramatic backdrop for these departures, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty within the "Windy City" fire department.

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One of the most notable confirmations is the exit of Darren Ritter. The beloved firefighter's departure was confirmed to take place within the first batch of Season 14 episodes, leaving a major hole in Engine 51. While the exact circumstances of all the exits are tied to the ongoing plot, the theme of personnel reduction has been a central focus, impacting multiple stars.

Veteran character Christopher Herrmann also faced a major career decision. Following the events of the Season 13 finale, Herrmann contemplated taking a desk job—a promotion to Chief—but ultimately decided against it, reaffirming his commitment to his role on the front lines at Firehouse 51. This decision has kept his character in the action, but the threat of a desk job or a shift in command remains a topical entity throughout the season.

The Arrival of New Blood: Sal Vasquez and a CW Star

As some familiar faces say goodbye, Firehouse 51 is welcoming new talent. The most prominent addition to the team is Sal Vasquez, a new character who has been introduced to fill one of the newly opened slots.

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Vasquez is not just a random replacement; he has a deep connection to the world of first responders. Spoilers reveal that he is a character "rich with family history" in the emergency services, drawing immediate comparisons to the background of Lieutenant Kelly Severide. This suggests a complex new dynamic for the team and a potential new partnership for Severide, who has been navigating a career path that has recently seen him take on more leadership roles.

Furthermore, the second half of Season 14, which resumes in January 2026, is set to introduce yet another major new player: a former star from a hit CW series. This mystery role is expected to shake up the dynamics even further, possibly tied to the ongoing budget cuts or a new romantic/professional interest for one of the main characters.

Key Storyline Entities and LSI Keywords for Season 14

The writers have layered Season 14 with intense personal and professional storylines, ensuring the show remains fresh and relevant. The central conflicts revolve around the integrity of the Chicago Fire Department in the face of political and financial pressure.

• CFD Budget Cuts: The main antagonist of the season is the financial strain on the city, which has led to "layoffs" and "personnel changes."
• Severide's Future: Lieutenant Severide continues to balance his marriage, his arson investigation specialty, and his role as a leader, now with the added dynamic of the new, similar-minded Sal Vasquez.
• Commissioner Grissom: The political machinations involving Commissioner Grissom are expected to continue, particularly as he interacts with Herrmann and other senior members regarding the future of the department.
• The One Chicago Crossover: While no major crossover event has been confirmed for the mid-season return, the interconnected nature of *Chicago Fire*, *Chicago P.D.*, and *Chicago Med* means that events in the "Windy City" will inevitably spill over, especially concerning the city-wide budget crisis.
• Firehouse 51's Morale: The core emotional arc of the season is how the team at Firehouse 51, the heart of the series, deals with the constant threat of losing colleagues and the pressure of a reduced budget affecting their ability to save lives.

The 2025-2026 TV season promises to be a dramatic run for the veteran series. With several key character arcs reaching a breaking point and new faces stepping into the action, fans are eagerly anticipating the January 2026 return to see how the heroes of the Chicago Fire Department overcome the latest challenges thrown their way.