'Chicago Fire's Burning Future Has Been Decided

In the past couple of weeks, fans of the One Chicago slate of series got a little apprehensive. As all major networks started to announce their renewal/cancelation plans for their flagship series, NBC only selected St. Denis Medical and Happy's Place to come back and stayed mum on every other show. But finally, the fate of Chicago Fire has been decided. According to Deadline, the show is coming back for Season 14, with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med also getting renewed.

Despite the uncertainty, we can't ignore that Chicago Fire has more than established a legacy for itself on network television. The show debuted before streaming platforms became the huge monster that they are today, and yet it managed to retain (and increase) its audience for all these years. More than that, the show is a constant top performer on Wednesday nights, and its success prompted the creation of its two equally popular spin-offs, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.

The delay in the Chicago Fire announcement has been attributed to NBC having to figure out where to fit the next season of NBA matches, which will be hosted at the network. Also according to Deadline, the Chicago One series production team faced tough conversations because the network was once again worried about the budget of the three combined series, which possibly becomes more elevated when crossover events take place. The new announcement from Deadline also confirms that the budget for all three One Chicago shows have been evaluated and trimmed as needed.

There's a Lot Going on in 'Chicago Fire'

Currently on a short hiatus, Chicago Fire still has some episodes to roll out before Season 13 wraps. The story is burning up with Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) recently returning after being away for almost two seasons. As for the future of the series, newcomer Dermot Mulroney (Anyone But You), who plays new chief Dom Pascal, talked about his hopes for the character in the long term. The actor admitted that, due to the character's unique story arc and position, it has taken a little long to let him "sink in," but that he hopes that Pascal deals with the death of his wife and comes out the other side.

Despite the renewal, change is coming to Chicago Fire, as long-time cast members Daniel Kyri (who plays Ritter)and Jake Lockett (Carver) won't return for the new season, as part of the budget trims that Deadline reported. Other cast members' contracts including Taylor Kinney are also up for renegotiation, which could translate into new abrupt exits from the series.

Chicago Fire airs new episodes on Wednesdays. You can stream all seasons on Peacock. NBC is yet to select a return date for Season 14.