For over a decade, the One Chicago franchise has been a television powerhouse, creating a shared universe built on the heroism and personal lives of firefighters, police officers, and doctors. Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med have not only dominated Wednesday nights but have also cultivated a deeply loyal fanbase that is invested in the fate of every character. However, as the 2025-2026 television season gets underway, fans are facing a sobering reality: a significant number of beloved cast members are not returning, marking one of the largest talent shake-ups in the franchise’s history.
From emotional goodbyes to stunning character deaths, here is a comprehensive breakdown of every One Chicago cast member not returning to Fire, P.D., and Med in 2025.
Chicago Fire: The Firehouse 51 Roster Changes
Chicago Fire has always had a revolving door of cast members, but the departures leading into Season 14 are particularly impactful. Fans will have to say goodbye to three key players who have defined the show for years.
Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd)
The biggest loss for Firehouse 51 is arguably Miranda Rae Mayo, who has played the fierce and dedicated Stella Kidd since Season 4. The Season 13 finale left a major void as Stella chose to prioritize her personal life and career goals outside of Firehouse 51. While the door has been left open for future guest appearances, Mayo will not be returning as a series regular. This decision, both a creative and personal one for the actress, will have a seismic effect on the team, particularly on her relationship with her husband, Lieutenant Kelly Severide. The absence of one-half of the beloved “Stellaride” duo will be a central theme of the new season, forcing Severide and the rest of the crew to navigate a future without her constant presence.
Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter)
A fan favorite since his introduction in Season 7, Darren Ritter is also not returning as a series regular. Daniel Kyri, who has played the earnest and compassionate firefighter, announced his departure on social media, expressing gratitude for his seven years on the show. Ritter’s character, known for his bravery and his journey as an out gay firefighter, has become an integral part of the Firehouse 51 family. The showrunners have stated that his character’s exit will be a major part of the early episodes of Season 14, providing a narrative farewell that will honor his legacy.
Jake Lockett (Sam Carver)
Jake Lockett’s character, Sam Carver, who joined the show in Season 11, will also be departing the firehouse. The last season saw Carver deal with a deeply personal struggle with his sobriety, culminating in his decision to leave Chicago and get a fresh start in Denver. His departure ends a burgeoning romance with Violet Mikami, leaving her to deal with another heartbreak. Showrunners have noted that this was a difficult but necessary creative choice to give his character a complete and compelling arc.
Chicago P.D.: The Intelligence Unit Is Thinner Than Ever
The Intelligence Unit has undergone significant changes over the past few years, with major players leaving the team. The upcoming season of Chicago P.D. continues this trend, with another core member leaving for good.
Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton)
The most significant cast change for P.D. is the confirmed departure of Tracy Spiridakos, who has played the tough and morally complex Detective Hailey Upton since Season 4. Spiridakos’s exit was announced ahead of Season 11, with the finale marking her final episode as a series regular. Her character, who was dealing with a great deal of personal trauma and the absence of her husband, Jay Halstead, chose to leave the Intelligence Unit to heal and forge a new path for herself. Upton’s exit closes the chapter on one of the show’s most powerful female characters and leaves a major hole in the unit. The showrunners have indicated that her departure will open the door for new character dynamics and storylines, but fans will have to say goodbye to her intense and dedicated presence for good.
Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Dante Torres)
While not a series regular for as long as Upton, Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s departure as Officer Dante Torres also leaves a mark on the Intelligence Unit. Torres, who had a close mentorship with Sergeant Voight, was written out in a way that suggests he may not be returning. His departure will impact the show’s dynamics, as he was a fresh face who brought a unique perspective to the team.
Chicago Med: A New Chapter for Gaffney Chicago Medical Center
Chicago Med has seen the most dramatic turnover of all the One Chicago shows. The upcoming season continues this trend, with a fan-favorite original cast member leaving.
Marlyne Barrett (Maggie Lockwood)
The biggest loss for the medical drama is the departure of Marlyne Barrett, who has played the steadfast and compassionate Nurse Maggie Lockwood since the show’s inception. Barrett’s exit was announced as a personal decision, and her character’s exit was handled in a way that leaves the door open for a return. However, as she is no longer a series regular, fans will no longer see her guiding presence in the emergency department on a weekly basis. Her departure is particularly notable as it leaves only two original cast members remaining on the show: Dr. Daniel Charles and Sharon Goodwin.
A Franchise in Transition
The sheer number of cast changes across all three shows signifies a franchise in transition. With long-standing contracts coming to an end and actors seeking new opportunities, the producers are being forced to reinvent the shows with new characters and storylines.
While the loss of these beloved characters is difficult for fans, it also presents an opportunity for the shows to evolve and bring in fresh energy. Chicago Fire has already added Brandon Larracuente as a new firefighter, and Chicago P.D. has welcomed Arienne Mandi to the Intelligence Unit. Chicago Med is also expected to introduce new talent to fill the voids left by its departed stars.
Ultimately, these cast changes are a stark reminder of the realities of a long-running television series. While the faces in the firehouse, the district, and the hospital may be changing, the spirit of the One Chicago universe—a testament to the courage and dedication of first responders—is set to endure for years to come.
