Who Will Fall in January? Explosive One Chicago Cliffhangers Leave Lives Hanging by a Thread
As Chicago Fire, Med, and P.D. race toward their 2026 returns, one truth is clear: not everyone will make it out alive.
The Countdown to January Begins: Who Will Survive?
With Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. all ending 2025 with life-threatening cliffhangers, fans are bracing themselves for what could be a heartbreaking return on January 7, 2026. From burning stairwells to violent kidnappings, each show left at least one major character in immediate danger — and at least one death seems inevitable.
The writers aren’t pulling punches this time. Emotional stakes are sky-high. Legacy characters are in peril. And the lives of new recruits, beloved couples, and even children hang in the balance. Here’s a deep dive into who’s at risk — and who’s most likely not to make it back.
🔥 Chicago Fire: Trapped with No Way Out
Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Van Meter (Tim Hopper) walked straight into a firetrap in the fall finale. Investigating a potential arson case, the pair entered the school principal’s apartment — unaware the arsonist had already returned, igniting the stairwell behind them.
With no gear and no way out, Severide is at serious risk. While it’s unlikely the show would kill off its iconic lead — especially after Stellaride endured a heartbreaking miscarriage — Van Meter may not be so lucky. If someone dies in the flames, it could be him.
🏥 Chicago Med: Violence, Justice, and a Dangerous Gamble
Dr. Caitlin Lenox (Sarah Ramos) made a dangerous choice to protect a domestic violence victim, Faye. When Faye’s abusive husband Devin came into the ED, Lenox followed her instincts, leading her to the couple’s home.
What she found was horrifying: Faye, battered at the bottom of a staircase. As Lenox tried to call for help, Devin appeared and knocked her unconscious with a gun.
While Lenox likely survives — especially with her ongoing prion disease storyline — Faye’s condition is grim. And Devin himself could be the one to die, possibly during a standoff or in self-defense when the women fight back.
🚔 Chicago P.D.: A Gunshot in the Darkness
In the most chilling twist, Intelligence’s newest member Imani (Arienne Mandi) broke into the home of suspected serial killer Raymond Bell to save his granddaughter Julie — only to be met by silence… and a gunshot.
Julie had told Imani about a woman being held in the basement. Now, Imani is inside alone, with no backup. While it’s unlikely the show will kill off a series regular so soon, the gunshot leaves her fate uncertain — and could be a turning point in Voight’s ongoing battle with Internal Affairs.
Meanwhile, young Julie remains in danger but seems safe for now. Raymond may be a monster, but even he swore he would never hurt his granddaughter.
Who’s Most Likely to Die?
If there’s one character most likely to meet a tragic end, it’s Van Meter from Chicago Fire. His mentorship of Severide has run its course, and the fire’s setup looks like it was written to sacrifice someone meaningful — without ending a central romance or killing an OG.
On Chicago Med, Devin is in line for a possible violent end, while Lenox and Faye have more story ahead. And in P.D., Imani’s future may be complicated, but death doesn’t seem like the end for her just yet.