Throughout Chicago Fire’s run, there have been moments that have pushed characters to the edge and others that have confused viewers, but with an update for Chicago Fire season 14, it’s clear the show is interested in getting back on track. Chicago Fire season 13 was a struggle for some long-time viewers, especially those invested in characters like Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), who’s departing the series.

While Chicago Fire season 14 will bring back beloved characters like Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), there are a few characters who will be departing from the series after years on the show. Carver may be the most heartbreaking exit, but both Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) will be leaving, paving the way for change.

As Chicago Fire comes off a stretch of somewhat disappointing seasons, many hope that the upcoming season will put in the work to get the show back on the right path. Rather than focusing on soapy stories, underwhelming resolutions, and over-wrought tropes, viewers are hopeful that Chicago Fire can use its upcoming season to ground the story in new ways.

Season 14 Can Serve As A Soft Reboot For Chicago Fire

A Time Jump Will Help Ease Viewers Into Change

Although Chicago Fire has long been one of the more interesting pieces of the One Chicago franchise, the series has taken some difficult hits in recent years. With Chicago Fire season 14 giving the series a chance to launch a soft reboot, it’s likely that things will change for the better on the show. Opening on a time jump will benefit the series.

While there have been questions about who’s staying and who’s going on the Chicago Fire cast during the hiatus, establishing who’s still part of the Firehouse 51 family and who’s left in the interim will allow the show to move forward quickly. Allowing the characters viewers know and love, and those they’re just meeting, to establish themselves quickly will be helpful.

By quickly jumping into the new stories Chicago Fire wants to tell, the series will be able to answer any lingering questions within the first moments of the premiere and make it clear that things are changing. Viewers will get the chance to jump into a fresh version of the Chicago Fire they already know, allowing an easier sense of clarity.

Chicago Fire’s Ratings Are Still High – But Decreasing Each Season

Season 14 Could See A Ratings Boost

As Chicago Fire gets ready to open up another season of chaotic disasters, the series is coming off the heels of a decline in ratings that they’re likely hoping to overcome this year. For years, Chicago Fire’s ratings have been on more of a decline than ever before. While the ratings themselves are still high for NBC, they’ve been steadily dropping.

According to TV Series Finale Chicago Fire season 13 had a season average of 0.39 in the 18-49 demographic, which was down from a 0.49 for Chicago Fire season 12. After dropping from season to season, it’s clear that while the series is still doing well, things need to change in order for Chicago Fire to finally regain its success on screen.

Source: TV Series Finale