5 Shocking Questions: When Does Chicago Fire Return For Season 14 And Is Severide Safe?

The wait is finally over for Firehouse 51 fans! As of today, December 11, 2025, the official and highly-anticipated return date for the second half of Chicago Fire Season 14 has been confirmed by NBC. The long-running drama, which left viewers on a massive cliffhanger in its fall finale, is set to make its explosive winter premiere as part of the "One Chicago" lineup in the new year. Prepare your Wednesday nights, because the action is set to resume very soon.

The mid-season break has been agonizing, especially with the fate of a beloved main character hanging in the balance. The good news is that new episodes are just weeks away, and the premiere, Season 14, Episode 8, promises to answer the biggest questions fans have been debating since the show signed off for the holidays. Here is everything you need to know about the Chicago Fire return date and the massive plot twists ahead.

The Official Chicago Fire Season 14 Return Date and Schedule

The entire One Chicago franchise is staging a coordinated return, bringing all three shows back to NBC on the same night. This highly anticipated scheduling move ensures that fans can once again enjoy a full night of drama, action, and high-stakes rescues.

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• Show: Chicago Fire (Season 14, Episode 8)
• Official Return Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Time Slot: 9:00 PM ET/PT (8:00 PM Central)
• Network: NBC
• Streaming: New episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.

The winter premiere, which follows the heart-stopping fall finale, "Pierce the Vein," will kick off a new arc for the remainder of Season 14. This episode is crucial, as it will immediately address the life-or-death scenario that ended the first half of the season, throwing Firehouse 51 into immediate danger. The return also marks the beginning of the lead-up to the Season 14 finale, which typically airs in the spring.

What Will Happen in the Winter Premiere? The Fate of Kelly Severide

The fall finale left a major cloud of uncertainty over the future of Firehouse 51’s squad leader, Lieutenant Kelly Severide. The mid-season return, Season 14, Episode 8, is confirmed to be a dramatic, action-packed episode that immediately picks up on this cliffhanger.

Severide in Grave Danger: The final moments of the fall finale saw Severide trapped inside Mr. Cole's apartment, a dangerous situation that puts his life in immediate jeopardy. The biggest question on every fan's mind is simple: Will Kelly Severide survive the ordeal? The winter premiere is set to answer this question right away.

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A Dangerous Structure Fire: The entire crew of Firehouse 51 will be forced to band together as they confront a devastating and dangerous structure fire. This intense setting will not only test their firefighting skills but also the relationships and new leadership dynamics within the house.

The Severide and Van Mystery: Beyond the immediate danger, the episode is also expected to resolve the ongoing storyline involving Severide and Van, which has been a source of tension and speculation throughout the first half of the season.

Major Cast Shakeups and Departures Affecting Firehouse 51

Season 14 has been marked by significant cast changes, and the mid-season return will cement a new-look Firehouse 51. Fans should be prepared for some major shifts in the dynamic of the crew, as several familiar faces are either departing or shifting their roles. This is fresh news that will heavily influence the upcoming episodes.

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Michael Bradway (Jack Damon) Leaves: One of the most recent and significant departures is Michael Bradway, who played Severide's half-brother, Jack Damon. His exit ahead of the second half of Season 14 means the resolution to his storyline will be a major plot point, potentially adding more emotional weight to Severide's already perilous situation.

Ritter and Carver Status Changes: Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) will not be returning as series regulars for the second half of the season. While Daniel Kyri is expected to make guest appearances, their reduced presence will open up new dynamics and potentially new characters in the engine and squad companies.

Returning Main Cast: Despite the shakeups, the core of Firehouse 51 remains intact for the winter premiere, including Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide (pending his survival), David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz, and Christian Stolte as Randy "Mouch" McHolland.

The Complete One Chicago Return Lineup for January 7, 2026

The return of Chicago Fire is only the centerpiece of a full night of Dick Wolf-produced action. The entire One Chicago universe is back on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, creating a must-watch television event for procedural fans.

8:00 PM ET: Chicago Med Season 11 Return

The doctors and nurses of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center return with their own set of critical questions. Season 11 will need to immediately address the fate of several characters, including the mysterious whereabouts of Maggie and whether Lenox manages to survive her own cliffhanger. The high-stakes medical drama continues to challenge its staff both professionally and personally.

9:00 PM ET: Chicago Fire Season 14 Return

The dramatic return of Firehouse 51, focusing on the survival of Severide and the fallout from the fall finale's devastating structure fire.

10:00 PM ET: Chicago P.D. Season 14 Return

The Intelligence Unit is back for its 14th season, continuing its intense, gritty police work. While specific plot details for the winter premiere are tightly under wraps, viewers can expect Sergeant Hank Voight and the team to jump straight back into the complex, street-level crime-fighting that has defined the series. The 10 PM slot ensures a powerful conclusion to the One Chicago block.

Why the Chicago Fire Mid-Season Return is a Must-Watch

The January 7, 2026, return date is more than just another episode; it’s a critical turning point for Chicago Fire. With the life of a central character hanging in the balance and major cast changes being finalized, the winter premiere is set to be one of the most consequential episodes of Season 14.

Will Severide make it out alive? How will the departure of key regulars like Jack Damon, Ritter, and Carver change the dynamic of Firehouse 51? These are the burning questions that will be answered when Chicago Fire returns to NBC. Mark your calendars and prepare for the heat—the action at Firehouse 51 is about to reignite.