CHICAGO FIRE Boss Teases Stellaride’s Next Step, Trouble for Brett, and More

When CHICAGO FIRE returns on Wednesday, November 11, “we’re reflecting the new world of Chicago in the middle of a pandemic,” showrunner Derek Haas teased via email.

Of course, that means changes are afoot for everyone in Firehouse 51. Whether it’s relationship shifts (Stellaride), the new paramedic (new series regular Adriyan Rae), or some real-world inspired trouble, Haas shared a few teases about what fans can expect in season 9…

At the end of last season, you mentioned the plan was to rejigger the episodes you didn’t get to film to work as the start of the season. How much of that stayed true to plan, and what might have been dropped/tweaked?
I’d say about 50% of that plan came to be. You get a new writers’ room and you start tinkering with things. Some of the storylines survived. But now we’re reflecting the new world of Chicago in the middle of a pandemic.  

Things like a global pandemic can frequently make people reconsider their relationships. Which couples might be taking steps forward and which may be on shakier ground in the midst of the world changing?
Everyone is pretty stable over here at CHICAGO FIRE. We didn’t go that route with anyone. Severide and Kidd are as hot as ever.  

You teased at the end of last season that more trouble might be coming Brett’s way. What can you preview about that, and how might the scary call in the season premiere play into that?
I’d say stay until the end of the first episode. She’s gonna tangle with a nasty character.  

The Girls on Fire storyline was something you mentioned you hoped to dive into further. What’s in store there, and what can you preview about Boden’s proposition for Kidd?
Yes! That will continue in season 9. Kidd and Boden have some dynamite scenes together that sort of start off on that canvas.  

How are Casey and Severide handling the new normal?
They are coping. Boden is a little more affected as the civilian staff at the bullpen has been cut down considerably. Also Herrmann and Mouch, who own a bar, are dealing with the effects of the pandemic on Molly’s.  
 
What can you tease about the addition of Adriyan Rae’s Gianna Mackey?
We’re very excited about Mackey joining Firehouse 51. She has a history with Joe Cruz, which we will explore a lot in the first couple of episodes (and beyond.). She’s turning into a real character who will fit right in with Gallo and Ritter.
 
Last we saw Foster, she was going to medical school. Is there room for her to return for a proper goodbye in what you have arced out so far? 
We will keep all options open but we have no plans right now. She is talked about in the first episode.  
 
On a writing note, how have the production restrictions impacted the way you crafted the season? Have you intentionally leaned more on smaller scenes, arced the episodes in a different way, gone on location less, etc.?
Less extras is probably the one production thing that has affected the writing. Other than that, we are determined to make the same CHICAGO FIRE we have always made. We may shoot it differently, but the show is the show.  

Anything else you can tease about what’s ahead?
I think it’ll be a big season for Severide and Kidd. Dearly beloved…

CHICAGO FIRE, Season Premiere, Wednesday, November 11, 9/8c

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