5 Alarming Facts About Chicago Fire's Return: When Is The Next Episode And What Happens To Severide?

The wait is finally over, Firehouse 51 fans. As of today, December 12, 2025, the most crucial question on every fan's mind—"When is the next episode of Chicago Fire?"—has a definitive answer. The long-running NBC procedural has been on its traditional winter hiatus following a shocking mid-season finale, but the return date is set. You will not see a new episode in the final weeks of 2025, but the new year promises a high-octane premiere that will resolve a massive cliffhanger.

The entire One Chicago franchise, including Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., is gearing up for a dramatic return to Wednesday nights. The upcoming episode is not just a standard return; it's a winter premiere packed with danger, new faces, and the resolution of a life-threatening situation. Here is everything you need to know about the show's return, the fate of your favorite characters, and the major shakeups coming to Firehouse 51.

The Official Chicago Fire Season 14 Return Date and Schedule

The hiatus for Season 14 of Chicago Fire will conclude shortly after the new year begins. Fans will be relieved to know that the show is returning to its regular time slot with the rest of the One Chicago lineup. The mid-season break, which began after the fall finale on November 12, 2025, is a necessary pause before the second half of the season kicks into gear.

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1. The Exact Air Date for the Next New Episode

The next new episode of Chicago Fire, which will be Season 14, Episode 8, is scheduled to air on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, on NBC.

• Show: Chicago Fire (Season 14, Episode 8)
• Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Time: 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT
• Channel: NBC
• Streaming: Episodes will be available the next day on Peacock.

The return date marks the beginning of the second, and often most intense, half of Season 14. This episode will pick up immediately after the explosive events of the mid-season finale, “Pierce the Vein.”

2. The Shocking Cliffhanger That Left Kelly Severide in Danger

The fall finale of Season 14, "Pierce the Vein," delivered a signature Chicago Fire cliffhanger, placing one of Firehouse 51’s most beloved members directly in harm’s way. The episode focused heavily on an ongoing investigation, which ultimately led to a terrifying, life-or-death scenario.

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The final moments of the episode saw Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), alongside Van Meter, visiting Cole’s apartment as part of their investigation. Just as they were speaking through a window, a fire suddenly and violently ignited in the building’s stairwell.

This left Severide, Van Meter, and the principal involved in the case trapped and facing an immediate, rapidly spreading structure fire. The winter premiere (Episode 8) will be forced to answer a burning question: Will Severide escape the blaze, or will his fate be the first major tragedy of the new year? The episode is set to be an exciting winter premiere as Firehouse 51 races to the scene of a dangerous and mysterious fire.

3. Major Cast Departures and the Arrival of a New Firefighter

Season 14 has been marked by significant shifts in the cast, and the mid-season return will cement these changes, introducing a fresh dynamic to the Truck 81 crew. The departures are always emotional, but the arrival of new blood brings new storylines and challenges to the Firehouse 51 family.

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Confirmed Cast Changes for Season 14

The most notable confirmed departure is that of a fan-favorite who has been with the show for seven seasons:

• Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter): The actor, who has played Firefighter Darren Ritter since Season 7, is confirmed to be leaving Chicago Fire. His exit is part of a larger narrative shift in the season, which will be a major blow to the Firehouse 51 team, particularly his partner, Stella Kidd.
• Michael Bradway (Jake Lockett): Bradway will not be returning this season, creating a vacancy that needs to be filled.

The New Face of Truck 81

To fill the void left by these departures, a new, key character has been introduced to the crew:

• Brandon Larracuente (Sal Vasquez): Larracuente has been cast as Sal Vasquez, a new firefighter joining the Truck 81 crew. His character will be navigating the intense environment of the firehouse while potentially continuing a quest for answers related to a personal mystery. Expect Vasquez to be a central figure in the second half of Season 14.

4. What to Expect in Episode 8 and Beyond: Plot Theories

While official plot details remain tightly guarded, the synopsis for Episode 8, titled "A Man Possessed," hints at an intense and character-driven premiere. The episode will not only resolve the cliffhanger but also propel several key storylines forward.

Severide’s Fate and the Arson Investigation: The primary focus will be the immediate danger faced by Severide and Van Meter. The fire that traps them appears to be connected to the ongoing arson investigation, suggesting that the person responsible for the previous attacks is escalating their efforts. Severide’s expertise in arson investigation will be crucial, assuming he survives the initial blaze.

Violet and Novak’s Partnership: The paramedic crew of Violet Mikami and Novak will face an unexpected challenge, likely tied to the dangerous structure fire in the premiere. Their professional relationship and personal lives are often tested, and the high-stakes calls in the winter premiere will put their partnership under extreme pressure.

Leadership and Relationships: The emotional and physical toll of the fall finale will test the relationships within the firehouse. New leadership questions may arise, and the team will have to band together after a series of devastating events.

5. The Potential for a Massive One Chicago Crossover in 2026

Fans of the entire One Chicago universe have reason to be excited. While NBC has not officially confirmed a major crossover event for the 2026 mid-season, the plotlines of all three shows—Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.—are setting the stage for what could be the biggest franchise event in years.

The nature of the Season 14 conflict, particularly the high-profile arson investigation that put Severide in danger, is the kind of case that naturally involves the Intelligence Unit from Chicago P.D. and the emergency medical services of Chicago Med. A major conflict that affects the entire franchise has been introduced, making a crossover a logical and anticipated event for the 2026 television season.

The entire franchise returns on the same night, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, creating the perfect block for a three-show storyline to begin. Be sure to tune in to Chicago Med at 8 PM ET, followed by Chicago Fire at 9 PM ET, and finishing with Chicago P.D. at 10 PM ET.