For over a decade, NBC’s One Chicago universe has been more than just a collection of TV shows — it’s been a tradition. Every Wednesday night, fans flock to Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med to follow the triumphs and heartbreaks of the city’s bravest firefighters, doctors, and cops.
But heading into the 2025–2026 television season, the franchise faces one of its most dramatic transitions yet. A wave of high-profile cast departures is reshaping each series, with longtime stars and fan favorites saying their goodbyes. For some, it’s the end of an era; for others, it’s a chance to reinvent their futures.
Here’s a breakdown of every cast member not returning this season — and how their exits will reshape the One Chicago franchise.
Chicago Fire: The Flames Burn Without Familiar Faces
Firehouse 51 has always been a revolving door, but Season 14 brings some of the most emotional exits in years.
Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd)
Perhaps the biggest blow to Chicago Fire is the departure of Miranda Rae Mayo, who has played Stella Kidd since Season 4. Fans have watched Kidd evolve from a bold, determined firefighter into a fearless leader and one-half of the fan-favorite Stellaride couple.
Her exit, framed in the Season 13 finale as a decision to prioritize her personal life and career goals outside of 51, leaves a hole not just in the firehouse, but in Kelly Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) life. While the writers have left the door open for possible guest appearances, Kidd will no longer be a series regular — and Firehouse 51 will feel emptier without her.
Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter)
Since Season 7, Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter has embodied heart and courage. As one of the few openly gay characters in the One Chicago universe, Ritter gave voice to underrepresented perspectives while also proving himself time and again on the job.
Kyri announced his departure on social media, thanking fans for their support during his seven-year run. Showrunners have promised a “respectful and emotional sendoff” early in Season 14, ensuring Ritter’s bravery and kindness won’t be forgotten.
Jake Lockett (Sam Carver)
Introduced in Season 11, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) quickly became a standout. His tough exterior masked a deeply wounded soul, and his struggle with sobriety gave fans some of the most raw and emotional moments of recent years.
But Carver’s arc will close with his decision to leave Chicago behind for a fresh start in Denver. His departure not only robs Firehouse 51 of a skilled firefighter, but it also extinguishes his budding romance with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). For fans who’d been rooting for “ViCarver,” this ending is bittersweet.
Chicago P.D.: Intelligence Faces Another Loss
The Intelligence Unit has been thinned by departures in recent years — Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), and Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) all left their marks. Now, two more familiar faces are gone.
Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton)
After nearly a decade, Tracy Spiridakos has bid farewell to Detective Hailey Upton. Since her Season 4 debut, Upton has been one of the show’s most layered characters, torn between her personal demons and her dedication to justice.
Her final storyline acknowledged the weight of her trauma and her fractured marriage to Halstead. Choosing to leave the unit for her own healing, Upton’s exit closes the chapter on one of P.D.’s most powerful female voices.
Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Dante Torres)
A relative newcomer, Officer Dante Torres still managed to make his mark. Played by Benjamin Levy Aguilar, Torres brought a fresh energy to the team, as well as a strong mentorship dynamic with Hank Voight (Jason Beghe).
But his departure means another layer of youth and complexity is stripped from the Intelligence Unit. While not as seismic as Upton’s exit, Torres’ absence is yet another reminder that Voight’s team is in constant flux.
Chicago Med: Saying Goodbye to a Founding Heart
Chicago Med has endured its fair share of cast turnover, but this year marks the end of an era.
Marlyne Barrett (Maggie Lockwood)
Since day one, Marlyne Barrett’s Maggie Lockwood has been the emotional backbone of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. As the charge nurse in the ED, Maggie has juggled chaos, compassion, and countless crises, all while providing warmth and stability for the hospital’s staff and patients.
Barrett’s decision to step away from the series is deeply personal, and the writers honored her legacy by crafting an exit that leaves the door open for possible returns. Still, her absence will be felt immediately. With only Dr. Daniel Charles (Oliver Platt) and Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) remaining from the original lineup, Med looks more unfamiliar than ever.
A Franchise in Transition
The 2025 departures from Fire, P.D., and Med mark a turning point for the One Chicago franchise. Contract cycles, personal decisions, and budget realities have converged to create a wave of change unlike any seen before.
But with change comes opportunity. Chicago Fire is bringing in new faces to fill the void at Firehouse 51, P.D. is set to reconfigure its unit with fresh blood, and Med will use Maggie’s absence to spotlight rising talent.
For fans, it’s a tough goodbye — but also a reminder of what makes One Chicago enduring. No matter who wears the firefighter’s helmet, the badge, or the scrubs, the stories of courage, resilience, and sacrifice will continue to define Wednesday nights.
