Chicago Fire New Episodes: 5 Shocking Details About The Season 14 Schedule, Cast Shake-Up, And Plot Spoilers

The landscape of Firehouse 51 is undergoing a massive transformation, and fans need to brace themselves for some of the biggest changes in the show's history. As of this current date, December 11, 2025, the latest information confirms a detailed new episode schedule stretching into 2026, major cast departures that will leave a hole in the team, and explosive new plot lines that promise high-stakes drama for the beloved first responders. The "One Chicago" flagship series is not slowing down, instead opting for a seismic shift in its narrative and roster.

The urgency to catch up is real: the show has already given us a glimpse into the dramatic events of Season 13, including a catastrophic gas explosion, and has set the stage for Season 14 with the confirmed exits of two key series regulars. If you are looking for the absolute most current schedule and the essential details on who is leaving and who is stepping up at Firehouse 51, you have come to the right place. The action is set to return with a bang, and the future of the crew is more uncertain than ever.

Firehouse 51's Biggest Shake-Up: Cast Departures and New Arrivals

The most significant news rocking the "Chicago Fire" fandom centers around a major cast overhaul for Season 14. Long-standing characters and fan favorites are confirmed to be departing, while a new face from a popular drama is stepping into a pivotal role. This shake-up ensures that the atmosphere at Firehouse 51 will be dramatically different in the upcoming episodes.

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Confirmed Cast Exits for Season 14

• Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter): The popular character, who has been a staple since Season 7, is confirmed to no longer be a series regular for Season 14. Ritter’s journey from a nervous candidate to a confident firefighter and respected member of the crew has been a core element of recent seasons. His departure leaves a significant gap in Engine 51.
• Jake Lockett (Sam Carver): Carver’s time as a series regular is also concluding. Introduced as a new face with a complicated past, his dynamic with Stella Kidd and his slow integration into the 51 family provided a fresh layer of internal conflict. His exit will undoubtedly impact the relationships within the firehouse.

These two departures signal a major shift, forcing the remaining characters, including Kelly Severide, Stella Kidd, and Christopher Herrmann, to adjust to a new team dynamic. The narrative will likely focus on the emotional fallout and the process of finding replacements who can live up to the legacy left behind.

New Faces Joining the Firehouse

To fill the void, the show is bringing in fresh talent. A star from the popular series Bosch: Legacy is joining the cast in what is described as a "make or break role." This new character will be under intense scrutiny from the existing crew and the audience alike, as they must quickly prove their worth and competence within the highly-regarded Firehouse 51 unit. The introduction of a new chief in the Season 13 premiere also signals a dramatic change in the chain of command, shaking things up for everyone.

The Complete Chicago Fire New Episodes Schedule for 2025 and 2026

Fans eager for the latest installments can mark their calendars with the confirmed schedule for the rest of Season 13 and the highly anticipated return of Season 14. "Chicago Fire" maintains its anchor spot in the "One Chicago" lineup, airing on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available for streaming on Peacock.

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Season 13 Episode Guide (Spring 2025)

While the season premiere aired in the fall, the spring schedule brings the final, climactic episodes of Season 13, culminating in a dramatic finale. Expect major plot threads involving Chief Pascal, Violet, Novak, and the ongoing saga of Severide and Damon to be resolved.

• Episode 15, "Too Close": Wednesday, March 5, 2025
• Episode 16, "In the Rubble": Wednesday, March 26, 2025
• Episode 17, "A Beast Like This": Wednesday, April 2, 2025
• Episode 18: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
• Episode 19, "Permanent Damage": Wednesday, April 23, 2025
• Episode 20, "Cut Me Open": Wednesday, May 7, 2025
• Episode 21, "The Bad Guy": Wednesday, May 14, 2025
• Season 13 Finale, "It Had to End This Way": Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Season 14 Premiere and Mid-Season Return

Following the traditional summer hiatus, the 14th season will kick off the 2025-2026 television season, maintaining its usual time slot.

• Season 14 Premiere: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 (Expected)
• Episode 14.04, "Not All Heroes...": Wednesday, October 22, 2025
• Episode 14.05: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
• Mid-Season Return (Episode 8): Wednesday, January 7, 2026

The mid-season break is a common occurrence for the "One Chicago" shows, and the January 7, 2026 return date marks the highly anticipated start of the second half of Season 14.

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Season 13 & 14 Plot Preview: New Chiefs, Explosions, and Severide's Future

The narrative arc for the current and upcoming seasons is packed with intense, life-or-death situations and deep personal drama, staying true to the show's roots while introducing fresh conflicts.

The Catastrophic Gas Explosion and New Leadership

Season 13 opened with a bang—literally—as Chicago's first responders united in the wake of a catastrophic gas explosion and fire that threatened a city government building. This massive event immediately set a high-stakes tone, showcasing the teamwork and dedication of the crew.

Adding to the chaos is the arrival of a new chief who immediately "shakes things up at Firehouse 51." This new leadership figure is set to challenge the established norms and relationships, particularly for veterans like Lieutenant Herrmann, who reluctantly finds himself shadowing the new chief.

Severide, Cruz, and the Damon Mystery

The complex relationship between Kelly Severide and Damon continues to be a focal point. Joe Cruz is keeping a "watchful eye on Severide and Damon," suggesting that the trust issues and potential danger surrounding Damon are far from over. Severide's storyline often explores themes of legacy and his commitment to his chosen family at 51, and this new dynamic will test his loyalties and judgment.

Violet, Novak, and the Pursuit of Truth

The Ambulance 61 crew, led by Violet and Novak, finds themselves in an investigative role. They are working to uncover the truth behind a mysterious car crash, which is likely to put them in a dangerous situation and add a layer of procedural intrigue to the firefighting drama.

Themes of Tragedy and Chosen Family

Overall, the seasons continue to explore powerful, emotional themes. Recent episodes have tackled "tragedy and grief," alongside the enduring strength of "teamwork and chosen family." The show consistently reminds viewers that for the crew of Firehouse 51, their professional bond is as strong as any blood relation, a theme that will be crucial as they navigate the upcoming cast changes and explosive new challenges.

With the new episode schedule confirmed and a major cast shake-up on the horizon, the future of "Chicago Fire" is set to be one of its most dramatic and unpredictable yet. Fans should prepare for a roller-coaster ride of emotions as the crew faces new leadership, new dangers, and the painful reality of saying goodbye to two of their own.