Chicago Fire never fails to thrill audiences before each new season. After a series of changes in season 12, many questions have been raised: Who will continue to accompany Firehouse 51? Who will say goodbye? And will the old faces make a surprise return?
Below are detailed predictions based on casting information, interviews with the crew and developments in previous seasons.
Who will leave the team?
1. Sam Carver (Jake Lockett)
Current situation: Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri (Ritter) were both confirmed to have left the series at the end of season 13.
Possibility of return: Although producer Andrea Newman hinted that Carver could appear in the next season, it is likely to be a short-term cameo or farewell episode.
Prediction: Carver leaves Truck 81, opening the door for a new firefighter or Kylie to be promoted.
2. Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri)
Current Status: NBC announced that Ritter is leaving the series.
Likely to Return: Could appear in the first episode to say goodbye.
Prediction: Ritter officially leaves Firehouse 51 at the start of the new season.
3. Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer)
Current Status: Brett is married to Casey and has decided to leave Chicago to start a new life in Oregon.
Likely to Return: Will not appear regularly, but Brett could return for a special or crossover event.
Prediction: Brett says goodbye to the audience, only a short cameo.
Who Will Return?
1. Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer)
Current Status: Jesse Spencer appeared in key episodes in seasons 11 and 12.
Likely to Return: Although Casey has moved to Oregon, he is still considered a “family member.” With the Brett-Casey wedding, many fans believe Casey will make a cameo.
Prediction: Casey returns for at least 1–2 episodes in the new season.
2. Jack Damon (Michael Bradway)
Current status: Damon has joined the Engine team but a lung injury has left his future uncertain.
Likely to return: If he recovers, Damon could become a regular character to fill the void left by Ritter.
Prediction: Damon becomes a regular firefighter in the new season.
3. Kylie Estevez (Katelynn Shennett)
Current status: Kylie has appeared in multiple seasons, trained through Girls on Fire, and joined Engine 51.
Likely to return: Very high. Many inside sources suggest Kylie will officially become a main character to replace Ritter.
Prediction: Kylie is promoted to series regular.
Which new faces will join Firehouse 51?
Brandon Larracuente: The actor who appeared in The Good Doctor will take on a new role next season. It’s likely that he’ll be a firefighter replacing Carver.
New character from Girls on Fire: Showrunner Andrea Newman has repeatedly emphasized that she wants to build a new generation of young characters to follow Stella Kidd.
Will someone make a surprise return?
Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund): Still a name fans are looking forward to, but the possibility of a long-term return is quite low. However, a commemorative episode or crossover is not impossible.
Cruz (Joe Minoso): Although Cruz is still at Firehouse 51, his family is playing an increasingly large role, so Cruz may consider transferring or taking a break from work to take care of his children.
Friendship and love: Who will have a new turning point?
Stella Kidd and Severide: After the wedding, this couple is still the spiritual pillar of the team. But with Severide constantly away on training trips, the new season could continue to test the marriage.
Herrmann: Still playing the role of “big brother”, but Herrmann’s health is likely to be an important storyline as age increasingly affects his work.
Violet Mikami: After the shock of losing Hawkins, Violet will gradually rebuild her personal life and may develop new feelings.Chicago Fire always knows how to innovate its cast of characters to create surprises and emotions. The new season promises: Saying goodbye to familiar faces, Introducing new, enthusiastic firefighters, Continuing to convey the humane message of camaraderie and sacrifice
