‘Chicago Fire’ Season 5 Cast & Spoilers: Why Steven McQueen Left The Show? What Happens To Jimmy Borrelli? More To Exit?

"Chicago Fire" just have another lead character leave the show. Now in its fifth year, "Chicago Fire" has let Steven McQueen go. What happens to Jimmy Borrelli? Also, executive producer Michael Brandt hints more of the main characters to leave "Fire."

Steven McQueen's character, Jimmy Borrelli, suffered a work injury that ends his career as a firefighter in the most recent episode of "Chicago Fire" Season 5. The incident had its roots in the long-time feud between Jimmy Borrelli and Firehouse 51 Battalion Chief Wallace Boden, played by Eamonn Walker.

Steven McQueen's Jimmy Borrelli has lost faith in his chief, standing with his belief that Boden was responsible for his brother's death. So in "Chicago Fire" Season 5 Episode 2, Jimmy made his own call, which resulted in him getting burned, so bad that his firefighting career has to end.

In an interview with TVLine, "Chicago Fire" executive producer Michael Brandt shared that they felt they have to follow through on the reality that people get injured in this line of duty. "With Jimmy's character, it just felt like he needed to stand up for what he believed in, but Boden needed to stand up for what he believed in, and those two things couldn't live together. It was driven by the story and who the characters have evolved into," Brandt said.

How did Steven McQueen take this fate? Brandt told TVLine that the actor was really professional about having to leave "Chicago Fire," and this would give him to take on other opportunities and hopefully, be the main star of his own show.

Meanwhile, EP Michael Brandt also revealed the possibility of seeing more lead characters leave "Chicago Fire" in the coming seasons. "Our leads, except for Shay [Lauren German], have all stayed, but there is an evolution to the show. It has to go on. So yeah, you do have to freshen things up with your characters from time to time," he said, adding that "unfortunately, it's a necessary evil."

How do you feel about Steven McQueen leaving the show as a series regular? Do you think Jimmy Borrelli's character would come back?