The anticipation of knowing it all about the next chapter has reached new heights with the curiosity of loyal fans also skyrocketing, especially after knowing how the last season ended with a major cliffhanger where Mouch is injured during a call and is rushed to Chicago Med. This ending has left viewers wanting to know how the story will evolve further.
So, if you want to know more about the official release date and time slots, then you have reached the right place to get a complete guide to the Chicago Fire Department at the fictional Firehouse 51. To say the least, it’s time to buckle up and get ready to know all about the highly anticipated comeback of NBC’s Chicago Fire Season 12.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Release Date: When will it premiere?
Mark your calendars! As a part of the “One Chicago” franchise, consisting of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD, the three drama television series are planned to be a part of the 2024 primetime schedule, as the franchise will return to its regular air time with new episodes dropping next year on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, on NBC and later available to stream exclusively on Peacock.
In addition to this, the respective time slots of the three shows are listed below:
- 8 PM – Chicago Med (Season premiere)
- 9 PM – Chicago Fire (Season premiere)
- 10 PM – Chicago P.D. (Season premiere)
The official One Chicago X (formerly known as Twitter) handle of the show also confirmed the release date with their followers, quoting, “New year, New seasons One Chicago Wednesdays are back January 17 on @nbc and streaming on @peacock.” Take a look at the post below:
new year, new seasons 😎 one chicago wednesdays are back january 17 on @nbc and streaming on @peacock. pic.twitter.com/kKaZ7oyQFU
— Club Chicago Med (@NBCOneChicago) November 20, 2023
Chicago Fire Season 12 Plot: What to expect?
Despite the release date confirmation, nothing much has been revealed about the plotlines in order to avoid early spoilers. But we are certain that the season will continue the basic premise, which follows:
“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 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.”
In addition to this, many fans have also theorized that the new season will commence. In the wake of a fire or extremist threat, Mouch’s life hangs in the balance. Moreover, Sylvie’s relationship with Dylan came to a close, and a new door opened as Casey proposed to her, all the while she was looking to adopt an infant girl. Stella eventually decides to leave Chicago in hopes of bringing Kelly back.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Cast: Who will and will not reprise their roles?
After taking a 10-month break, Chicago Fire star Taylor Kinney, who played Lieutenant Kelly Severide, is confirmed to return in the 12th season. Despite leaving the series midway through Season 11, as earlier reported, Kinney has been on a leave of absence since January to deal with a personal matter. In addition to this, the reports indicate it’s not yet determined how many episodes he will appear in, but sources have confirmed that his return will be toward the beginning of the season.
According to Deadline, Kelly Severide is in the first batch of scripts for the next season as the Chicago Fire writer’s room officially opened its doors on October 4.
His further appearances have not been confirmed, though it’s being reported that the actor’s comeback will be full-time since his last appearance in the episode titled “Run Like Hell.” This will be an exciting update, as Kinney sadly didn’t appear in the finale episode of the 11th season, “Red Waterfall.” Instead, Jesse Spencer, who starred as Matt Casey alongside Kinney, returned for two guest appearances to fill the absence of this major character.
Other main cast members include:
David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann, Joe Miñoso as Firefighter Joe Cruz, Miranda Rae Mayo as Lieutenant Stella Kidd, Daniel Kyri as Firefighter Darren Ritter, Hanako Greensmith as Paramedic Violet Mikami, Jake Lockett as Firefighter Sam Carver, and Eamonn Walker as Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden. The unconfirmed cast includes Jesse Spencer as Captain Matthew Casey and Christian Stolte as Firefighter Randall “Mouch” McHolland.
On the other hand, Kara Killmer, who played Sylvie Brett, is set to leave the series after missing the last eight episodes of Season 11. Moreover, the most recent shocking exit of Alberto Rosende, who is known for his role as Firefighter Candidate Blake Gallo in the series. It has been reported by Deadline that the actor will exit Chicago Fire following a final appearance in the Season 12 premiere, which is scheduled to air next year.
Additionally, sources say his departure from the Wolf Entertainment/Universal Television drama was fully amicable. After the news went viral among the fans, the actor opened up about his decision on Instagram.
“When I decided to end my time with Chicago, it wasn’t easy. The people I’ve met were truly special, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime, and the story I got to tell was one that made me proud. Can’t wait to see what else is in store and I wish everyone the best in shooting the rest of the season.” – Rosende shared via Instagram Story.
Chicago Fire is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Dick Wolf’s Wolf Entertainment. Season 11 executive producer/co-showrunner Andrea Newman has been named sole showrunner for the upcoming 12th season.
Chicago Fire Season 12 Episodes: Where to stream?
With the writing resumed after the strike ended in late September of 2023, the season has condensed to only 13 episodes, with an average runtime of 40–44 minutes, down from the usual 20 episodes per season. The reason for a short season is because of the timeframe and the delays caused to commence production for a standard season much earlier.
At last, the entire three series of One Chicago are available to watch on NBC’s official website and app, 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, which has a vast number of membership plans.
The previous seasons of this beloved franchise are also available to stream for free on IMDb TV, based on the user’s location. For international viewers, the series aired on Global and then moved to CityTV in Canada. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the series aired on PRIMEtime for eight seasons and then moved to Universal Channel Asia and AXN Asia.
We would also like to highlight that no new teaser or trailer has been released for Chicago Fire Season 12, as the production details are still under wraps. In the meantime, we encourage viewers to speculate about the various character arcs that may be explored in the franchise while keeping in touch with the show’s official social media handles to get all the latest details.
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