The twelfth season of Chicago Fire, an American drama television series with executive producer Dick Wolf, and producers Derek Haas and Matt Olmstead, was ordered on April 10, 2023, by NBC.[1] The season premiered on January 17, 2024.[2] The season concluded on May 22, 2024 and contained 13 episodes.[3] The season was affected by strikes undertaken by the Writers Guild of America (which began on May 2 and ended on September 27)[4] and SAG-AFTRA (which began on July 14 and ended on November 9).
Severide gets an icy reception upon returning to Firehouse 51. Kidd and Hermann fight about Ritter. Firehouse 51 says goodbye to one of its own. Firehouse 17 temporarily shares quarters with 51. Both teams work together to investigate a series of explosions and Severide and the others band together after Hermann gets hit by one of the explosions.
Looking to change his image, Mouch looks into change his nickname to leave a better legacy. Cruz looks into take the Lieutenants test and leave 51 without Severide's knowledge. Meanwhile, Ritter urges Herrmann to go to the doctor out of fear of losing his hearing following the explosion. Also, Brett turns to Tony to help her look for a wedding venue.
Brett and Violet deal with a possible domestic disturbance situation when a young woman asks for help. Meanwhile, 51 welcomes the newest member to the Truck Co. Kidd begins to have doubts when Severide starts yet another arson case that might take him out of Chicago again. Also, Herrmann learns the news of his test results about his hearing loss.
Kidd grows concerned about a situation about a little girl possibly starting fires on purpose, Meanwhile, Boden's former stepson reaches out to him asking for his help to get his mother out of jail. Also, Brett is forced to bring her daughter to the firehouse after her babysitter canceled and Cruz begins to feel offended when he still hasn't received an invitation to Brett and Casey's wedding.
Brett and Violet look into what could've caused their defibrillator to malfunction while at a call and deal with the fallout. Meanwhile, Carver digs deeper into Gibson's life before he joined the CFD. Also, Herrmann looks for a home for his new recliner that he found while at a call.
Firehouse 51 welcomes back some familiar faces as they prepare to say goodbye to Brett and celebrate her and Casey's wedding. Violet scambles to decorate Brett's wedding venue and receives a promotion to paramedic in charge. A call at the expo center takes a shocking turn when the call turns into a hostage situation for Brett. Also, Stella grows concerned that she hasn't heard from Severide as he's supposed to return to Chicago.
After discovering money hidden in the floorboards of burning house during a call, Severide looks into protecting a girl who is in trouble with a local gang. Meanwhile, Violet clashes with her new partner after undermining her at their first call together. Ritter contemplates a new relationship. Also, Mouch goes out of his way to dismiss a parking citation.
Chief Boden looks into Paramedic Chief Robinson after Severide and Violet both receive complaints from the new paramedic. Meanwhile, after a call over a hazmat situation at a dialysis clinic, Stella discovers her academy trainer is a patient and later learns he might be a victim of medical malpractice. Carver grows more concerned about Gibson's recent erratic behavior. Also, Herrmann and Mouch pull pranks against each other.
Severide and OFI investigator Van Meter look into a case following a call of a music studio building on fire with burn patterns seemingly suspicious. Meanwhile, Violet meets her new partner on Ambulance 61, Kylie works a floater shift on 81 and helps Boden’s step son James with his new desk job. Also, Mouch deals with boundary issues with one of his paramedicine clients.
With Boden taking a leave of absence, Severide fills in for him as ranking officer. Meanwhile, Cruz has doubts when Javi’s uncle resurfaces to reconnect. Stella looks into trying to save her “Girls on Fire” program. Violet lends a hand to try to get Novak to join 51 permanently. Also, Herrmann asks for Ritter’s help with tracking his children on his cell phone.
Kidd and the rest of 51 race against time to find their truck after it was stolen from the firehouse and only to discover that Severide was kidnapped inadvertently. Meanwhile, Ritter considers going to Kidd about Damon's intentions as 51's newest replacement and whether to tell the firehouse he's dating a police officer. Also, Cruz and his wife Chloe consider couples counseling.
After witnessing Lennox make a bad decision on a call, Violet and Severide consider turning him in despite the risk of rising more tension with Paramedic Chief Robinson. Meanwhile, Cruz and Chloe’s marriage comes to a head when Chloe asks Cruz to reduce his hours. Also, Tony and Capp compete with another Squad to break a world record.
Boden makes a life changing decision when it comes to finally taking down Robinson for her impending promotion and considers Hermann to be promoted as the next Battalion chief of 51. Meanwhile, a call comes in at a restaurant in which a father was abusing his child brings up bad memories for Damon. Violet and Carver's relationship takes a downturn. Also, Mouch struggles with the new Truck for 81.
Production
Casting
On October 31, 2023, NBC announced that Taylor Kinney would return to the series following his leave of absence.[19] On December 13, 2023, NBC announced that Rome Flynn would join the series in a recurring role as 51's latest recruit with a dark past.[20] On March 29, 2024, NBC announced that Jocelyn Hudon would join the series as the newest paramedic replacing Kara Killmer in a recurring role with the potential to be upgraded to a series regular.[21] On April 3, 2024, it was announced that newcomer Michael Bradway would replace Rome Flynn, who exited the series after six episodes as 51’s newest firefighter Jack Damon. His role also has the potential to be a series regular in the upcoming thirteenth season. His first appearance was on the tenth episode of the season.[5]
Kara Killmer, Alberto Rosende and Eamonn Walker's Exits
On November 16, 2023, it was announced that longtime cast member Kara Killmer who portrays Paramedic in charge, Sylvie Brett, would exit midway through the twelfth season. Her final episode aired on February 28, 2024.[22] On November 30, 2023, it was also announced that Alberto Rosende who has portrayed Firefighter Blake Gallo since the eighth season was also set the exit the series as well. His final appearance was on the season premiere. It has been reported that both exits were creative decisions.[23] On May 7, 2024, it was announced that original cast member Eamonn Walker who has portrayed Wallace Boden would exit the series at the end of the twelfth season. It was later stated that Walker will return to the series in a recurring role.[24]
Ratings
Viewership and ratings per episode of Chicago Fire season 12
