Jocelyn Hudon has officially ignited Chicago Fire fans with her portrayal of paramedic Lizzie Novak — a fresh face in Firehouse 51 who’s quickly become a viewer favorite. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Hudon opened up about joining the long-running NBC drama, the fan response, filming emotional scenes, and her hopes for Lizzie’s future (including a very intriguing spinoff idea).
From Newbie to Fan Favorite
Joining a show in its 12th season is no small feat, but Hudon made it look effortless. “I was a recurring guest star with an option for a series regular pickup,” she explained. “So I put a lot of pressure on myself. I thought, ‘Either they like me or I’m gone.’”
But the Chicago Fire family embraced her — and so did the fans.
“The reaction has been amazing. People are recognizing me at airports, and the love on Reddit and Twitter has been so cool to see,” she said. “I’m super grateful.”
Bringing Lizzie to Life
Hudon knew from the start that this role was hers. “I read the audition and thought, ‘This is me. I got this,’” she recalled. “Then I flew to Chicago for the network test and halfway through, I wanted to leave. I thought I blew it. But clearly, I didn’t!”
Originally named Lila, Lizzie was described as fun-loving and lighthearted. But Jocelyn has layered in much more: “She’s 99.9% me,” Hudon said. “But there’s a deeper side to her, too — a bit of vulnerability beneath the confidence.”
The Emotional and Physical Toll
One of Lizzie’s most powerful scenes came in Episode 8, after a traumatic suicide incident. “She puts on a brave face, but she’s vulnerable underneath,” Hudon said. “She just wants to know someone has her back.”
The most physically demanding scene? A C-section performed on a deceased woman to save her baby. “It was a full day of CPR and emotional intensity. I was sprinting between takes to stay out of breath,” she laughed. “My spine was DONE.”
Violet, Dermot, and Dream Pairings
Fans have latched onto the chemistry between Lizzie and Violet — something Hudon says is completely natural. “We’re besties on and off screen,” she said. “That dynamic was built even during the network test.”
She also highlighted Lizzie’s bond with Chief Dermot, saying they connect deeply as frontliners.
Asked who she’d love to work with more, Hudon quickly named Severide and Kidd. “I haven’t had much with them outside emergencies — let’s fix that!”
Spinoff Talk? She’s In
Fans are already imagining a Chicago Fire spinoff focused on Lizzie and the paramedics of Ambo 61 — and so is Jocelyn.
“I saw a fan-made poster that said ‘Ambo 61’ and I saved it like a nerd,” she admitted. “Real-life paramedics have such wild stories. I’d totally watch a show just about that.”
Would Lizzie Be Your Friend?
“Absolutely,” Hudon said without hesitation. “She’s almost me! I’d hang out with Lizzie.”
She’d also love to explore more of Lizzie’s backstory. “I want to know who died, what happened between then and becoming a paramedic — there’s so much to unpack.”
Final Thoughts (and a TikTok Mishap)
As the season wraps up, Hudon teased that Lizzie will be present — but in a more supportive role. “She’s the hype woman for the team right now. She’s just showing up and being there for everyone.”
Outside of work, Hudon is in vacation mode before filming picks back up in July. And if you’re wondering why she’s quiet on TikTok, there’s a reason: “My account got hacked. It’s selling GPS trackers now,” she joked. “I’ve opened 30 tickets and no one’s helping. If that’s the worst that happens, fine!”
Whether she's cracking jokes or cracking open trauma cases, Jocelyn Hudon's Lizzie Novak is already a bright spark in the world of Chicago Fire. And if fans have their way? That Ambo 61 spinoff just might become real.