Is Chicago Fire A Rerun Tonight? The Shocking Truth About The Season 14 Hiatus And New Episode Date Revealed

The answer to whether Chicago Fire is a rerun tonight, December 12, 2025, is a definitive no, but not for the reason you might think. The high-octane drama from Dick Wolf's One Chicago universe is currently on its annual winter hiatus, meaning there are no new episodes airing this week, or for the rest of 2025, on NBC. Furthermore, Chicago Fire typically airs on Wednesday nights, not Fridays, so the regular time slot is not even in play tonight. For fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of the intense Season 14 storylines, the wait is almost over, but you'll need to mark your calendars for early next year.

The entire One Chicago franchise—including Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.—has paused new broadcasts following their mid-season finales, a standard practice for network television during the holiday season. While tonight's schedule may feature a rerun or pre-empted programming, the true focus for dedicated viewers is the confirmed return date for the next fresh installment of the action at Firehouse 51. The current break provides a perfect opportunity to catch up on the dramatic twists and turns of Season 14, especially with the major cast and character developments that have recently unfolded.

The Confirmed Return Date: When New Chicago Fire Episodes Will Air

The winter hiatus for Chicago Fire is a common occurrence, but the good news is that NBC has officially announced the date for the show's return. Fans will not have to wait long into the new year to see the resolution of the intense mid-season cliffhangers and the next chapter for the beloved crew.

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Mark Your Calendars: Season 14, Episode 8

• Next New Episode Air Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Time Slot: 9/8c
• Network: NBC
• Streaming: New episodes are also available to stream on Peacock the next day

This return date will kick off the second half of Season 14 with episode 8, following the fall finale that left several major storylines hanging in the balance. The show's consistent Wednesday night slot at 9 p.m. ET remains the anchor for the One Chicago block, sandwiched between Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.

The break, which started shortly after the fall finale, is a strategic move by the network to ensure a consistent run of new episodes in the early spring months, leading up to the Season 14 finale, which typically airs in May.

Major Storylines and Cast Updates from Season 14

Season 14 has been one of the most transformative seasons in the show's history, marked by significant character departures, new arrivals, and high-stakes personal drama. Staying current on these developments is essential for any fan waiting for the show's return.

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The Severide and Kidd Dynamic

The relationship between Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) has faced new challenges this season. Rumors and speculation about Taylor Kinney's continued presence on the show have been a constant talking point. The fall finale provided a disappointing update for 'Stellaride' fans, establishing that Severide would be absent for a period, having traveled to Michigan for a professional opportunity. This absence, which mirrors previous seasons, has once again put a strain on his marriage with Stella Kidd, who is left to manage Firehouse 51's Truck 81 and her personal life without him.

Adding to the drama, there has been significant discussion about the possibility of Stella and Severide having a baby soon, a storyline that has been teased and would profoundly change the couple's trajectory. The mid-season return is expected to focus heavily on how Stella navigates her career and personal anxieties while her husband is away.

The Changing of the Guard at Firehouse 51

Perhaps the biggest shift in Season 14 was the departure of a long-standing, foundational character and the subsequent introduction of a new authority figure. Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), the beloved Chief of Firehouse 51, officially exited the series, leaving a massive void in the heart of the station.

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To fill the big shoes left by Boden, the season welcomed Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal. Chief Pascal's arrival has introduced a new dynamic and a different style of leadership to the station, which is often met with the kind of resistance and skepticism only Firehouse 51 can muster. His presence is a key entity for the remainder of the season, and his interactions with veteran firefighters like Matthew Casey and Christopher Herrmann will be crucial to the plot.

Why Does Chicago Fire Go On Hiatus?

The concept of a "hiatus" is a fundamental part of the network television business model, and understanding it helps explain why you might see a rerun tonight instead of a new episode.

The Production Schedule

Unlike streaming services that release an entire season at once, network shows like Chicago Fire are produced on a weekly basis while they are airing. This "in-season" production schedule requires breaks to allow the writers, cast, and crew time to complete the remaining episodes of the season. The winter hiatus is strategically placed to give the production team a buffer, ensuring the quality and consistency of the episodes that will air from January through May.

Optimizing Viewer Engagement

Network executives also use hiatuses to their advantage for scheduling. By pausing new episodes during major holidays like Christmas and New Year's, when viewership tends to drop significantly, they prevent "burning off" a new episode on a night when fewer people are watching. This strategy ensures that the most anticipated episodes are saved for times when they can maximize ratings and advertising revenue. The January 7, 2026, return date is timed perfectly for viewers who are back in their regular routines and ready for new content.

How to Catch Up During the Break

If you're disappointed that Chicago Fire is a rerun tonight, or if you're looking to refresh your memory before the Season 14 return, you have several options for catching up on the latest drama and past seasons.

• Peacock: The NBCUniversal streaming service, Peacock, is the home for the entire One Chicago franchise. All current and past seasons of Chicago Fire are available to stream there.
• NBC.com: You can watch recent episodes on the official NBC website and app.
• Re-watch Key Episodes: Consider re-watching pivotal episodes involving major characters like Kelly Severide, Stella Kidd, Matthew Casey, and Chief Boden to fully appreciate the context of the upcoming Season 14 storylines. Key entities to focus on include the ongoing internal conflicts within Firehouse 51, the development of the 'Stellaride' family unit, and the transition of power to Chief Dom Pascal.

While tonight may be a rerun, the anticipation for the January 7, 2026, return of Chicago Fire Season 14 is building. The next new episode promises to deliver the intense action, emotional drama, and critical developments that fans have come to expect from the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51.