Chicago Fire Star Christian Stolte Shares What Wouldn’t Have ‘Played In Earlier Seasons,’ And I’m Excited For A Very Specific Upcoming Episode

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Okay, so *Chicago Fire* is back for Season 14, and things at Firehouse 51 are definitely shifting. We’re still feeling the loss of Carver and Ritter, and thankfully, Stella’s staying right in the thick of things. But the biggest surprise? Mouch, yes *that* Mouch – the guy who started out as ‘Man + Couch’ – is now a lieutenant! He even gets an office, but only if Herrmann decides to give his up. Actor Christian Stolte recently shared that this kind of progression for Mouch just wouldn’t have felt right in earlier seasons, and honestly, I think he’s right. It’s great to see the character evolve so naturally.

The fourteenth season of the show kicked off with Mouch adjusting to his new role as lieutenant, which was made harder by Herrmann refusing to give up the office. While Herrmann had legitimate worries about losing income after stepping down as an officer, the main thing I took away from the premiere episode is that Mouch truly deserves to have the office all to himself.

Before the show premiered, I asked Christian Stolte, in interviews with TopMob and others, how his character, Mouch, would adjust to being an officer after spending thirteen years as a team member, not the one in charge. Here’s what the actor said:

This storyline wouldn’t have worked in previous seasons. It just wasn’t the right time for that character’s development. One of the great things about a long-running show like ours is that we get to see characters grow and change over time, and that’s exactly what happened here. When the character finally moved past his more comedic, unreliable persona and committed fully to his work, it transformed him. His years of experience suddenly shifted towards leading, taking charge, and making decisions instead of simply following them.

As a big TV fan, I have to agree with Christian Stolte – *Chicago Fire* is seriously sticking around! It’s not the longest-running show in the Dick Wolf world – *Law & Order* is still king with 25 seasons, and *SVU* is up to 27 – but *Chicago Fire*, being the original One Chicago series, has already lasted longer than most shows on network TV these days. And seeing as I’ve watched from the start, it’s been amazing to see his character, Mouch, grow from the early seasons into the respected firefighter he is now at Firehouse 51.

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The fact that Mouch was promoted is good news, especially with the budget cuts happening at the fire department. It suggests the officers are secure in their jobs. Plus, Stolte mentioned an upcoming episode with a big moment for Mouch, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it!

In the fifth episode, I realized I was back in my usual spot on the couch – the first time since I’d gotten up and decided I was done with it. It happened naturally, after a phone call, and I was very aware of the moment. I often look at that spot and think about how it ‘used to be me,’ but this time, sitting back down, I just thought, ‘It’s just a couch.’ There was no need for a big deal or any special meaning.

It’s unlikely Mouch will suddenly start using his real name, Randall or McHolland, after being known as ‘Mouch’ for over fourteen years. But that might be the biggest change we see in the new episodes of the show this fall on NBC. It seems Stella on Truck 81 will face more drama than Mouch on Engine 51, thanks to the arrival of a new character, Sal Vasquez, played by Brandon Larracuente, who you may recognize from *On Call*. Here’s a preview of the next episode:

Don’t miss new episodes of *Chicago Fire* on NBC Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern! It’s part of the One Chicago lineup, following *Chicago Med* at 8 p.m. and leading into *Chicago P.D.* at 10 p.m. All three shows are also available to stream on Peacock the day after they air. This week is particularly special for *Chicago Med*, which will celebrate its 200th episode on October 8th.

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2025-10-08 05:12