Reasons Behind Peter Mills’ Departure from Chicago Fire: An Explanation

Chicago Fire is a popular television series that debuted on NBC on October 10, 2012, and is currently in its thirteenth season. The show depicts the challenges and triumphs faced by the fictional Firehouse 51 of the Chicago Fire Department.

This series is the inaugural entry in NBC’s One Chicago franchise, which features a collection of procedural dramas that explore various aspects of Chicago’s law enforcement and emergency services. Other notable series within the franchise include Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice.

As a long-running show, Chicago Fire has seen alterations in its cast throughout the years. A significant exit was that of Charlie Burnett, who portrayed Peter Mills. In an interview with TV Guide in April 2015, executive producer Matt Olmstead revealed that Peter’s character was being phased out because his storyline had reached its conclusion, allowing space for new characters.

Charlie Burnett shared his thoughts about his departure in a conversation with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He indicated that his exit was not personal or related to his performances, but rather a result of the writers’ belief that Peter had plateaued in his narrative arc, leaving little room for further development.

In further comments to Digital Spy, he expressed:

“[The show] was a behemoth that I never really saw coming. I was thankful to be a part of it. I really was sad to be let go. It broke me for quite a long time.”

Peter Mills’ Departure from Chicago Fire in Season 3

Peter Mills made his debut in Chicago Fire during the first season as a Firefighter Candidate. He is the son of Henry Mills and aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the Rescue Squad. Given his father’s commendable career, both then-Battalion Chief Wallace Boden and Lt. Kelly’s father, Benny Severide, knew him well.

Upon his arrival at Firehouse 51, Peter found himself entangled in a conflict between two lieutenants, stemming from lingering tension after Andrew Darden’s unfortunate passing a month prior.

As a newcomer, Peter faced hazing from CPD veterans, who referred to him by his full name rather than his surname, as is customary.

By the conclusion of season 1, he contemplated transferring to the CPD due to a lack of promotion, but later retracted that decision. Ultimately, he was promoted to Squad 3. However, by the end of season 2, Peter sustained a leg injury that sidelined him. Upon returning, he continued experiencing health challenges, frequently discussing feelings of dizziness with Kelly Severide.

During a medical consultation, Peter discovered that he was deemed unfit to continue as a firefighter, leading him to switch to paramedic training, where he would work alongside Sylvie Brett.

By the end of Chicago Fire season 3, Peter Mills was written out after discovering that his paternal grandfather owned a restaurant in North Carolina, which had not been inherited by Peter’s family.

Previously, Peter’s family had owned another restaurant that had tragically burned down. Upon learning about his grandfather’s restaurant, his mother and sister expressed excitement about relocating. However, Peter hesitated, recognizing that this would mean retiring from the CPD. Ultimately, he chose to depart and join his family.

Regarding Peter Mills’ exit, former executive producer Matt Olmstead stated to TV Guide:

The hardest part of this job is when you feel it’s the right time to make cast changes. It was solely based on bringing in new people for new stories. Otherwise, it turns into a clown car. You have affection and admiration for [your cast], so you keep everybody, but it’s at the detriment of being objective and making some tough calls in terms of storytelling.

He further explained that Mills’ storyline revolved around his inner conflict about honoring his late father’s legacy while still being true to the family he was leaving behind.

Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 6 pm PT on NBC.

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