Alongside the praise, Chicago Fire also faced mixed reactions from audiences and critics, especially as the show spanned multiple seasons. Criticisms often focused on the following issues:
The abrupt departure of iconic characters:
Viewers frequently expressed outrage at the abrupt removal of beloved characters to save on production costs or due to script changes.
The loss of key figures like Wallace Boden (season 12) and the absence of beloved new faces like Sam Carver and Darren Ritter in season 14 caused widespread disappointment, leaving many fans feeling that Station 51 was losing its “soul.”
Repetitive plot and lack of action:
Many long-time viewers complained that the show was gradually shifting from a firefighter drama to a melodramatic drama set in a fire station.
Plotlines such as adoption, romantic conflicts, or arson-related fires are criticized for being overly repetitive. Some argue that realistic action and rescue scenes are becoming less frequent compared to earlier installments.
The lack of realism in firefighting situations:
Professional firefighters often criticize actors for not wearing oxygen masks during fires (leaving their faces visible to the audience) or for rushing into flames without proper protective equipment.
Medical errors, such as incorrect oxygen mask placement or improper first aid procedures, are also frequently mentioned as drawbacks.
The annoyance with crossover episodes:
Some viewers find it bothersome to watch all three films in the One Chicago universe (Fire, Med, PD) to fully understand the content of a particular episode. This makes it difficult for those who only want to follow the story at Station 51 in isolation.
Quality declines after more than a decade:
Since around season 10 onwards, a significant number of viewers on forums like Reddit have admitted they stopped watching the show because they felt the content was no longer as “passionate” as before, and the new characters lacked appeal and chemistry compared to the original cast.