Chicago Fire wrapped its fall finale on Nov. 12 with a major cliffhanger. Lieutenant Kelly Severide found himself trapped in a burning apartment building. The Firehouse 51 team also faces threats from budget cuts. All eyes turn to January 7, 2026 for answers.
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š„ Quick Facts:
- Season 14 fall finale aired November 12, 2025 on NBC
- Episode title: “Pierce the Vein” leaves 3 characters’ futures in jeopardy
- Return date: All One Chicago shows resume January 7, 2026
- Episodes left: Each show has 14 episodes remaining of 21 total
- Streaming: Watch on NBC or binge Peacock
What Happened in the Fall Finale
“Pierce the Vein” delivered shocking twists that left fans reeling. Severide and Van Meter investigated an arson case at a school building. A second fire erupted during their investigation. The flames trapped both investigators inside.
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The episode wasn’t just about Severide’s danger. Dom Pascal, the new Deputy District Chief, learned of devastating budget cuts. Firehouse 51 faces potential permanent decommissioning. This threatens the entire firehouse’s future. Multiple characters now have fates hanging in balance.
According to sources, the fall finale also addressed Stella Kidd’s absence. Miranda Rae Mayo’s multi-week absence coincides with Season 14’s midseason break. Fans can expect her return when episodes resume in January 2026.
Why the Long Wait Until January
NBC’s One Chicago franchise follows a standard midseason break schedule. The network’s Wednesday nights transition to holiday programming starting November 19. Wicked, A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving, and Red One will fill the void.
This break gives the cast and crew time off. It also builds anticipation for the spring return. All 21 episodes of Season 14 are split between fall and spring. So far, viewers have watched only 7 episodes. That means 14 fresh episodes await when the show returns.
Cast and Storyline Details
Season 14 introduced significant changes to Firehouse 51. Dermot Mulroney joined as Deputy District Chief Dom Pascal. Brandon Larracuente arrived as new firefighter Sal Vasquez. The core team remains intact with Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, Joe MiƱoso, Christian Stolte, and Hanako Greensmith.
The fall finale also teased romantic developments. Violet Mikami might be catching feelings. Mouch’s job remains uncertain due budget concerns. Every storyline converges at the midseason break, creating maximum suspense for fans.
What To Watch For When It Returns
- Severide’s survival: Will he escape the burning building alive?
- Firehouse 51’s fate: Can Pascal prevent permanent shutdown?
- Job losses: Which firefighters face termination from cuts?
- Stella’s return: When does Miranda Rae Mayo come back?
- Violet’s romance: Does her relationship develop with a fellow firefighter?
Will Severide Actually Die in Chicago Fire?
Fans speculated that Taylor Kinney’s character might not survive the cliffhanger. But the actor remains on contract for Season 14. Death seems unlikely. The fire likely leads to a dramatic rescue sequence. Expect Severide to emerge changed but alive.
The budget cuts pose bigger threats to job security. Mouch faces potential termination. New hires like Sal Vasquez may not survive the layoffs. The personal stakes shift from life-or-death to career survival. This creates different tension for the spring episodes.
Where can you stream Chicago Fire during hiatus? Peacock has all seasons available. You can binge earlier seasons while waiting. Or watch NBC replays of favorites. January 7, 2026 will arrive soon enoughābut the wait feels eternal.
Sources
- People Magazine – Chicago Fire Season 14 return date and episode details
- NBC Insider – Official One Chicago cast and production information
- Cinema Blend – Fall finale cliffhanger analysis and character updates
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.