Ranking Every Season of Chicago Fire: The Ultimate Breakdown

Since its blazing debut in 2012, Chicago Fire has become a flagship series not just for NBC, but for procedural dramas across the board. Created by Dick Wolf, the show sparked the entire One Chicago universe and continues to captivate with every call, crisis, and character collision. But not every season delivered the same heat.

Let’s look back at each season—from the slow burns to the raging infernos.

🔥 11. Season 9 (2020–21) – Pandemic Limitations Dim the Flame

Season 9 struggled under COVID-19 restrictions, which shortened the episode count and limited action scenes. Still, it gave us a suspenseful finale with Squad 3 trapped underwater, and Chief Boden’s inner conflict over leadership was a standout. But overall, this season felt more like a placeholder than a powerhouse.

🔥 10. Season 8 (2019–20) – Losing Otis, Losing Direction

The season began with the devastating death of Otis—one of Firehouse 51’s most beloved members. Although this should have launched an emotionally charged arc, the storytelling lost momentum halfway. Aside from a dramatic crossover and Ritter’s promotion, this season lacked the emotional depth that fans craved.

🔥 9. Season 10 (2021–22) – Transition and Turmoil

The tenth season was defined by loss and new beginnings. Casey’s shocking departure left a massive void, and the show scrambled to regain its balance. Brett’s paramedic program added heart, and the final wedding was moving—but the emotional and narrative glue didn’t always hold.

🔥 8. Season 4 (2015–16) – New Faces, Bigger Fights

With Stella Kidd’s arrival and Boden battling false accusations, Season 4 packed plenty of drama. The threat of Molly’s Bar being shut down created compelling stakes. While the season was engaging, it sometimes juggled too many subplots at once.

🔥 7. Season 3 (2014–15) – Shay’s Death Reverberates

Season 3 opened with a gut-punch—Shay’s tragic death in a building collapse. The emotional fallout defined much of the year, as Severide spiraled and Firehouse 51 tried to heal. Sylvie Brett’s debut helped soften the blow, but the loss loomed over the season.

🔥 6. Season 11 (2022–23) – Cruz Rises, Casey Returns

Taylor Kinney’s absence shook things up, but Joe Cruz stepped up with surprising strength. Matthew Casey’s brief return re-ignited fan hopes. Although not the flashiest season, it delivered strong character work and earned its place among recent highlights.

🔥 5. Season 5 (2016–17) – Firehouse Under Fire

This season hit emotional highs with Dawson and Casey’s foster parenting journey and Kidd’s dangerous ex threatening her and Severide. Borrelli’s injury added a sobering layer of realism. Drama, trauma, and resilience marked this year as a turning point.

🔥 4. Season 7 (2018–19) – New Beginnings, Old Flames

With Emily Foster joining the team and Brett navigating change, Season 7 tackled fresh dynamics. The 25-story fire disaster was one of the show’s most visually intense sequences. Multiple crossovers added depth and excitement.

🔥 3. Season 1 (2012–13) – Where It All Began

The origin. The spark. With Casey and Severide leading the charge and Shay and Dawson becoming fan-favorites, this was the season that made viewers fall in love. Introducing Hank Voight as an antagonist was a bold, unforgettable move.

🔥 2. Season 2 (2013–14) – Crossovers and Chaos

Season 2 dialed up the tension with bombings, betrayals, and the One Chicago crossover that linked Fire and P.D. into an unstoppable force. The writing was tighter, the stakes higher, and the drama relentless. It remains a fan favorite for good reason.

🔥 1. Season 6 (2017–18) – Unmatched Emotion and Action

Not originally listed but widely revered, Season 6 is the gold standard. Severide’s character growth, Boden’s family drama, and the deepening connection between Kidd and Severide gave this season emotional gravity. From courtroom showdowns to firehouse camaraderie, it had it all.

The Verdict?
Whether you’re mourning lost characters, shipping unlikely couples, or watching buildings go up in smoke, every season of Chicago Fire brings something to the table. The show has grown, shifted, and endured—and Season 12 promises even more.

🔥 Did your favorite season make the top 3?
🔥 Should Severide’s evolution have ranked higher—or was Brett the heart of the later seasons?