Chicago Fire Season 14 Shocker: Two Fan-Favorite Characters Teased in Latest Update!

Throughout Chicago Fire‘s 13 (soon-to-be 14) seasons, many characters have come and gone, and now that one firefighter is returning, another could easily follow in his footsteps. The NBC procedural drama is entering its fourteenth season in the fall of 2025. When it premieres, the Chicago Fire cast will look relatively the same, minus three actors.

A couple of weeks ahead of the season 13 finale, news about Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett’s exits from Chicago Fire broke. The two (who played Darren Ritter and Sam Carver, respectively, on the show) were expected to leave ahead of season 14. However, as we get closer to the premiere, we’ve learned that one of the two actors will return.

Darren Ritter Is Confirmed To Appear In Chicago Fire Season 14

Daniel Kyri Shared The Exciting News

Chicago Fire star Daniel Kyri is returning for season 14, despite his frustrating season 13 exit. The actor shared the exciting news on his Instagram story (via TVLine). The photo featured him on set, alongside Hanako Greensmith (who plays Violet Mikami) and Jocelyn Hudon (who portrays Lizzie Novak), and the text on the screen read, “Back! For a limited time only.”

Given that Chicago Fire is in the early days of production on season 14, Kyri will likely reprise his role as Ritter in the premiere. He might even stick around for the first few episodes. However, Ritter’s return is temporary. Based on his Instagram story, Kyri is probably back only to give closure to his character’s storyline before leaving once more.

Carver’s Return Is More Likely Following The News About Ritter

Jake Lockett Also Exited Chicago Fire After Season 13

If Kyri is returning to close out Ritter’s character arc, then Jake Lockett could also reprise his role as Carver in Chicago Fire season 14 to do the same. After all, the Chicago Fire season 13 finale left many questions unanswered concerning both men. The last episode barely featured Ritter, while it ended on a cliffhanger concerning Carver and Violet’s relationship.

At the beginning of the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, Carver told Violet that he had requested a transfer to the Denver Fire Department. He wanted a fresh start, as Chicago held too many bad memories. However, after Violet (finally) gave Carver her letter, he sped over to her apartment to kiss her and tell her that he loved her.

Violet returned Carver’s feelings, and Chicago Fire season 13 ended with the two making out on the street in front of Violet’s building. So, it’s unclear what will happen to the couple in season 14. Is Carver still moving to Denver? Or will he stay in Chicago to be with Violet? The former is (sadly) more likely, given Lockett’s exit.

Whatever the case, Lockett must be present to give Carver closure. Since Kyri appears to be doing that for Ritter in Chicago Fire season 14, it’s much more likely that Lockett will return, as well. The series can’t just close out Carver’s story via some throwaway line about him moving to Denver. Carver deserves better than that.

Chicago Fire Would Be Better Off If Ritter & Carver Stayed At Firehouse 51

Ritter & Carver Leaving Is A Mistake

Of course, it is thrilling that Ritter (and hopefully Carver) is coming back to Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire season 14. However, it is more disappointing to learn that his return will be short-lived. Ritter is truly leaving the One Chicago universe, and it’s a shame because the NBC procedural drama TV series is better with him (and Carver) in it.

Chicago Fire often neglected Kyri’s character, opting to focus on other storylines instead of giving Ritter a juicy plot. The One Chicago show ignored Ritter more often than not, and now it will never get the chance to redeem its mistakes because Kyri is leaving. The audience will never see Ritter reach his full potential, and that is a shame.

Meanwhile, Chicago Fire is abandoning one of its best love stories with Lockett’s exit. Carver and Violet had great chemistry, and their will-they/won’t-they relationship was alluring. Now, the fans are losing a romance that never truly began. Carver was also a complex, interesting character on his own. All-in-all, Chicago Fire is making a big mistake by getting rid of Ritter and Carver.