What new updates does the finale episode have in store for the Chicago Fire fans? Here is everything we know so far.
As the much-awaited finale episode of Chicago Fire Season 11 is officially on the way, the fandom was quick to notice that the recently released official synopsis of the finale episode didn’t mention one of the most talked-about characters in the One Chicago franchise!
Can you guess which missing character we are talking about from reading the episode description, which is as follows: “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.”
Yes, you guessed it right—it’s the one and only Taylor Kinney’s Severide!
His return to the finale had been widely anticipated by fans for months, even if it was only for a brief cameo. Sadly, this update has shattered many people’s hearts. As soon as the news broke all over social media, the fans started expressing their disappointment with the unfortunate confirmation that Taylor Kinney would not be making an appearance in the season’s finale.
But we hate to break this to you; this isn’t something that has happened out of the blue, as Deadline has previously reported that the fan favorite has been on a leave of absence since January, dealing with a personal matter. So, this is one of the major reasons why Kelly Severide has been absent from the show for a while and won’t be returning anytime soon.
For those who aren’t familiar with Kelly Severide, we’ve got you covered as he is a firefighter and the company officer for the second shift of Rescue Squad 3. He has dedicated himself to his position in Rescue Squad. Spencer initially left in the 200th episode. When Spencer left the show, his character was traveling to Oregon to look after the sons of his deceased best friend Andy Darden. Additionally, he was attempting a long-distance relationship with Sylvie Brett.
Even though his absence from the finale is a bit sad, there is some news that will definitely grab your attention and cheer you up for the Chicago Fire Season 11 finale!
Another character who is as beloved as Severide will be back for the finale episode. Yes, it’s Captain Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) returning as a guest star in Kinney’s absence! This isn’t his first comeback this season. As Casey returned to Chicago for a conference, he was informed by the CFD of how Portland faced a series of terrorist attacks within its limits and warned of possible strikes coming to various cities, including Chicago.
He even assisted Stella and Truck 81 on a rescue job in the 18th episode, “Danger is All Around.” The actor opened up about his love for the show and how he’s open to returning whenever possible, quoting, “I always told [series co-creator] Derek Haas that if there were episodes that he thought would be appropriate for me to come back, then I’m totally open to that because I want to see the old gang and I love working there,” Spencer told Deadline at the time.
He also stated to TV Insider, “There’s nothing like old friends, and at a workplace that can be a rarity.” Further adding, “I really appreciate that show. I’ve had a soft spot for it, otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed for 10 years. So coming back is always nice.” So, if you haven’t watched the show yet and want to avoid any further spoilers, have a peek at the official promo to learn more about his surprise appearance in the 18th episode.
Chicago Fire Season 11: When will the finale episode air on NBC?
The finale episode, “Red Waterfall,” will premiere later this month on May 24, 2023, in the same time slot as every Wednesday at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on NBC, alongside Chicago Med at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), and then be capped off with Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). The official synopsis, as mentioned above, states that the episode will elaborate on Brett waiting for news that could change his life; Herrmann makes a phone call to a psychic who issues a dire warning. Kidd discovers a new lead in the Homeland Security investigation.
In addition to this, the remaining episodes which will premiere before the final on NBC are as follows:
Season 11 Episode 20: Never, Ever Make a Mistake – May 10, 2023: The episode is directed by Lisa Demaine, and written by Andrea Newman. The official synopsis states, “Herrmann works on becoming a better man after Cindy’s cancer journey; Kidd bonds with a homeless victim on a call; Kylie takes her firefighter exams; a harrowing call takes a toll on Brett.”
Season 11 Episode 21: Change of Plans – May 17, 2023: The episode is directed by Lisa Robinson, and written by Victor Teran. The official synopsis states, “Carver deals with the fallout of his arrest; Brett searches for closure with the baby she rescued; Capp weasels his way into the Firehouse 51 group chat.”
Chicago Fire is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment. Executive producers of Chicago Fire are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Andrea Newman, Michael Gilvary, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney, and Peter Jankowski. The rest of main cast members who are speculated to feature in these remaining episodes are as follows:
- Kara Killmer as Paramedic in Charge Sylvie Brett
- David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann
- Joe Minoso as Firefighter Joe Cruz
- Christian Stolte as Firefighter Randall “Mouch” McHolland
- 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
- Eamonn Walker as Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden
If you want to catch up with all the episodes of Chicago Fire, they are exclusively available to stream on NBC, Peacock, FuboTV, and Hulu Plus. You can also stream the series by renting or purchasing it on Amazon Instant Video or Vudu, with a vast number of membership plans according to the preferences of the users. Additionally, the previous seasons of Chicago Fire are also available to stream for free on IMDb TV, based on the user’s location.
While you wait for the new episode to premiere in a few days, check out the newly released 30-second official promo of the 20th episode, “Never, Ever Make a Mistake,” below:
Let us know in the comments if you will be streaming new episodes of Chicago Fire Season 11 and what you think of Severide’s absence from the final episode.