Chicago Fire Season 14: 7 Shocking Twists And Everything You Need To Know Before The January 2026 Return
The wait is finally almost over, One Chicago fans. As of today, December 19, 2025, the highly anticipated second half of Chicago Fire Season 14 is just weeks away, promising to resolve the massive cliffhangers left by the fall finale and introduce dramatic new dynamics at Firehouse 51. The upcoming episodes are set to be some of the most emotionally charged in the series' history, featuring a major cast overhaul, a devastating fire that catches the crew off guard, and the life-changing fallout from a surprise pregnancy twist. Get ready for an intense return to the Windy City.
The long-running NBC procedural, which has been renewed for the 2025-2026 season, is returning from its mid-season break with a bang, forcing the beloved crew to navigate professional budget cuts that have led to painful goodbyes, while simultaneously dealing with personal milestones like new relationships and unexpected parenthood. Here is the definitive guide to everything confirmed for the remainder of Chicago Fire Season 14, including the official return date and the shocking reasons behind some of the most beloved character exits.
Chicago Fire Season 14: Official Return Date and Major Cast Departures
The "One Chicago" franchise is officially back on the air in the new year. The midseason premiere for Chicago Fire Season 14 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 9/8c on NBC. This return date will kick off the second half of the season, which follows a monumental Season 13 finale that set the stage for one of the biggest cast shuffles in recent memory.
The new season has been defined by significant, emotional goodbyes, many of which are believed to be the result of a wave of budget cuts across Dick Wolf's NBC shows. These departures have left major holes in the Firehouse 51 roster and will undoubtedly change the dynamic of Truck 81 and the rest of the crew.
The confirmed Season 14 exits include:
- Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter: After seven seasons, Kyri's departure as the fan-favorite firefighter/paramedic is one of the most shocking. His exit is confirmed to be addressed in the first batch of Season 14 episodes.
- Jake Lockett as Sam Carver: Carver, who had become a central figure and a love interest for Violet, has also left the series. His exit is linked to the same budget-related decisions as Ritter's.
- Michael Bradway as Firefighter Jack Damon: The character who stirred up trouble and intrigue is also not returning for the new season.
While the budget cuts are cited as the practical reason for the exits of Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett, the storylines must provide emotional closure, and showrunner Andrea Newman has teased that we may see Ritter and Carver again, leaving the door open for future guest appearances.
Meet the New Face: Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vasquez
With major departures creating a vacuum, especially on Truck 81, Firehouse 51 is getting a new member. Actor Brandon Larracuente has been cast as Sal Vasquez, a new firefighter who will be joining the Truck 81 crew. Vasquez is essentially stepping into the spot left vacant by the departure of Sam Carver.
Showrunner Andrea Newman has provided some details on the newest addition, suggesting that Sal Vasquez will bring a fresh, yet potentially disruptive, dynamic to the firehouse. Early plot details indicate that Vasquez is on a "quest for answers," which suggests a compelling personal mystery or mission that will unfold throughout the new episodes. Fans are speculating whether he will be a straightforward replacement or a character that the audience "will love to hate," promising new friction and drama at the station.
The 7 Shocking Storylines and Plot Twists Dominating Season 14
The new season is not just about new faces and sad goodbyes; it's also packed with major personal and professional developments for the veteran cast. The show’s writers, led by Andrea Newman, are focused on keeping the long-running series fresh by pushing the characters into new, unexpected territory. Here are the biggest confirmed and rumored plot points for the remainder of Chicago Fire Season 14:
1. The Stellaride Pregnancy Surprise
The biggest twist from the Season 13 finale was the confirmation that Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is pregnant. This was a major development, especially since Stella and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) had previously decided against having children. The new episodes will dive deep into how this surprise pregnancy impacts the fan-favorite couple, known as "Stellaride." Will they be able to balance their high-risk careers with the demands of a growing family? Their journey to bring a "new (little) person into the station" is a central focus.
2. The Violet/Carver Fallout
In another finale shocker, Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Sam Carver shared a passionate kiss. With Carver now gone from Firehouse 51, the midseason return must immediately address the status of their budding relationship. Did the kiss lead to anything? Was his departure a result of relationship drama, or was it purely budget-driven, leaving Violet heartbroken? The showrunner has a lot of ground to cover to resolve this cliffhanger.
3. Herrmann’s New Path
Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) spent much of the previous season struggling with the idea of moving up the ranks to Chief. The Season 13 finale saw him finally admit a difficult truth: a desk job is not for him. Season 14 will explore Herrmann’s renewed commitment to the front lines of Engine 51 and his role as a mentor and veteran firefighter, bringing him back to the core of what fans love about his character.
4. The Devastating Fire
The professional stakes are higher than ever. Official synopses confirm that Firehouse 51 must "band together after a devastating fire catches them off guard." This suggests a major, high-stakes rescue or a personal tragedy that will test the resilience and teamwork of the remaining crew, potentially serving as the backdrop for the midseason return.
5. Vasquez’s Mysterious Quest
Newcomer Sal Vasquez is confirmed to be on a "quest for answers." This storyline is expected to be a major arc, possibly tying into the devastating fire or a past event that connects him to the CFD or a member of the 51 family. His integration into the close-knit crew will depend heavily on the nature of this quest and whether he is a help or a hindrance.
6. The Foster Storyline Theory
Fan theories are rampant following the pregnancy news, suggesting that the Stellaride couple may face complications or a loss, leading them to pursue a foster storyline. Specifically, some fans predict they might take in a teen named Isaiah, a possibility that would allow the couple to explore parenthood without the complications of a pregnancy arc, and aligns with the show's focus on community service.
7. Kidd’s Arson Investigation
Another popular fan theory suggests that Lieutenant Kidd will take on a major investigative role, uncovering a complex web of arson, corporate corruption, and sabotage targeting low-income communities in Chicago. This would be a high-stakes, long-term arc that would give Kidd a significant leadership role beyond her day-to-day duties at Truck 81.
The Future of One Chicago
The renewal of Chicago Fire for Season 14 confirms its status as a cornerstone of the "One Chicago" universe, alongside its sister shows, *Chicago P.D.* and *Chicago Med*, both of which were also renewed for the 2025-2026 season. The midseason return on January 7, 2026, will be a major television event, bringing all three Dick Wolf procedurals back to NBC's Wednesday night lineup.
With the inevitable changes in the cast, the show is poised to enter a new chapter. The departures of Ritter and Carver, while sad for fans, create space for fresh narratives and new character development for the remaining core cast, including Taylor Kinney (Severide), Miranda Rae Mayo (Kidd), David Eigenberg (Herrmann), Christian Stolte (Mouch), and Hanako Greensmith (Violet). The new episodes promise to deliver the signature blend of harrowing rescues, intense personal drama, and the enduring camaraderie that has made Firehouse 51 a beloved institution for over a decade.
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