Firehouse 51 is no stranger to emotional goodbyes, but as Chicago Fire season 13 races toward its explosive finale, fans are bracing for a double heartbreak. Reports surfaced in April that two beloved firefighters — Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) — would exit the series after the finale. The news shocked loyal viewers, especially since both characters have become staples of the firehouse family. But just when fans began preparing themselves for the worst, showrunner Andrea Newman dropped a surprising twist: their departures might not be as permanent as everyone feared.
“Nothing Is Locked Down Yet” — What Andrea Newman Revealed
In a conversation with ScreenRant just before the finale aired, Newman addressed the elephant in the room: Are Ritter and Carver really gone for good? While she confirmed that both actors won’t return as series regulars in season 14, she left the door wide open for potential comebacks.
“We haven’t sat down for season 14 yet. We don’t know exactly what we’re going to do,” Newman explained. “Obviously, they’re not going to be regulars. Whether or not they’re going to be part of stories next season, that’s still up in the air. We love these actors so much, and the characters are such an inherent part of the show. There could be explosive endings, but we could also be winding them in a little bit more. Maybe not as regulars, but seeing them come back and play their stories out. We’ll have to see.”
Pressed further about whether Ritter and Carver could return, Newman didn’t hesitate: “Yeah, there’s always a chance. Nothing is locked down yet.”
What Does This Mean for the Season 13 Finale?
Newman’s comments signal two big takeaways for fans:
✅ Ritter and Carver’s exits are confirmed — they won’t be series regulars next season.
✅ Their storylines aren’t over — at least not completely.
This strongly suggests that both characters will survive the season 13 finale. While Chicago Fire has never shied away from tragic deaths (Shay, Otis, and even Chief Boden’s near-misses still haunt fans), Newman’s tone feels reassuring. The phrase “up in the air” implies the writers aren’t closing the door on future appearances — even if that means only as guest stars or in crossover episodes.
Why Losing Ritter & Carver Hurts Firehouse 51
Both firefighters have been integral to the heart and humor of Chicago Fire. Darren Ritter has been the empathetic, quietly heroic soul of the firehouse, while Carver brought fresh energy and unexpected depth in recent seasons. Their chemistry with the rest of the squad — from Brett and Violet to Severide and Kidd — gave the show an emotional balance amid the chaos of daring rescues.
Losing them as regulars will force season 14 to recalibrate its dynamic. Expect new characters, bigger arcs for veterans, and maybe even the return of familiar faces to fill the emotional void.
Will They Come Back? Here’s Our Take
Andrea Newman’s careful wording feels intentional — and hopeful. By confirming that “nothing is locked down yet,” the showrunner is signaling that Ritter and Carver’s stories may simply be on pause, not permanently erased. That could mean cameo appearances, recurring guest spots, or even a triumphant full-time return in future seasons if schedules align.
For now, one thing is clear: Chicago Fire isn’t done surprising us. And if history has taught fans anything, it’s that Firehouse 51 has a way of pulling its heroes back when we least expect it.
