Season 12 of the hit TV show “Chicago Fire” is set to bring a whirlwind of emotions, according to executive producer Andrea Newman. In a recent interview with Variety, Newman teased that the new season will start off with a bang and take viewers on a rollercoaster ride. With the departure of Alberto Rosende and Kara Killmer and the return of Taylor Kinney’s character, Kelly Severide, fans can expect the unexpected.
An Explosive Start
The Season 11 finale left fans with many unanswered questions. Casey proposed to Sylvie, Kidd left town to find her husband, and Mouch was left injured in the hospital. Season 12 picks up six months later, and it promises to answer these burning questions and more.
A Season Full of Surprises
When asked about the emotional preparedness of the viewers, Newman rated it at a 10 out of 10. She revealed that the actors have given their all, and the premiere episode packs a punch. The energy on set was palpable, especially with the return of Taylor Kinney. Newman described the atmosphere as “buzzy” and full of excitement.
Taking the Lead
This season marks Newman’s first time as the sole showrunner, and despite the shortened season, she feels lucky to have a great team behind her. She emphasized the importance of the tight-knit relationships within the cast and crew, which mirror the camaraderie of the fictional firefighters at Firehouse 51.
Severide Is Back
One of the most anticipated returns this season is Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide. Although the season is shorter than usual, fans can expect Severide to take center stage and play a significant role in the upcoming episodes.
Unveiling the Dynamic Between Kidd and Severide
Following Kidd’s departure to bring Severide back home, viewers can expect a new dynamic between the couple. While their physical chemistry remains as strong as ever, there’s an underlying tension that hasn’t been explored before. The main OFI case, which Severide has been dealing with, will bring their relationship to the forefront and reveal what they have been through in the past six months.
Saying Goodbye to Gallo
Alberto Rosende’s departure from the series was a tough decision, as he had a strong season. But Newman assured fans that Gallo’s exit will be handled with care and have an impact on all the characters. While it’s sad for the writers not to have Gallo’s character to work with, it felt like a natural progression for his story.
Brett’s Journey
Kara Killmer’s exit this season will also be a bittersweet moment for fans. Although it’s a shortened season, Killmer’s character, Sylvie Brett, will have a significant storyline before her departure. The producers wanted to give her character a proper send-off, and viewers can expect an emotional journey for Brett.
New Faces, New Challenges
Rome Flynn joins the cast as Jake Gibson, a character with a different energy that will shake things up at Firehouse 51. Gibson’s presence will add new layers to the show and provide an exciting element for fans to enjoy.
As we eagerly await the premiere of “Chicago Fire” Season 12 on January 17th at 9 p.m. ET, it’s clear that this season will be filled with heart-wrenching moments, surprising twists, and the resilience of the firefighters of Firehouse 51. Stay tuned for more action-packed episodes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.