As Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. wrapped their 2025–2026 season, fans are eager to see what lies ahead for the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51. Among the ensemble cast, Jocelyn Hudon’s Lyla Novak has captured attention since her debut in season 12, episode 9, “Something About Her.” Novak’s blend of empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness makes her a standout character in the One Chicago universe.
I recently spoke with Hudon about Novak’s future, her romance with Damon, and her dream crossover within the Dick Wolf universe.
Navigating Life After Ritter’s Exit
Daniel Kyri’s departure leaves Novak at a crossroads. As roommates with Ritter, Novak faces uncertainty about her living situation.
Hudon shared, “Novak is resilient and resourceful. She might have a redo episode where she’s looking for somewhere to live again. Or maybe she takes over the apartment. I think Novak might be a roommate kind of girl, but I personally love living alone.”
Will-Novak-and-Damon?
Novak and Damon have a casual romance brewing, but nothing is set in stone. Hudon admits, “He low-key broke up with her in one of the episodes, and then she’s kind of still around. She’s with him in the hospital. He came over for dinner at her and Ritter’s place, so I’m not exactly sure where that’s going.”
Fans are shipping Novak and Frost from Chicago Med, adding another layer of intrigue. Hudon said she’s excited to see what the writers plan: “I don’t have a team. I’m just excited to see the episodes and see where the writers take it.”
Exploring Novak’s Backstory
Season 13 offered glimpses into Novak’s past, but Hudon hopes to dig deeper in season 14. “I’d love to know what happened to her, where she came from, and why she became a paramedic,” she said. In a particularly emotional episode, Novak was triggered by a suicide case, prompting Hudon to wonder how personal experiences shaped her character. “I want to play that out. That must have been an early trauma that made her become a paramedic. That’s what makes her so great at her job.”
Dream Storylines and Crossover Wishes
Hudon has a few dream scenarios for Novak. One involves a water-related rescue, drawing on her scuba-diving experience. Another imagines Novak and Violet navigating an ambulance robbery, testing their courage and quick thinking.
But her ultimate wish? A crossover with Law & Order: SVU’s Olivia Benson. “I have a picture of her in my trailer. I would die happy if Novak could work with Olivia Benson. I’d be like, ‘This is what happened!’ and she’d be like, ‘I’ll take it from here.’”
Looking Ahead
Hudon’s enthusiasm highlights Novak’s versatility as a character. Whether it’s navigating personal relationships, confronting past trauma, or facing high-stakes emergencies, Novak is poised for exciting developments in season 14. Fans can expect more of her empathy, resilience, and bravery — all qualities that make Lyla Novak a beloved part of Firehouse 51.
