Chicago Fire Takes a Break: What to Expect When It Returns

“Chicago Fire” fans will have to wait a bit longer for new episodes, as the show is currently on hiatus and will return on November 6. This announcement came via the official One Chicago Instagram account, which also teased a storyline involving Officer Kiana Cook’s transition to the Intelligence unit. The post posed the question: “Will Cook take Torres up on his offer?”

The break follows the surprising departure of Jack Damon, played by Michael Bradway, from Firehouse 51. Viewers were taken aback when Jack was revealed to be Kelly Severide’s half-brother. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed by the new chief, Dom Pascal, after defying orders during a call-out.

While it’s still unclear if Bradway will return later in the season, only the first four episodes of Season 13 are listed on his IMDb page. This has left fans puzzled; one social media user expressed confusion over Jack’s abrupt exit, questioning, “Why would they introduce his character in such an explosive manner only to write him off so soon?”

Concerns about casting changes have been echoed by other fans as well. One noted, “What is going on with #ChicagoFire’s casting issues? First it was Rome Flynn, then Jack Damon—both gone after just a handful of episodes.” Bradway himself had hinted at a limited engagement when he joined the show earlier this year, stating, “Got to be a part of the Chicago Fire Family for Season 12!”

Jack isn’t the only character to leave Firehouse 51 abruptly. Rome Flynn, who portrayed Derrick Gibson in Season 12, was also written out after just six episodes. Flynn expressed his sadness about leaving the role, saying, “I had a wonderful experience during my time on Chicago Fire and hope to team up with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.”

With these recent departures, fans are left wondering about the future of their favorite characters. “Chicago Fire” is set to return on November 6 on NBC, promising more drama and unexpected twists as the season unfolds.