Chicago Fire reaches its 300th episode with Three Hundred, which also marks Joe Minoso's final appearance as Joe Cruz. Variety spoke with Taylor Kinney about filming the farewell between Severide and Cruz after their long collaboration on the series.
Fifteen seasons since the 2012 launch
Kinney has appeared in every season since Chicago Fire began in 2012. He said such longevity once seemed difficult to imagine, recalling earlier years of auditions and uncertainty over whether pilots would be picked up.
The Dick Wolf drama is now in its 15th season and launched the One Chicago franchise. Chicago P.D. is in season 14 and Chicago Med in season 12, according to Variety.
Kinney described the bond formed through demanding schedules, including early working days of 15-16 hours and sometimes six days a week. That history made the farewell scene particularly emotional for him.
Minoso plans a different role behind the camera
Executive producer Peter Jankowski said Minoso remains part of the Wolf Entertainment community and is scheduled to direct his first television episode later in the year.
Jankowski linked the show's continuing stories to grounded characters, while noting changes in viewing through Peacock and social media. NBC chair Pearlena Igbokwe emphasised the relationships that make Firehouse 51 familiar to audiences.
The NBC schedule reported by Variety places Three Hundred at 9pm US Eastern Time on November 4. Minoso's planned directing debut is a subsequent step outlined by producers as the series continues its 15th season.