Chicago Fire is losing two main cast members, and more are likely set to depart the long-running NBC drama. Actors leaving is nothing new for One Chicago, which also includes Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. However, shifts in the ensemble have been more common for the past few seasons, as budget restrictions have occasionally impacted how the stories unfold on screen.
Deadline reports that Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett are not expected to return to Chicago Fire if the procedural drama is renewed for season 14. Kyri, who plays Daniel Ritter, has been with the show since season 7. Lockett, a relatively more recent addition in the role of Sam Carver, has been with Chicago Fire since season 11. The exits come ahead of likely renewals for NBC’s Wolf Entertainment dramas, which include Law & Order, though those renewals may include cuts to the budget.
The departures of Kyri and Lockett are reported part of an overall effort to downsize budgets across the board. The long-running firefighter procedural, in particular, is looking ahead at negotiations with several veteran Chicago Fire cast members. As these negotiations unfold and renewal talks continue between NBC and production studio Universal Television, there could be more departures across all five Wolf Entertainment shows that air on NBC. That would also mean Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.
What The Latest Cast Exits Mean For Chicago Fire
More Could Be On The Way
Given that filming continues, ahead of a renewal likely for Chicago Fire season 14, Ritter and Carver are expected to get proper send-offs for their characters. During their time on the show, both firefighters faced different personal and professional struggles. The procedural hit, which remains strong in the ratings, both in terms of streaming and traditional viewing, has generally had to maneuver around changes to the cast. It was previously reported that the NBC show was reducing the number of episodes each main cast member was required to appear in as a way of addressing the budget.
The latest update takes it a step further, highlighted that there may well be more departures across all of the shows that include the Dick Wolf universe. Those shows crossover from time to time and share a history. They could look markedly different if, as reports continuously suggest, renewals are imminent. Further casting news could trickle out in the coming weeks and months, with continuing negotiations.
Our Take On The Chicago Fire Exits
TV Is Facing Challenges
Chicago Fire may be a hit, but network television isn’t what it was even a decade or so ago. Although still a success and still reliable, money from advertising that networks rely on is continuing at risk. This leads networks to negotiate with studios over keeping the shows they want, albeit at a lower price. These, in return, get reflected in the on-screen changes that have also affected dramas like Grey’s Anatomy on ABC and the FBI franchise on CBS.
