Will the One Chicago Mother series be back to put out the incessant fires in the city? And will it return in January 2024?
Let’s find out!
Innumerable cliffhangers and no hint of an answer in the last three months since the announcement of its renewal for Season 12. We are not exactly expecting any answers, given the ongoing writer’s strike and the effect it has had on scripts and production houses. It is truly an impending doom for scripted shows!
However, there is a silver lining. We have updates concerning Firehouse 51, and it is something you would love to hear, given the recent unhinged developments of the strike situation. So, continue reading.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Release Date: Will It Arrive By January 2024?
It is confirmed. Firehouse 51 will continue its bravery in putting out fires all over Illinois and Chicago with its stellar firefighters who we have developed a close personal relationship with over the course of 11 seasons. So will the 12th season arrive in January 2024? We doubt it, given the current strike situation.
May 2023 witnessed the onslaught of the gravest writer’s protest in the form of the WGA union. Amidst the protest, several competing networks updated their fall broadcast schedules in anticipation of the dissipation of the strikes within the next month. NBC followed suit and updated a schedule indicating a fall 2023 release for Chicago Fire Season 12.
However, in July, the actors union SAG-AFTRA also joined in the protest for their wage rights and better protection against the hindsight of Artificial Intelligence. The last time such a large-scale strike sent Hollywood productions into an indefinite hiatus was 63 years ago! We are in the third month of this double-strike situation, and there are no hopes for reconciliation through negotiations.
In a recent meeting held for the first time in more than three months, the Writers Guild and the AMPTP on Friday failed to reach an agreement to resume contract negotiations. Their inability to agree on terms for returning to the bargaining table comes after their much-anticipated meeting to discuss a possible resumption of talks.“As of now, there is no agreement on these items because the AMPTP said they needed to consult with their member studios before moving forward,” the union said in a statement last Friday.
Therefore the official network has been forced to make amends to their earlier revised fall schedule, and they did. However, it does not contain Chicago Fire Season 12 anymore, as opposed to earlier. Following the definitive trajectory of its other competitive networks, NBC will propel its fall schedule gems to a 2024 mid-season launch(January, February, March, and April). A January 2024 release can only materialize if negotiations between the union and production houses are met within the month of October or the end of August. Unfortunately, the noise of the avid and ongoing strikes seems to drown the noise for the hope of a January 2024 release.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Reruns: Will NBC Broadcast Reruns?
The filming of the series might take a while to resume the completion of scripts and filming of the episodes, just like many other original NBC series, which have also stopped their work due to a lack of writers and actors, leading to a major delay in the official production for the three One Chicago series, which is speculated to commence sometime later this year as the negotiations are still bound to happen in the coming weeks!
The new seasons will start airing at the same time slot every Wednesday, starting at 8 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m., in order to avoid any further disruption caused by the dual strikes and disclose new details in the near future.
The only thing that has been confirmed so far is that on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 8 p.m., the NBC network will start premiering reruns of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. in order to fill up the empty slots in the fall primetime schedule that are filled with previous shows reruns directly caused by the ongoing 2023 WGA and 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes! NBC finally followed suit on July 19th and updated its 2023 fall lineup. Check out its update on their official Twitter page.
We’re heading back to Firehouse 51 this fall! Another season of #OneChicago is coming soon to @NBC and streaming on @Peacock. #ChicagoFire
— Tony Ferraris (@squad2tony) April 10, 2023
Adding to its renewal, Dick Wolf stated,
“I’m pleased to continue my four-decade relationship with Universal Television and NBC, all six shows 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.”
On the bright side, Deadline has confirmed that the studios’ CEOs are planning to meet Friday to discuss where things now stand in order to hammer out a deal to end the ongoing strikes! We are hoping that ample bouts of development are a result of this meeting, or else if the strike continues longer, it is hampering the economy of the entertainment business!
All clues have also hinted at a shorter season, given the negligible time window for release. This was confirmed by NBC Chicago when they speculated,
“Scripted series, like Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med, will take longer to be affected but could be impacted as well. They could be forced to cut seasons short or delay filming altogether.”
So we urge fans to sit it out and avoid further speculation into the matter. We will do the job of consistently informing you about the developments as we receive them.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Cast: Who Will Reprise Their Roles?
Since there are no official updates from NBC on additions and subtractions to the cast list, the original members might be the ones to return. They include:
- 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
- Eamonn Walker as Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden
However, Deadline reports a shocking development where Dick Wolf is cutting down the budgeting for the show, which means an amount may be cut from the artists’ paychecks. This follows the hardships that must be endured through the writer’s strike. There may be a cast shake-up due to these developments. We will keep you updated on the same!
Taylor Kinney’s Severide most probably will not return to Chicago Fire Season 12. The actor left the series in Chicago Fire Season 10 to deal with a personal matter, and this will likely impact any decision he makes regarding Season 12 of Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Plot: What Can We Expect?
The Chicago Fire series has captivated fans of the One Chicago universe since its inception in 2013. Firehouse 51 has given us high highs and low lows when it comes to the storylines it delves into each season. Also, if you have noticed, the storylines and cases get more and more deep and intriguing season after season. After 11 seasons of hundreds of fire rescues, untimely deaths, and jam-packed action sequences, Chicago: Fire still doesn’t fail to entice its audience.
We are expecting the same level of adrenaline-rushed fire saves, if not higher, from our Firehouse 51 in Season 12. Given the massive cliffhangers we were left with in Chicago: Fire Season 11 finale, Season 12 should cover the basic idea of the entire series, which revolves around :
“As the firefighters, rescue squad, and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51 forge headfirst into danger, the choices they make can mean the difference between life and death. But from the relentless pressure of saving lives, an extended family is forged. Led by Chief Wallace Boden, Matthew Casey, Kelly Severide, and the others know — when it’s gone time, Firehouse 51 lays it all on the line for each other. This high-octane drama from Executive Producer Dick Wolf offers an edge-of-your-seat view into the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America’s noblest professions.”
Chicago: Fire Season 12 is expected to continue where the Season 11 finale left off titled, ‘Red Waterfall,’ which reads ‘ 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.’
*Spoiler Alert*
To understand where Season 12 might pick up from, here is an episode run-down of Chicago Fire Season 11:
1. Hold on Tight
Air date: Sep 21, 2022
Kidd and Severide’s honeymoon is interrupted by a dangerous person from their past; Kidd’s former academy classmate joins Firehouse 51; Brett and Violet reflect on their relationships.
2. Every Scar Tells a Story
Air date: Sep 28, 2022
Javi spends a couple of shifts at Firehouse 51; Kidd and Carver work together to help Carver’s former boss; as Hawkins and Violet’s relationship blossoms, Gallo turns his attention elsewhere.
3. Completely Shattered
Air date: Oct 5, 2022
Kidd recruits Carver, Capp, and Tony to help prepare her new lieutenant’s quarters; Severide and Detective Pryma reluctantly pair up to work a police investigation; Firehouse 51 comes together to fight a movie theater fire.
4. The Center of the Universe
Air date: Oct 12, 2022
Kidd gets a glimpse into Carver’s chaotic personal life; Mouch and Herrmann receive an unexpected gift.
5. Haunted House
Air date: Oct 19, 2022
Firehouse 51 hosts a Halloween open house; Kidd and Severide help a young girl after she gets kicked out of her home.
6. All-Out Mystery
Air date: Nov 2, 2022
Severide and Kidd investigate an explosion at a jewelry store; Cruz and Chloe take steps to make Javi a permanent part of their family; Gallo, Ritter, and Mouch try to bond with Carver.
7. Angry Is Easier
Air date: Nov 9, 2022
Herrmann is tasked with fulfilling a man’s dying wish; Kidd reflects on her Girls on Fire program after one of her students graduates from the Fire Academy; a heckler harasses Firehouse 51.
8. A Beautiful Life
Air date: Nov 16, 2022
Detective Pryma asks for Severide’s help on a case involving explosives; Gallo and Carver clash after Gallo improvises on a call; Violet encourages Brett to start dating again.
9. Nemesis
Air date: Dec 7, 2022
Severide struggles with the cost of helping Det. Pryma with the Martucci case; Gallo campaigns for Herrmann to represent 51 at the National Firefighter’s Association’s Winter Conference; a familiar face makes a shocking return.
10. Something for the Pain
Air date: Jan 4, 2023
Detective Pryma’s case comes to an explosive end with Kidd and Carver’s lives in danger; Brett installs an infant safe surrender box at 51; Violet is determined to take Emma down.
11. A Guy I Used to Know
Air date: Jan 11, 2023
Firehouse 51 prepares for their semi-annual firehouse inspection; Brett fights to save her paramedicine program; Commander Martin Pearce asks Severide for a favor.
12. How Does It End?
Air date: Jan 18, 2023
Truck and squad clash after a tense call rescuing a doomsday prepper; Herrmann struggles with Cindy’s diagnosis; Violet gives Brett and Gallo dating advice.
13. The Man of the Moment
Air date: Feb 15, 2023
Firehouse 51 helps Herrmann put on a school fundraiser; Carver’s troubled brother comes to town; a grateful citizen is determined to thank Brett and Severide for saving his life.
14. Run Like Hell
Air date: Feb 22, 2023
An annoying floater takes a romantic interest in Violet; Ritter catches a local politician in a compromising position; Mouch and Severide help Trudy with an arson investigation.
15. Damage Control
Air date: Mar 01, 2023
Kidd, Seager, and Carver investigate a fire at the city stables; Kylie clashes with some of the firefighters over changes due to budget cuts; Herrmann struggles to keep it together as Cindy’s condition worsens.
16. Acting Up
Air date: Mar 22, 2023
Cruz feels the burden of his increased responsibilities; Kidd, Gallo, and Carver get caught in the middle of a gang war on a call; Herrmann wrangles Trudy for help lifting Cindy’s mood.
17. The First Symptom
Air date: Mar 29, 2023
Mouch builds a classic firetruck model for the Deputy District Chief but needs assistance from Gallo and Ritter; Brett and Violet encounter multiple victims with a strange set of symptoms; Cindy’s chemotherapy results loom over the Herrmann family.
18. Danger Is All Around
Air date: Apr 05, 2023
A familiar face returns to Firehouse 51 to serve with Kidd on a special task force; with Tony close to breaking the CFD’s perfect attendance record, Mouch and Capp work to keep him safe; old grudges resurface when Gallo reunites with a family member.
19. Take a Shot at the King
Air date: May 03, 2023
Boden, Ritter, Herrmann, and Kidd work together to take down a local politician responsible for a chemical fire; after his aunt’s accident, Gallo worries about their future; Brett steps in to perform Dylan’s magic show when he’s out of town.
20. Never, Ever Make a Mistake
Air date: May 10, 2023
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.
21. Change of Plans
Air date: May 17, 2023
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.
22. Red Waterfall
Air date: May 24, 2023
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.
Now that you may pick up a few hints on what took place in Season 11, these are some of the possible plotlines Season 12 can explore:
Severide and Kidd are in the throes of separation
After a long time of being together, their ego got the better of them, and now they are witnessing their marriage crumble in front of them, and they are unable to find an ‘off-switch’ to this issue. Will we see them succumb to a divorce? Or will they give in one last fight and overcome their marital issues once and for all? Let’s see what fate (or, in this case, Season 12) has in store for the two.
Sylvie got to adopt a baby
This is something that warmed our hearts to witness. Season 12 can show us montages of the connection between Sylvie and her baby.
Casey returns and proposes to Brett
Casey has finally returned and has gathered the courage to propose to Brett in marriage. What events will go down for the two? Will they make it? Or does fate have something else in store for them? We will find out soon.
Mouch getting shot while on duty
It is not an easy task to be a firefighter. Especially when you can get easily killed while trying to save lives. You never know in which corners the evil lurks. Our biggest cliffhanger from the Season 11 finale is Mouch getting shot on duty. It broke us! What is the aftermath of this heinous crime? How will the team cope? We need answers!
Chicago: Fire Season 12: Where to Watch
In any case, the show reruns will air on the official NBC network from Wednesday onwards, October 4th, from 8 pm to 9 pm.
Meanwhile, if you don’t want to be stuck in the loop of a weekly screening, you can access all the earlier seasons of Chicago: Fire on the following platforms:
- NBC (in the US)
- Sky Witness (in the UK)
- Peacock
- FuboTV
- Hulu Plus
- Amazon Instant Video (rent)
- Vudu (rent)
Chicago Fire Season 12: Official Trailer
Since there is no announcement on the release date for Chicago: Fire Season 12, we do not have an official trailer or teaser for the same in possession.
Meanwhile, check out the promo for Chicago: Fire Season 11 finale episode
Stay tuned for more updates on Chicago: Fire Season 12. We are curious. Which gang would you like to join, Med, P.D., or Fire? Let us know in the comment section below.