Why Charlie Barnett Isn't On Chicago Fire Anymore

Working on "Chicago Fire" significantly shaped Charlie Barnett, not just as an actor, but also as an individual. For three memorable seasons, Barnett portrayed Peter Mills, a firefighter in the popular NBC series. The show provided him with the unique opportunity to interact closely with actual firefighters, which helped him gain a deeper understanding of the profession. In a 2014 interview with Starry Mag, he expressed how these interactions kept him grounded, saying, "Going back to just meeting with the real men and women... like understand that this is above you and keep you humble and honest." He also shared that his fellow cast members felt like a second family, as they all came together from different backgrounds to create a cohesive unit in Chicago.

Despite his success on the show, Barnett's journey took an unexpected turn in 2015 when his character Mills left the fire station to pursue a different path. He wanted to honor his father, a former firefighter who had tragically died on duty. Mills expressed his desire to reconnect with his roots, stating, "I can't keep chasing his ghost. I want to be with my family." This heartfelt departure was not what Barnett had envisioned; he had hoped for a dramatic exit that would leave a lasting impression on viewers.

In subsequent revelations, it became clear that Barnett's exit was not a result of performance issues or on-set conflicts. Instead, the show's producers made the decision based on the narrative arc of Peter Mills. They felt that his story had reached a natural conclusion, leading to the decision to write him out of the show. Barnett remained grateful for the experience, reflecting on how much he had gained from being part of "Chicago Fire."

Charlie Barnett's Character Got Written Off

The decision for Charlie Barnett to leave "Chicago Fire" was not one he made on his own. During filming, producers took him aside to share the news, which came as a surprise to him. "I hadn't heard anything about it and then they pulled me into a room, sat me down and apologized," Barnett recounted in a 2015 interview. It was confirmed that the decision wasn't related to any drama on set or dissatisfaction with his performance. Instead, the showrunners believed that Peter Mills' character had reached a plateau, and they were unsure where to take his story next.

Matt Olmstead, the executive producer of "Chicago Fire," later clarified that the decision was based solely on storytelling. The writers aimed to introduce new characters and storylines, which meant there was no longer a place for Mills in the narrative. "It was solely based on bringing in new people for new stories. Otherwise, it turns into a clown car," Olmstead explained, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives within the show.

When Barnett learned he would be written off, he requested the chance to break the news to the crew himself. He understood the emotional weight of the situation and wanted to handle it delicately. "They took it hard, but it's part of the business," he noted. Ultimately, Barnett accepted the decision gracefully, expressing gratitude for the experiences and opportunities he had gained from being on "Chicago Fire."

A Possible Spinoff?

In a 2019 interview with TVLine, there was a buzz about the potential return of Barnett's character, Peter Mills. The show's showrunner mentioned the idea of bringing Mills back, which piqued Barnett's interest. He humorously responded, "Tell him to call me! [Laughs] I should give him a call." Barnett acknowledged the ongoing success of "Chicago Fire," noting that the show's ratings remained strong.

Additionally, Barnett playfully suggested a spinoff idea featuring Mills reconnecting with Monica Raymund's character, Dawson, in a different city, even jokingly proposing the title "Chicago Puerto Rico!" His enthusiasm for returning to the role was evident, as he reminisced about his time on the NBC series and the opportunities it provided him.

After leaving "Chicago Fire," Barnett successfully transitioned to other popular roles, including significant parts in Netflix's "Russian Doll" and "You." He also made appearances in "Arrow," "Red Frontier," and "Ordinary Joe," showcasing his versatility as an actor. In conversations with E! News, Barnett expressed his admiration for fellow actors who juggle multiple roles and aspirations, stating that he never intended to overshadow anyone. "I have, knock on wood, had a lot of time and I hope that I'm using it correctly," he shared, emphasizing his commitment to growth and creativity in his career.