Matthew Casey Leaves Team 51 (Season 10)
Actor: Jesse Spencer
Reason for Leaving:
After nearly 200 episodes, Jesse Spencer decided to leave the series to spend time with his family and take care of his health.
Why are the audience so sad?
Casey is the spiritual pillar and hidden leader of Team 51.
He has a deep love line with Sylvie Brett – a love that has made fans “ship” for many seasons.
The friendship – teammate relationship between Casey and Severide is considered the best “bromance” in the show.
Farewell mark:
Episode 200 is an emotional milestone: Casey officially leaves Chicago to take care of the two children of Andy Darden, his deceased teammate.
The farewell scene in the garage of Team 51 made many people cry.
2. Kelly Severide is temporarily absent (Seasons 11–12)
Actor: Taylor Kinney
Reason:
Taylor Kinney took a leave of absence to deal with family matters, causing Severide to suddenly disappear in the middle of season 11.
Why is it regrettable?
Severide is the soul of Rescue Squad 3, a respected commander.
Fans are worried that the relationship between Severide and Stella Kidd (Stellaride) will be affected.
The long break caused the script to be adjusted, some action scenes lacked the familiar atmosphere.
Return:
At the end of season 12, Severide returned to team 51, making fans breathe a sigh of relief.
3. Leslie Shay Dies (Season 3)
Actor: Lauren German
Reason:
Shay was killed by the writers in the explosion at the end of Season 2, and was confirmed dead at the beginning of Season 3.
Why is it shocking and regretful?
Shay is the cheerful, humorous soul of Ambulance 61.
The close friendship between Shay and Dawson creates one of the most beautiful “female friendships” in the series. The sudden death causes the characters to fall into a mental crisis.
Emotional aftermath: Shay’s death leaves a huge void for Brett – her replacement.
This is still one of the most heartbreaking events in the show’s history.
4. Gabby Dawson Leaves Chicago (Seasons 6–7)
Actor: Monica Raymund
Reason:
Monica Raymund left the show to explore new acting opportunities after 6 seasons.
Why are audiences so sad?
Dawson is a strong female lead who is always willing to take risks.
The complicated love story between Dawson and Casey is the main emotional axis of many seasons.
When Dawson moves to Puerto Rico to do humanitarian relief, Casey loses his greatest support.
Short-term return:
Dawson makes a surprise return in season 8, episode “Best Friend Magic”, reuniting with Casey – a nostalgic reunion scene.
5. Otis dies in a factory fire (Season 8)
Actor: Yuri Sardarov
Reason:
The character Otis sacrifices himself to warn his teammates to escape the explosion in time.
Why are audiences so sad?
Otis is the funny soul of Team 81, who brings laughter in tense moments.
The scene where Joe Cruz – his best friend – hugs the dying Otis is one of the most emotional scenes.
The last line Otis said in Russian: “Will my brothers miss me?” made the audience cry.
6. The most anticipated return: Matthew Casey returns to Chicago (Season 11-12)
After leaving the show in season 10, Jesse Spencer returned in season 11, attending the wedding of Kidd – Severide.
In season 12, he officially returned for a long time, making fans happy because Casey – Brett had a chance to reconcile.
Why is his return exciting?
Casey is part of the “Chicago Fire family”.
He returned at the right time when Severide was absent, continuing to be a support for his teammates.
Summary
Chicago Fire not only attracted the audience with breathtaking firefighting scenes, but also thanks to the emotional character building.
Every breakup or comeback leaves a mark in the hearts of fans, because the characters are not just roles – they are like close friends who have accompanied each other for many years.
