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Chicago Fire season 9 preview: Derek Haas tells what’s next for Firehouse 51

By Brittany Frederick

"Rattle Second City" Episode 901 -- Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randall McHolland, Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey, Anthony Ferraris as Tony, Alberto Rosende as Blake Gallo. Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC)
"Rattle Second City" Episode 901 -- Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randall McHolland, Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey, Anthony Ferraris as Tony, Alberto Rosende as Blake Gallo. Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC) /
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Derek Haas drops a few hints about Chicago Fire season 9.

It took longer than usual, but Chicago Fire season 9 is here, which means One Chicago Center reconnected with executive producer Derek Haas for our usual pre-season preview.

Here’s what Derek had to say about the show’s cast additions and subtractions going into the new season, as well as a couple of hints about the dynamics of Firehouse 51 when we rejoin the action.

Don’t forget that the Chicago Fire season premiere is tomorrow—Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. If you need to remember where the show left off you can catch up through our quick recap.

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One Chicago Center: We know Chicago Fire season 9 will include COVID-19, but how much did the pandemic affect filming this season? So much of the show is huge scenes and close calls.

Derek Haas: We might shoot it differently, but we’re trying to produce the same show people have always watched. We just want it to be honest and depict what it’s like being in the Chicago Fire Department in 2020.

OCC: The biggest news in the offseason was the decision not to bring Annie Ilonzeh back as Emily Foster, and we’re about to meet her replacement, Adriyan Rae as Gianna Mackey. What went into the decision to make a change, and what should we expect from the new arrival?

DH: We’re always looking to bring in new blood to Firehouse 51; it allows us to tackle new stories and new relationships.

We are so excited about everyone getting to know Gianna Mackey. She has known Cruz since she was a little kid, and we’re going to explore that long relationship. Also, she’s going fit right in with Gallo and Ritter.

OCC: How will losing another partner affect Sylvie Brett? Is Foster’s departure going to affect the relationship she has with Mackey, and where do we find her in general after all the issues she had in season 8?

DH: Brett will be more of a mentor to Mackey than a new-best-friends type relationship. Like you said, she has a lot on her plate right now. As things develop with Casey, she’s going to be even more preoccupied.

OCC: Speaking of Ritter, it was incredible news that Daniel Kyri was made a series regular for Chicago Fire season 9. Since he’d been in so many episodes since season 7 anyway, was it an easy transition writing for him every week? And what kind of Ritter stories are on the way?

DH: [It was] an easy transition because Ritter is such a great character, and can take on comedy and drama so well. We’re going to add action star into that resume this season.

OCC: An interesting fact is that Chicago Fire is on pace to hit its 200th episode. There have been 179 episodes through the first eight seasons. So any idea about the 200th episode yet?

DH: Is it really? What number would be 200? I want to write that one!

Next. How every One Chicago show will handle COVID-19. dark

For the latest Chicago Fire season 9 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.

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