Can the NBC hit rise from its recent slump — or will Season 14 be its last stand?

A Firehouse in Flux: Big Changes Hit 51

As Chicago Fire enters Season 14, the walls of Firehouse 51 have never felt more unstable. While still a Wednesday night staple for NBC, the show’s ratings have quietly slipped, and the storytelling in recent seasons has drawn mixed reactions from longtime fans. Now, with the series poised for a dramatic overhaul, the question lingers: can the fire burn bright again — or has it already burned out?

Season 14 is shaping up to be a turning point. Showrunners are introducing what insiders describe as a “soft reboot”, giving the drama a chance to reset both emotionally and narratively. That includes a time jump that skips over unresolved tensions and positions the characters in brand new arcs from the very first episode.

Familiar Faces Return, But Others Say Goodbye

There’s some good news for fans clinging to the old guard: Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) are back in action, promising a spark of the classic chemistry that defined the show’s earlier seasons.

But their return is bittersweet. Season 14 also marks the departure of several fan-favorites — Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), and most painfully, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). Carver, whose intense presence added emotional grit to the firehouse, will leave a notable hole in the dynamic.

Still, the exits open the door for new recruits, and if the writing supports it, these new faces could breathe life into old routines.

The Reset Button: Time Jump Brings New Stakes

Instead of dragging out old plotlines, the season opens mid-transition. The time jump offers clarity about where characters now stand — emotionally and professionally. Relationships have shifted. Power dynamics have changed. And the firehouse itself feels transformed.

The hope? This fresh narrative direction can rebuild Chicago Fire’s momentum, much like its early seasons once did.

Ratings Decline Signals Urgency

The numbers don’t lie. According to TV Series Finale, Season 13 pulled in a 0.39 rating in the crucial 18–49 demographic — down from 0.49 in Season 12. While still competitive, the dip reveals a craving for reinvention among viewers. If Season 14 delivers on its promises, it could halt the slide — or even bring disillusioned fans back.

Can the Fire Reignite?

This may be the most important season in Chicago Fire’s history. With returning favorites, bold departures, and a reset that could shake everything loose, Season 14 has all the ingredients of a comeback — but only if it sticks the landing.

The fire’s still burning… but will it spread? Or will Season 14 be the final spark before the flame goes out?