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'Chicago Fire' Season 9: Why is Episode 3 not airing? Here's when the Dick Wolf drama will return to NBC

'Chicago Fire' was scheduled to return with new episodes, however, due to the riot at the Capitol and the ongoing coverage of the incident by NBC, the midseason return will be delayed

NBC has delayed the midseason premieres of 'Chicago Med', 'Chicago PD' and 'Chicago Fire' due to continuing coverage of the riot at Capitol by pro-Trump supporters as the Senate convened to certify the election results that would officially name former vice president Joe Biden as the next President of the United States. The decision came as NBC continues to air a special report on the events as Congress reconvenes to certify the election results.

Rioters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, and forced lawmakers into hiding just hours after the outgoing president held a rally in Washington DC. According to the Associated Press, elected representatives were forced to crouch under desks and don gas masks as police attempted to barricade the building. However, protesters were able to storm the building. One woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol. The Capitol was later declared safe and the Senate is resuming the constitutionally mandated count of the election results from the states.

When will Episode 3 air?

'Chicago Fire' was scheduled to return on January 6 with new episodes, however, due to the protests and the ongoing coverage of the incident by NBC, the midseason returns of all three 'Chicago' shows will be delayed. NBC's official Twitter account wrote, "Tonight on NBC: Continuing coverage from NBC News. Originally scheduled episodes of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD will air next week."

As such, 'Chicago Fire' is expected to return to NBC for its midseason premiere next week, on Wednesday, January 13. 

What to expect from Episode 3?

The synopsis for Season 9 Episode 3 of 'Chicago Fire' states: "A mishap on the aerial ladder in the midst of a fire rescue leaves Mouch shaken and questioning his abilities. Kidd looks for support from Severide while Casey and Brett discuss their future."

With respect to Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), the two had finally taken the next step in their friendship/relationship after they finally kissed in the previous episode. But Brett is still concerned over Casey's relationship with Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund) who was her best friend. We don't blame Brett because we saw that Gabby's return in the last season was enough to reawaken Casey's feelings for her as they slept together before Gabby left again.

Meanwhile, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is preparing to take the lieutenant's exam after her Girls on Fire program proved to be a success. Her boyfriend, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), who is a lieutenant will continue to support her as she progresses in her career.

'Chicago Fire' returns to NBC with new episodes on Wednesday, January 13, at 9/8c.