Where is Herrmann on Chicago Fire Season 13? The reason for David Eigenberg’s mysterious absence

Spoiler alert: The following article contains mild spoilers for Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 7, “Untouchable.”

Although Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann was a main character in Chicago Fire from the beginning, he’s been mysteriously missing in season 13 for two episodes in a row now, leaving viewers worried about his whereabouts. The NBC procedural drama series, created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, never explained Herrmann’s absence. The network also never announced David Eigenberg’s departure, even though it was temporary. Instead, NBC left audiences wondering what happened to the Chicago Fire season 13 character (and when or if he’ll return).

Episodes 6 and 7 focused on other characters trying to distract viewers from Herrmann’s absence. Sam Carver’s firing and breakup with Tori in Chicago Fire season 13 took a lot of time; Kelly Severide and Chief Dom Pascal worked together on an arson case; Mouch had a rivalry with a pigeon; Violet Mikami’s relationship with Flynn has progressed; and so on. However, we still can’t help but miss Herrmann, one of the best characters in Chicago Fire.

Herrmann’s absence from Chicago Fire in season 13 is due to cast changes

Why David Eigenberg Didn’t Appear in 2 Episodes

Neither David Eigenberg nor NBC have confirmed why Herrmann disappeared in Chicago Fire season 13, episodes 6 and 7. However, some insight into how network TV works lately could explain why the actor didn’t appear. Many network dramas with ensemble casts have to cut costs due to budgetary concerns, and one way to do this is to reduce the number of episodes for some series regulars (e.g. Eigenberg) per season.

According to Deadline, FBI and FBI: Most Wanted are reducing minimum episode guarantees for some main cast members, and Chicago Fire is probably doing the same. THE A Chicago TV shows followed this protocol during the 2023–2024 season. Therefore, it is logical that the same budget reduction measures are being implemented in the 2024-2025 season. Unfortunately, Herrmann from Eigenberg is apparently the first to suffer from this new regulation in Chicago Fire season 13.

When Will Herrmann Return on Chicago Fire Season 13

Will Herrmann appear in the fall finale?

The good news is that Herrmann’s inexplicable departure from Chicago Fire season 13 won’t last long. David Eigenberg’s character will return in episode 8, “Quicksand.” which serves as the season’s fall finale. Given that “Quicksand” will be Chicago Fire In the 2024 season 13 finale, it makes sense to have the entire cast together.

Although the trailer for Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8, does not feature Herrmann, the synopsis spoils that he has a role in the hour’s plot. It reads: “Herrmann and Mouch prepare to take their officer exams. Cruz receives a frightening omen. Carver takes care of a dog after its owner is injured on a roll call.” NBC procedural drama TV show’s fall finale likely won’t explain where Herrmann has been in the last two episodes of Chicago Fire season 13. So fans will have to assume he was off-screen doing his own thing.

What to expect from Herrmann’s return to Chicago Fire

Herrmann is preparing to take the captain’s test

As mentioned in the synopsis, Herrmann will finally take the captain’s test in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8, “Quicksand.” Herrmann has been nervous about getting tested all season. But he will have to face his fears during the fall finale. When speaking with TV insiderDavid Eigenberg teased what’s next for his character in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8. Regarding Herrmann’s readiness for the captain’s test, the actor said:

“[Herrmann’s] not prepared. He has a wife and children. He’s not very focused on a human being. He’s focused when things are bad… And nothing comes easy for the character, Herrmann, and self-confidence is not his strong suit, although he can be tempestuous and explosive, and he knows what’s right. I think the character knows what’s right. He doesn’t always know what the right thing to do is and needs guidance from other people.”

Based on Eigenberg’s comments, Herrmann’s Captain’s Test May Not Go So Well During Season 13’s Fall Finale of A Chicago universe TV show. If approved, Herrmann could become chief. Many expected Herrmann to take the exam between seasons 12 and 13 and then replace Chief Boden in the season 13 premiere. However, that wasn’t the case, and now the position of head of Firehouse 51 has been filled by Pascal. If Herrmann passes the test, he will be able to leave Fire Station 51, but if he fails during the Chicago Fire fall finale of season 13, he will stay.

Sources: Deadline, TV Insider