With Chicago Fire season 12 bidding farewell to Matt Casey and Sylvie Brett,

the show is set to introduce a new couple that may become a fan favorite when

season 13 kicks off. Over the years, Chicago Fire has explored numerous romantic

relationships, from Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd’s dramatic romance to the steady marriage of Wallace and Donna Boden. Now, with Casey and Brett moving on, there’s room for a new relationship to capture viewers’ attention.

As season 13 premieres, Firehouse 51 will undergo significant changes. With Wallace Boden stepping down as chief to become Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, Dom Pascal (played by Dermot Mulroney) will be stepping in as the new chief. Season 12 also revealed the surprise that Jack Damon is Severide’s half-brother, and Sam Carver confessed his love to Violet Mikami before taking a leave of absence. Amid this chaos, however, the groundwork has been laid for a potential love story between two newcomers, Jack Damon and Lyla Novak.

Damon and Novak: The Next Friends-To-Lovers Storyline

Both Jack Damon and Lyla Novak joined Chicago Fire in season 12, and the finale hinted at a budding romance between the two. Damon came in as a replacement for Derrick Gibson, while Novak stepped into Brett’s role when she moved to Portland with Casey. As both are relatively new and share similar backgrounds, it seems only natural that the show might push them together. In fact, their chemistry was teased in one of the final scenes of season 12, though their relationship might start as a platonic friendship—much like Casey and Brett’s.

In the finale, Damon subtly hinted at wanting to take Novak out, but she redirected the conversation, focusing on getting him to open up about his secrets. While she avoided the romantic undertone, this interaction established a connection that could easily evolve into something deeper in season 13. The slow burn from friends to lovers mirrors Casey and Brett’s relationship, which also started with years of friendship before becoming romantic. It wouldn’t be surprising if Damon and Novak followed a similar path.

A Slow-Burn Romance for Season 13

Chicago Fire is known for its slow-burn romances, and Damon and Novak seem primed to be the next couple to follow that tradition. Casey and Brett, for instance, took several seasons to act on their feelings for each other, with many obstacles standing in the way. Similarly, Damon and Novak’s potential relationship might take time to develop, allowing the show to build tension and anticipation.

This slow-burn approach could offer a refreshing dynamic for the series, especially as other couples have already reached more advanced stages in their relationships. For example, Severide and Kidd have been married since the season 10 finale, while Carver and Violet are navigating their new relationship after confessing their feelings in season 12. While these couples are established, the unfolding romance between Damon and Novak offers a new and exciting storyline.

Will Damon and Novak Become the Next Big Couple?

While nothing is confirmed regarding the future of Damon and Novak’s relationship, the Chicago Fire season 12 finale laid the groundwork for a potential romance. Their shared scene in the finale revealed clear chemistry, and the show’s history suggests the writers won’t miss the opportunity to develop this connection further. Additionally, behind-the-scenes images from season 13 hint at Damon and Novak growing closer, further fueling speculation about their romantic potential.

As Chicago Fire continues its tradition of exploring both high-stakes emergencies and personal relationships, Damon and Novak’s storyline could become one of the most compelling aspects of the new season. Fans will have to wait and see if the show follows through on the sparks between these two characters, but given the show’s track record, there’s a strong chance that they could become the next beloved couple in the series.

In conclusion, Chicago Fire season 13 looks set to deliver a fresh romantic storyline with Damon and Novak, potentially filling the void left by Casey and Brett. Their chemistry, combined with the slow-burn approach, could make them a standout couple in the upcoming episodes. Only time will tell how their relationship evolves, but fans have reason to be excited for what’s to come.