Like many scripted television shows, Chicago Fire and the entire One Chicago series have been affected by recent strikes by writers and actors.

While the Writers Guild of America (WGA) reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in September, actors are still on strike. So what does this mean for the release of Chicago Fire season 12 and what can fans expect from the new season?

When will Chicago Fire season 12 be released?
NBC has yet to announce an official release date for Chicago Fire season 12 – and it could be a while before they do.
The good news is that writers are back to work. Earlier this month, the show’s production company, Wolf Entertainment, announced that its writing team was back in action.

The bad news is that until SAG-AFTRA reaches a deal with the Hollywood studio, the actors can’t film new episodes.

So, it’s unlikely that the show will return before 2024.
Chicago Fire season 12 cast – who will return?
Fans can expect to see much of the main cast return to Firehouse 51 in the new series, including David Eigenberg as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz, Miranda Rae Mayo as Lt Stella Kidd and Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett.

Alberto Rosende will also reprise his role as Blake Gallo, alongside Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter and Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami.

After the dramatic events of the season 11 finale, which saw Randall ‘Mouch’ McHolland take a turn for the worst while recovering from a gunshot wound in the hospital, Christian’s future Stolte in the program is uncertain. Fans will have to wait and see if Randall makes it.

Jesse Spencer also returned in season 11 as Matthew Casey, so fans will likely get to see more of him in the new episodes.

While viewers can expect to see their favorite characters back on screen, they may see a little less of them.
In April, it was reported that Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment had reached a budget agreement with NBC, meaning all three shows would remain on the air for another season but the main cast would appear less frequently.

According to Deadline, episode commitments – the amount of episode fees each series regular is entitled to per season – have been extended. This means the stars will appear in approximately 18 to 20 episodes per season, instead of the standard 22 episodes.

Will Taylor Kinney return to Chicago Fire?
Another burning question asked by fans regarding the upcoming 12th season is whether Taylor Kinney will appear or not.
In January, it was revealed that the actor would be temporarily absent from the high-profile lawsuit to deal with personal issues. His character, Lt. Kelly Severide, left the Windy City in an episode that aired on March 1.

It remains unclear if and when Taylor will return to the show. Neither NBC nor Taylor commented on his long-term commitment to the show.

In the final episode of Taylor’s season 11, it is explained that Severide was sent to the prestigious OFI training camp in Alabama, leaving behind his wife, Stella.
However, in a later season, it is revealed that Severide left the camp after agreeing to investigate a major arson. But he didn’t tell his wife nor his team at Firehouse 51. Stella only found out about the news after one of the academy heads revealed the secret to Joe Cruz.

What will happen in Chicago Fire season 12?
While we’re still waiting for the official synopsis, the season 11 finale leaves us with some unanswered questions.
Randall ‘Mouch’ McHolland’s fate will likely be a major storyline in the first few episodes, depending on whether he survives his injuries or not.

We’ll also find out if Sylvie Brett decides to leave Chicago and follow Casey to Oregon as he suggested in the finale.