New Faces, Big Changes: One Chicago Welcomes Fresh Cast Members Across Fire, PD, and Med
The One Chicago franchise is officially set to return to NBC on Wednesday, September 26, and while longtime fans can look forward to another season of high-stakes rescues and intense personal drama, there are plenty of shakeups in store — including several exciting new additions to the cast.
After a string of emotional goodbyes and dramatic exits across Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med, NBC is ushering in a new era with a roster of fresh faces who are set to make their mark on the Windy City.
Chicago Fire: New Flames and Changing Ranks
Season 13 of Chicago Fire will mark a significant turning point for Firehouse 51. The departure of several longtime characters — including Alberto Rosende (Blake Gallo), Rome Flynn, and series veteran Eamonn Walker (Chief Wallace Boden) — leaves a noticeable void. But the arrival of new leadership and unexpected connections promise to keep fans hooked.
Jake Lockett, who plays firefighter Sam Carver, has been promoted to a series regular. First introduced in Season 11 as a rough-around-the-edges Academy recruit with a complicated past, Carverhas slowly won the respect of his fellow firefighters — and the hearts of viewers. In Season 12, his romantic involvement with paramedic Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) added another layer of complexity, especially after he confessed his love and was turned down, prompting a self-imposed furlough. With Carver returning in Season 13, questions linger about where his story — and temper — will lead next.
In a major casting coup, rom-com veteran Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding, New Girl) joins the firehouse as Chief Dom Pascal, Boden’s replacement. Pascal, who returns to Chicago after a decade in Miami, brings a leadership style that’s a far cry from Boden’s calm and grounded approach. According to early reports, his arrival will be anything but smooth — especially given his personal baggage.
That baggage comes in the form of Monica Pascal, Dom’s estranged wife, played by KaDee Strickland (Private Practice). Monica will appear in a recurring role, and her tumultuous relationship with Dom is expected to stir up tension both on and off the clock.
Also joining the Ambulance 61 crew full-time is Jocelyn Hudon as paramedic Lyla Novak. After floating between firehouses and bonding with Violet in Season 12, Novak is finally settling in — though her commitment to stability might be tested in the episodes ahead.
Chicago PD: New Dynamics on the Force
Over on Chicago PD, the departure of Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) after six seasons has left a major hole in the team — but two newcomers are stepping up to change the game.
Toya Turner (New Amsterdam) will make her debut in the Season 12 premiere as Officer Kiana Cook, a fearless patrol officer who thrives under pressure. Described as someone who “doesn’t blink in the face of chaos,” Cook’s energy is expected to shake things up and bring a fresh dynamic to Intelligence.
Joining her is Shawn Hatosy, best known for gritty roles in Southland and Animal Kingdom. Hatosy will play Deputy Chief Charlie Reid, a recurring character with a strong connection to Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe). Showrunner Gwen Sigan teased an evolving relationship between the two men, saying, “He sees a lot of himself in Voight… and their shared philosophy as officers could create a powerful — or dangerous — bond.”
Chicago Med: New Doctors, Hidden Secrets
Chicago Med is no stranger to dramatic exits, and this year is no exception with the departure of Dominic Rains (Dr. Crockett Marcel). While it’s unclear whether Marcel will return to wrap up his storyline in Season 10, two new doctors are already making their way to the ED.
Darren Barnet (Never Have I Ever) joins as Dr. John Frost, a charismatic pediatric resident who instantly connects with patients — especially children. But while Frost may appear confident on the surface, he’s hiding a personal secret that could disrupt the team and put his professional future at risk.
Also new to the team is Sarah Ramos (Parenthood, The Bear), who has been cast as Dr. Caitlin Lenox, an ED Attending known more for her efficiency than her bedside manner. According to new showrunner Allen MacDonald, Lenox is focused on results over relationships — a mindset that could clash with some of the more emotionally-driven doctors at Med.
With cast reshuffles, dramatic new storylines, and character clashes on the horizon, One Chicago is setting the stage for one of its most transformative seasons yet. Whether you’re tuning in for the heart-pounding rescues, the nail-biting investigations, or the deeply human moments in the emergency room, one thing’s for sure — Wednesday nights on NBC are about to heat up.
