Chicago Fire fans are bracing for a dramatic Season 13 finale, airing May 21, 2025, as Firehouse 51 faces some of its biggest changes yet.
Titled It Had to End This Way, the episode will see the downfall of Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), who replaced longtime leader Chief Boden. Pascal is arrested after evidence links him to an attempted murder involving the man responsible for his wife’s death. His future at Firehouse 51 is now uncertain, throwing the station’s leadership into chaos.
Meanwhile, veteran firefighter Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) is preparing to take the Chief’s test, positioning himself as a possible successor. Known for his grounded leadership and strong moral compass, Herrmann is a natural candidate to bring stability back to the team.
Also caught in the crossfire is Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), who may risk his career to stand by Pascal. Severide’s loyalty and history with Firehouse 51 add layers of emotional complexity to his decision.
The finale will also mark the departure of two key characters: Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri). While both are confirmed to be leaving, showrunner Andrea Newman hinted at the potential for future guest appearances, leaving the door open for their return.
Despite these major shifts, NBC has already renewed Chicago Fire for a 14th season, ensuring the long-running drama will continue into the 2025–26 season. Fans can expect the finale to set the stage for a new era at Firehouse 51, packed with emotional farewells and leadership transitions.
As the embers settle, the question remains: Who will rise from the ashes to lead the team into the future?
The Season 13 finale airs Wednesday, May 21 on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock starting May 22, 2025.
Chicago Fire Season 13 finale:
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Michael Bradway As Jack Damon — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal, Christian Stolte as Randy “Mouch” McHolland — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal, Christian Stolte as Randy “Mouch” McHolland — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Michael Bradway As Jack Damon — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randy “Mouch” McHolland, Jake Lockett as Sam Carver, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randy “Mouch” McHolland, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: Jake Lockett as Sam Carver — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Michael Bradway As Jack Damon, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randy “Mouch” McHolland, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Jake Lockett as Sam Carver — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “It Had To End This Way” Episode 13022 — Pictured: (l-r) Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
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