For anxious followers of NBC’s ‘One Chicago’ universe, a collective sigh of relief can finally be exhaled. Following a period of uncertainty, Deadline has confirmed that key cast members across Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med have officially inked new contracts for their highly anticipated upcoming seasons. This crucial news brings immense comfort, particularly for fans of Chicago Fire, who have weathered a tumultuous period of cast changes.

At Firehouse 51, the heart of Chicago Fire, viewers can rest assured that familiar faces will continue to battle blazes and navigate intense personal dramas. Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), and Dermot Mulroney (whose character joined in Season 13) are all confirmed to return. This announcement is a balm for the loyal fanbase, still reeling from the recent departures of series mainstays Daniel Kyri, who portrayed Darren Ritter, and Jake Lockett as Sam Carver, both set to be absent from the show’s fourteenth season. The renewed contracts for Kinney and Mayo, who have been integral to the series since its fourth season, alongside Mulroney’s conversion from a one-year deal, signal stability for the beloved firehouse crew – at least for now

The future for Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd, in particular, looks incredibly bright on a personal front. The Season 13 finale left fans buzzing with excitement after the couple received a positive pregnancy test, hinting at a new chapter of family life amidst the inherent dangers of their profession. However, as any seasoned procedural drama fan knows, no character is ever truly safe. This personal joy for ‘Stellaride’ is set against a backdrop of impending professional upheaval, as teased by Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman. Newman recently hinted at “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 teased shake-up within the Chicago Fire Department could very well reflect real-world challenges, as all ‘One Chicago’ shows have been navigating difficult budget cuts. Audiences can expect each of the titles to deliver 21-episode seasons this fall. However, a significant implication of these financial restraints is that favorite characters may not appear in every single installment. This cost-cutting measure means viewers should prepare for the possibility of main cast members sitting out at least one episode, adding an unpredictable element to the upcoming season’s viewing experience.

Despite the renewed contracts and exciting character developments, the shadow of real-world production challenges and in-show departmental shifts ensures that the stakes remain incredibly high. Firehouse 51 will undoubtedly face both personal milestones and professional turmoil, blending the warmth of burgeoning family life with the cold reality of budget-driven changes and the constant danger that defines their calling. Fans will eagerly watch to see how their favorite firefighters navigate these turbulent waters, keeping them on the edge of their seats for what promises to be an eventful fourteenth season.