As the teaser trailer for Chicago Fire’s January 28 episode “Frostbite Blue” teases: Two is company and three’s a crowd as Chihards prepare for the exciting return of former Firehouse 51 favorite, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett).
Chihards have been missing Carver after he decided to move to Denver in Season 13’s finale, but it looks like the former Windy City first responder will be making his triumphant return sooner than his friends thought. In the promo for the upcoming episode — airing January 28 at 9/8c for NBC’s One Chicago Wednesdays — Lockett’s beloved character visits his former post at Firehouse 51. But no one was more shocked about Carver’s return than his former flame, 51 Paramedic in Charge Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), who is bound to have some mixed feelings about the impromptu visit.
“Oh my god, I’m glad you’re here,” Violet says in the trailer, in awe of Carver’s arrival at Firehouse 51. He looked just as relieved to be back in Violet’s time zone.
“Me too,” Carver said as the pair went in for a tight embrace. Watch the teaser trailer and learn more about Sam Carver’s Chicago Fire lore, below.
Violet and Carver reunite in Chicago Fire Season 14
While Chihards are applauding the opportunity to connect with Carver again, the timing isn’t exactly ideal. Throughout Season 14 of Fire, Violet has struck up a fiery connection with Carver’s replacement at the station, Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), and that romantic tension has only increased in recent episodes.
After Violet and Carver shared a hug in the teaser, Violet’s pal Lizzy Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) swapped a look with Vasquez as the old flames picked up where they left off. Later in the promo, after Vasquez sings praises over Violet’s training modules this season, Carver seemed to clock Vasquez’s budding chemistry with Violet.
“Violet put me in my place,” Vasquez says with glee, instantly getting a stern look from an envious Carver. After experiencing his own romance with the 51 paramedic, Carver later took it upon himself to set the record straight with Vasquez.
Chicago Fire Season 14
One Chicago Wednesdays are here!
Fresh off an extended fall hiatus, new Chicago Fire episodes begin airing January 7, 2026 every Wednesday at 9/8c. New episodes are available to stream on Peacock Thursdays at 6 a.m. ET.
Keep up with your favorite firefighters and paramedics Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso), Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte), Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), Lyla “Lizzie” Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), and Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente) as they navigate the highs and lows of Firehouse 51.
If that’s not quite enough One Chicago for you, checkout exclusive merch available now at the NBC Store!
“Violet deserves the best,” Carver tells the Firehouse 51 newcomer, getting all up in his business. Not one to be intimidated, Vasquez pushes back.
“Sorry, do we have a problem?” Vasquez asked, setting the tone for some juicy drama as One Chicago Wednesdays heat up.
Why Sam Carver left Firehouse 51 in Season 13 of Chicago Fire
Carver went through some massive challenges during his time at Firehouse 51, and while the Windy City station forged him into a stronger, more capable first responder, it also tossed him through the wringer. Upon his arrival at 51, Carver had a reputation for being hot-headed and stubborn. His aggression was later revealed to be related to childhood trauma and abuse, which he later quelled through alcohol.
Carver’s hurdles couldn’t stop the spark he felt with Violet as they embarked on a whirlwind will-they-won’t-they and later on-again-off-again relationship. The romantic turmoil was enough to inspire Carver to take a furlough and go home to Texas, later returning with a toxic girlfriend and a concerning drinking problem. Violet did her best to support Carver from afar, but his AA process eventually led him to decide to start anew across the country for the strongest chance at recovery.
Fans can get a long-awaited update on Carver’s sobriety and new start by watching Season 14 of Chicago Fire on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
