Why Ritter and Carver’s Exits Are a Mistake the Series May Come to Regret
Chicago Fire has never been afraid of change. Over 13 seasons, Firehouse 51 has seen characters come and go—some departures heartfelt, others abrupt. But with the looming exits of Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), Season 13 makes one thing heartbreakingly clear: NBC is saying goodbye to the wrong firefighters.
🚨 Cast Shake-Ups Are Nothing New—But This One Stings
In recent years, Chicago Fire has become a revolving door of departures. From original members like Matt Casey and Chief Boden to fan-favorites like Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett, saying goodbye has become a bittersweet ritual for the One Chicago fandom.
However, what makes Ritter and Carver’s departures so frustrating is that they weren’t supposed to happen—at least not yet. According to reports, their exits are the result of network-level budget cuts, not creative decisions or actor departures. And if Season 13, Episode 19 (“Birds of Prey”) is any indication, both characters had plenty of story left to tell.
🧯Ritter & Carver Were Just Hitting Their Stride
Ritter’s recent storyline showed serious potential: after opening his home to Lizzy Novak, we were on the cusp of a refreshing dynamic—perhaps even the show’s next great platonic or romantic duo. The roommate plot echoed the beloved chemistry of earlier seasons when Otis, Cruz, and Brett shared an apartment, adding warmth and levity to the high-stakes drama.
Meanwhile, Carver was rebuilding. His journey through rehab, recovery, and the slow rekindling of his bond with Violet Mikami gave him new depth. Their subtle, evolving romance was finally regaining momentum after a rocky patch—something fans had rooted for since their early flirtations.
Together, these arcs represented fresh energy for the show, grounded in character development rather than spectacle.
🔥 Who’s Really Left at Firehouse 51?
While the show’s core—Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo)—remains intact, Chicago Fire can’t rely solely on legacy characters forever. Sure, veterans like Herrmann and Mouch provide a sense of home, but a successful long-running series needs balance: both nostalgia and growth.
Carver and Ritter could’ve been that bridge—relatively newer faces who’d earned their stripes and fan devotion. Instead, their exits leave Firehouse 51 feeling top-heavy with legacy characters and short on the rising generation.
🛑 NBC’s Budget Cuts Are Hurting the Narrative
It’s one thing when an actor chooses to walk away, as Jesse Spencer did in Season 10. It’s another when promising storylines are abruptly ended due to behind-the-scenes economics. There’s no denying the financial pressures facing broadcast television, but these cuts are beginning to undermine the emotional fabric of Chicago Fire.
Ritter and Carver weren’t just background players. They had relationships, conflict, humor, and heart. Removing them without proper send-offs—or without even acknowledging their departure in a meaningful way—feels like a disservice to the audience who invested in them.
❓Will They Ever Return?
If Chicago Fire’s history tells us anything, a permanent return is unlikely. Guest appearances are possible—just ask Matt Casey or even Chief Boden—but full reinstatement? That’s rare. And that’s the real shame: by cutting them loose too early, the show is closing the door on characters who had more to give.
Season 13 should have been the beginning of something deeper for Ritter and Carver—not the end. As Chicago Fire gears up for Season 14, it’s clear that NBC is making difficult choices. But in letting go of two of Firehouse 51’s most promising firefighters, the network may be extinguishing the very spark that could’ve helped the series stay fresh for seasons to come.
