Get ready for change in Chicago Fire season 14. There’s a threat that cuts within the show’s fire department will see changes to Firehouse 51, and we’re a little worried about that.
During Chicago Fire season 13, the auditor dropped a bomb on Firehouse 51. The CFD was looking at making some big budget cuts, and that would mean that some people would be forced into retirement or cut in other ways. Forcing the older firefighters into retirement certainly seems like the easiest way to handle budget cuts, and showrunner Andrea Newman told TVLine that it could mean changes are coming.
One of the biggest threats is to Herrmann, who decided at the end of Chicago Fire season 13 that he would demote himself to make sure Mouch could finally become Lieutenant of Engine 81. By putting him further down the ranks, it could put him at risk of being forced out to bring newer and cheaper younger blood. At the same time, he likely took a pay cut with that self-demotion, which could help to save him a little bit.
It turns out that those at the top aren’t all that safe, either. Newman explained that Pascal could end up feeling the weight of the budget cuts. Right now, he’s the Battalion Chief, but we could see that his job is on the line, especially with the way things ended in Chicago Fire season 13 and how he was the main suspect in an arson and attempted murder investigation.
These changes aren’t just happening because the show needs to make some cuts. They’re happening because it also mirrors life. The real CFD is facing budget cuts, and that could mean jobs are on the line.
"Because it’s so in the zeitgeist, people coming in and gutting departments and gutting places, it’s very real to the CFD. They’ve done that, too. And so, that is definitely happening next season.”
Newman shared that there will be some hellos and goodbyes in the new season. We know that Carver has put in for a transfer to Denver, and Ritter will also end up leaving as both Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri will not return as series regulars as part of the show’s budget cuts. Those are two confirmed goodbyes, but will there be more?
"There will be hellos, and there will be goodbyes. I’ll say that. That’s for sure.”
It’s possible, as Newman shared there is going to be some change at Firehouse 51. It turns out that everyone will be shaken up a little bit, and that creates an interesting dynamic in the series. Let’s be honest; we don’t always love it when beloved characters leave, but that sometimes leads to intriguing characters like Carver and Damon.
“We’re going to have a lot of turnover, and a lot craziness going on in the CFD from the top, where people are being cut and moved, and everything’s going to get shaken up next season.”
This is certainly going to be a scary season for those who don’t like change. There’s going to be a lot in Chicago Fire season 14.
For now, catch up on Chicago Fire on Peacock.