Where Is Herrmann In Chicago Fire Season 13? The Reason For David Eigenberg’s Mysterious Absence

Spoiler alert: The following article contains mild spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 7, "Untouchable."

Even though Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann has been a main character in Chicago Fire since the beginning, he has been mysteriously missing in season 13 for two consecutive episodes now, making viewers concerned about his whereabouts. The NBC procedural drama TV series, created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, never explained Herrmann's absence. The network also never announced David Eigenberg's exit, even if it was temporary. Instead, NBC has left the audience to wonder what happened to the Chicago Fire season 13 character (and when or if he is coming back).

Episodes 6 and 7 focused on other characters, trying to distract viewers from Herrmann's absence.Sam Carver's dismissal and breakup with Tori in Chicago Fire season 13 has taken up 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 progressed; and so on. However, one still can't help but miss Herrmann, one of the best characters in Chicago Fire.

Herrmann's Chicago Fire Season 13 Absence Is Due To Casting Changes

Why David Eigenberg Wasn't In 2 Episodes

Neither David Eigenberg nor NBC has confirmed why Herrmann was missing in Chicago Fire season 13, episodes 6 and 7. However, some insight into the way network TV works as of late may explain why the actor didn't appear. Many network dramas with ensemble casts have to cut costs due to budget concerns, and one way of doing so is by reducing the number of episodes for some series regulars (e.g., Eigenberg) per season.

According to Deadline, FBI and FBI: Most Wanted are lowering the minimum episode guarantees for some main cast members, and Chicago Fire is likely doing the same. The One Chicago TV shows followed this protocol during the 2023–2024 season. So, it stands to reason that the same budget-reducing measures are being implemented in the 2024–2025 season. Unfortunately, Eigenberg's Herrmann is seemingly the one to suffer from this new regulation first in Chicago Fire season 13.

When Will Herrmann Return In Chicago Fire Season 13

Will Herrmann Appear In The Fall Finale?

The good news is that Herrmann's unexplained exit 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 season 13's last episode of 2024, it makes sense to have the whole cast along for the ride.

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 storyline. It reads, "Herrmann and Mouch prepare to take their officer exams. Cruz receives a chilling omen. Carver takes care of a dog after its owner is injured on a call." The NBC procedural drama TV show's fall finale likely won't explain where Herrmann has been in the past two episodes of Chicago Fire season 13. So, fans will just have to assume he was offscreen, doing his own thing.

What To Expect From Herrmann's Return In Chicago Fire

Herrmann Is Revving Up 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 taking the exam all season long. But, he will have to face his fears during the fall finale. While speaking with TV Insider, David Eigenberg teased what's to come for his character in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8. Concerning Herrmann's readiness for the captain's test, the actor said:

"[Herrmann's] not prepared. He's got a wife and kids. He's not very focused of a human being. He's focused when the chips are down… And nothing goes easy for the character, Herrmann, and self-confidence is not his strong suit, although he can be blustery and blowing, and he knows what's right. I think the character knows what's right. He doesn't always know what's the exact right thing to do, and he has to be steered by other people."

Based on Eigenberg's comments, Herrmann's captain's test might not go so well during the season 13 fall finale of the One Chicago universe TV show. If he does pass, Herrmann can become a chief. Many expected Herrmann to take the exam between seasons 12 and 13, and then take over for Chief Boden in the season 13 premiere. However, that wasn't the case, and now the chief position at Firehouse 51 has been filled by Pascal. If Herrmann passes the test, he might leave Firehouse 51, but if he fails during the Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale, he will stay.

Sources: Deadline, TV Insider