What new challenges are coming in the way of Firehouse 51? Here is everything we know so far about Chicago Fire Season 12.
The stakes get higher and the drama is more intense with each passing season of this popular series, which has been a fan favorite for over a decade. It isn’t a small accomplishment for any television show, and we are certain that the next season will also be filled with twists and turns and unpredicted plots as the Chicago Fire Department continues to battle raging infernos and save lives in the face of danger.
So, if you are one of those who is wondering what happens next, then you have reached the right place to know everything relating to the potential release date with the latest cast updates for the new season. Especially for you, we’ve compiled a quick rundown of everything you need to know about the recently renewed 12th season of this beloved drama television franchise from NBC’s One Chicago.
Continue reading to find out all the details about Chicago Fire Season 12.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Release Date: When is it expected to return?
The series was renewed earlier this year along with its sister shows, Chicago PD and Chicago Med. Since then, the official premiere date has yet to be acknowledged, but there is a positive sign for the fans to look forward to as the potential release window of Chicago Fire Season 12 is confirmed to be part of the 2023–24 broadcast season. The season will likely premiere in the fall of 2023, with September being the likely time frame, and it is expected to premiere every Wednesday.
In order to maintain consistency, there will be a similar gap, and it will premiere new episodes at the same time slot of 9 p.m. EST, preceded by Med at 8 p.m. EST and followed by PD at 10 p.m. EST. We would also like to highlight that there is a high chance that the series release window might get impacted by the ongoing writer’s strike, and it might eventually return next year if the filming doesn’t commence in the summer season, which usually starts sometime around August 2023.
Until then, fans should hope for the best and keep a close eye on the social media handles of the show to learn about any new updates. Also, take a look at the official 2023-2024 primetime schedule for the NBC fall schedule as shared on the official Twitter handle, quoting, “The @wolfent pack is back with new seasons of #OneChicago and #LawAndOrder coming this fall to NBC and streaming on @peacock.”
The @wolfent pack is back with new seasons of #OneChicago and #LawAndOrder coming this fall to NBC and streaming on @peacock. pic.twitter.com/lNpduFlDsv
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) May 12, 2023
Chicago Fire Season 12 Plot: What will happen in the next season?
As of writing this, not much has been disclosed in order to avoid spoilers, but we are certain that the series will delve right into the professional and personal lives of the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 as they risk their lives every day to save and protect the citizens of Chicago.
Though it is too early to predict future storylines, the new season is intended to carry the story forward as Mouch’s life is in danger following a fire and an extremist threat. As Sylvie was considering adopting a baby girl, her relationship with Dylan ended, and a new one began when Casey proposed to her. Stella decides to leave Chicago in an effort to get Kelly back.
“I’m pleased to continue my four-decade relationship with Universal Television and NBC,” One Chicago creator Dick Wolf said in a statement. “All six shows [including the Law & Order franchise] being picked up again is the ultimate accolade to our incredible casts, producers, and writers. I’d also like to thank our loyal fans who have kept our NBC shows on the air for what will be a cumulative 84 seasons.”
We would also like to put more emphasis on the fact that the next season will also pick up elements from the last season’s final episode, “Red Waterfall,” which was directed by Reza Tabrizi and written by Andrea Newman and Michael Gilvary.
In the episode, the viewers get to see that Brett travels to Indiana, and Firehouse 51 is called to the scene of an accident. Stella notices something in the SUV and alerts Boden. Herrmann is taunted by one of the victims he saved and goes to a psychic parlor. That’s not all, after much anticipation, Casey also returned in the finale! Take a look at the official promo for the episode to recall what has transpired so far.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Cast: Which characters are most likely not to return?
If you read the speculated plotlines about the next season’s plot, then we predict that there are some characters who might not return in the new season. For your convenience, we have listed them down, which are as follows:
Taylor Kinney as Lieutenant Kelly Severide
If you recall, back on January 20, 2023, NBC announced that Taylor Kinney would take a leave of absence to focus on a “personal matter.” It was later announced that Kinney would not appear in the season finale of the last season, as former cast member Jesse Spencer, who has portrayed Captain Matthew Casey, returned in a guest-starring role in Kinney’s absence and returned for the season finale. Since then, no confirmation about his return in the next season has been hinted at, so there is a slight chance that his character might not return until the next season.
Jesse Spencer as Captain Matthew Casey
As mentioned above, he returned as Matt Casey in the 11th season finale, leaving a bit of hope for the fans to see his comeback. But there is still a chance that his character might not be a part of the main cast, as he stated, “The idea when I left the show was that if it was appropriate and it would work with the storyline they wanted to do, I would be open—and they would be open—to bringing Casey back,” Spencer tells NBC Insider.
“The storyline [in Episode 18] does allude to Casey sort of eyeing whether he could actually move back to 51. Can he potentially, in the future, rekindle his relationship with Brett [Kara Killmer] and start that fire again? We’re gonna have to see. Casey’s looking at it; it’s a potential thing, but we just don’t know right now. We’ll leave that to the future. We’ll throw it to the gods and see what they say.” We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. *Finger’s Crossed*
Kara Killmer as Paramedic Sylvie Brett
If you watched the final episode of the 11th season, then you’ll recall the official synopsis of the finale was the one to begin all the departure talks for this character, as it stated, “Brett waits for life-changing news; Herrmann encounters a psychic with a grave warning on a call; Kidd finds a new lead on the Homeland Security case.”
That’s not all in the last episode; we saw Casey return to the series as he finally proposed to her, with the plot leading to the next chapter in their relationship as the best couple on the show. There is a possibility that she might leave the show with her character being in Oregon with Matthew Casey, as he lives there too, and they might once again try to build a relationship, which can be a good plot device for her absence, or she might stay if he returns. But as of writing this, nothing is confirmed yet.
Brettsey fans rise!!! pic.twitter.com/WaSIGCFJhC
— One Chicago (@NBCOneChicago) May 25, 2023
On the other hand, the cast other main cast members who are speculated to return are as follows: David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann, Joe Miñoso as Firefighter Joe Cruz, Miranda Rae Mayo as Lieutenant Stella Kidd, Alberto Rosende as Firefighter Blake Gallo, Daniel Kyri as Firefighter Darren Ritter, Hanako Greensmith as Paramedic Violet Mikami, and Eamonn Walker as Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden among other recurring cast members.
These cast members, which include main, recurring, and guest start cast, are still subject to change because the network may subsequently make announcements about other cast members who will join or leave the series. Moreover, the series’ executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Andrea Newman, Michael Gilvary, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney, and Peter Jankowski. It is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.
teamwork 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ls9wYrfyhb
— One Chicago (@NBCOneChicago) May 18, 2023
Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode Count and Streaming Options
The next season has received a 22-episode order with a runtime of 42 to 44 minutes, which is expected to air on a weekly basis. It is intended to follow the same count to maintain the story’s flow. We’d also like to point out that the titles and synopsis have not been released. These details will be revealed once the release date draws closer to avoid any early leaks about the respective plotlines and character arcs.
On the other hand, recently, NBC Chicago reported a bit of disheartening news, as the report stated that the ongoing strike could also result in seasons being shortened due to the lack of episode scripts and the writer’s room not resuming their work until a proper resolution, which will eventually lead to production delays. “They could be forced to cut seasons short or delay filming altogether,” the outlet added, and we are hoping that this might not be the case.
We would also like to highlight that currently, there is no official teaser or trailer for Chicago Fire Season 12 because the filming hasn’t even begun, which makes it way too early for the network to produce any new content. The production is reported to begin sometime in August once the scripts are completed, and the strike reaches a resolution to avoid hurdles. Until then, we encourage viewers to speculate about the storylines that may be explored to extend the One Chicago franchise for more seasons.
The entire three series of One Chicago are available to watch on NBC’s website, where the episodes are published after they air on the channel. The show is also available to stream on Peacock, FuboTV, and Hulu Plus. You can also stream the series by renting or purchasing on Amazon Instant Video or Vudu, with a vast number of membership plans. The previous seasons of the One Chicago franchise are also available to stream for free on IMDb TV, based on the user’s location.
More drama is on its way! One Chicago returns Wednesdays this fall on @nbc and streaming on @peacock. pic.twitter.com/09k6tVmiO4
— One Chicago (@NBCOneChicago) May 12, 2023
Let us know in the comments if you will be streaming Chicago Fire Season 12 on NBC or not.