Will Yuriy Sardarov return to Chicago Fire in 2023?

We all love Otis (Yuri Sardarov). The character was one of the most charismatic firefighters the 51 had ever seen, and his death in the eighth season of Chicago Fire still ranks as one of the saddest moments in the entire show.

That being said, the continued success of the actor who played Otis, coupled with the ongoing success of Fire as a franchise, has led some fans to question whether they will get to see the character return at some point.

Here’s what you need to know about Otis’ future on the show.

What happened to Otis in Chicago Fire?

While some fans may dismiss the inclusion of Otis due to his death, there have been several instances of Chicago Fire characters returning to the show in a flashback capacity. Andy Darden (Corey Sorenson) was killed during the pilot, yet resurfaced in a flashback in the season 3 episode “Always”.

Chicago Fire showrunner Derek Haas has made it clear that Otis’ death was not due to issues with Sardarov, but rather a desire to shake things up on the show and assure fans that death can come for any member of the 51. It was a painful decision, but one that ultimately resulted in one of the most memorable stories.

Could Otis return to Chicago Fire?

Sardarov has maintained a close relationship with the cast, particularly Joe Minoso, who played his onscreen BFF Cruz. From a logistical and logical perspective, it’s not a stretch to think that he may return for a brief cameo.

That said, the chances of seeing Otis on the small screen are still slim. Chicago Fire hasn’t done a flashback episode in quite some time, and the inclusion of Otis may serve to confuse casual fans more than satisfy their desire to see him again.

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Plus, the legacy of Otis has continued to grow without his presence. The character is frequently cited by the surviving members of the 51, and season 10 saw Cruz name his infant son “Otis” in memory of his fallen comrade.

There’s also the fact that Sardarov is busy as ever. He recently appeared on CBS’ The Rookie and is slated to appear in the comedy Daddy. Those wanting a Chicago Fire reunion will be pleased to hear that Sardarov will be appearing in the film opposite Kidd herself, Miranda Rae Mayo. Unfortunately, it looks like Daddy is going to be the only Fire reunion, at least in the near future.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 11 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.