Chicago Fire season 14: Release date, cast and latest news

With such major layoffs news for the Chicago Fire Department set to unfold in the new episodes, who will be safe? Newman didn't reveal anything but did confirm: “There will be hellos, and there will be goodbyes. I’ll say that. That’s for sure.”

We do already know there have been some casting changes, and the likes of Jake Lockett, Daniel Kyri and Michael Bradway won't be returning – but we do know that Kyri will be back for a "limited time only", as teased on his Instagram.

There's plenty to get our heads round for the new 14th season, especially seeing as a UK release date is yet to be confirmed. Read on for everything you need to know.

When will Chicago Fire season 14 be released?

Chicago Fire season 14 will premiere on Wednesday 1st October on NBC at 9pm ET/8pm CT and will be available to stream on Peacock from Thursday 2nd October.

As for a UK release date, one has not been confirmed but we'd expect Chicago Fire to return to Sky Witness and NOW when it does.

Chicago Fire season 14 cast: Who will return?

There have been some cast changes to the world of Chicago Fire, and they mean some characters won't be appearing in season 14.

It was announced ahead of the series renewal that both Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett would not be returning to the show due to cost-saving measures, Deadline reported.

It's not yet known whether the pair's characters will get a proper send-off on the show but we would hope that the chapters for both Darren Ritter (Kyri) and Sam Carver (Lockett) are properly closed for fans.

On the news of his departure, Lockett posted on his Instagram and wrote: “While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that. So much pride in this journey.

“It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years."

Similarly, Michael Bradway – who starred as Kelly's half-brother Jack – won't be returning for season 14 either. According to TVLine, Chicago Fire producers are said to be open to having Bradway reprise his role, should his schedule allow it.

In terms of new faces, On Call's Brandon Larracuente will be joining the cast as Sal Vasquez, who has been teased to be a "bad boy" and "rebel". Annabeth Gish will also be guest starring across multiple episodes as the mayor’s chief of staff, Annette Davis.

The Chicago Fire cast we'd expect to make a return are as follows:

• David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann
• Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz
• Miranda Rae Mayo as Lt Stella Kidd
• Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami
• Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide
• Jocelyn Hudon as Lyla Novak
• Christian Stolte as Randall McHolland, aka Mouch
• Dermot Mulroney as Dom Pascal
• Randy Flagler as Harold Capp
• Anthony Ferraris as Tony Ferraris
• Michael Bradway as Jack Damon
• Robyn Coffin as Cindy Herrmann
• Tim Hopper as Captain Tom Van Meter
• Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vasquez
• Annabeth Gish as Annette Davis

What will Chicago Fire season 14 be about?

As per the usual series format, we can expect plenty of twists and turns as we follow a slew of new cases, new characters and new challenges for our team of firefighters.

The official NBC synopsis for season 14 reads: “After the emotional highs and jaw-dropping heartbreaks of Chicago Fire Season 13, viewers can expect some gripping drama in the series' next chapter.

“Some firefighters are starting families, some are making massive career moves, others are trying to find their footing at a new station amid squad shake-ups.”

As for new character Sal Vasquez, there's set to be plenty to explore in his story, as teased by executive producer Andrea Newman. Speaking to TVLine, she revealed: "He’s kind of a rebel, he’s kind of a bad boy coming in,” Newman shared. “He’s had a lot of problems with authority, personally and professionally.

“We’ll come to see that [Stella] might just be the person who can manage [Vasquez] and keep him employed in the CFD and bring all of his best qualities to the front and try not to kill him — and have him kill her! — in the meantime."

She added: “There is a mystery as to why, when all of this is going on and all these layoffs are happening and brownouts and new policies happening in the city, why is this guy being moved, not only to a new position, but to what’s known as the best firehouse in the city? How did that happen? And why did that happen?”

Season 13 also left on the pregnancy reveal of Stella and so, that will obviously be a focus in the new season with the new episodes set to dig into what it looks like to be a pregnant firefighter.

Newman also revealed about that storyline: "The difference between when a male firefighter gets pregnant and when the female firefighter is pregnant, I think, is really interesting to explore and how each are affected, and also being parents at the end of the day and the stakes. When they’re a couple, there’s stakes, for sure, but when they’ve got a baby, the stakes go through the roof. So those are all the things that we can play with going down the line. Exciting."

Is there a trailer for Chicago Fire season 14?

As per usual, the exciting premiere of all the shows within the One Chicago universe have been put together in one dramatic trailer.

You can catch a glimpse of new episodes of Chicago Fire (as well as Chicago Med and PD) in the trailer below.

Chicago Fire season 14 premieres on NBC in the US on Wednesday 1st October. Past seasons are available to watch on Sky and NOW in the UK. Find Sky deals here.

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