When Chicago Fire returns for its highly anticipated Season 14 on Wednesday, October 1, there will be more than just blazing infernos and high-stakes rescues lighting up Firehouse 51. One of the biggest questions on fans’ minds: what’s next for Darren Ritter?
Although it was confirmed back in Season 13 that Daniel Kyri would not be returning as a full-time cast member, fans never received a formal goodbye for his beloved character. And now, thanks to some exciting social media updates from the set, we know that Ritter will be back—for a limited time only.
A Quiet Exit Becomes a Mystery
In a show known for its emotional exits, Ritter’s lack of a send-off at the end of Season 13 was baffling. The firefighter, known for his loyalty, calm demeanor, and close friendship with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), remained on-screen through the finale with no hint of departure.
Showrunner Andrea Newman previously teased that they hadn’t written him out intentionally, holding out hope that both Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) could return in some capacity. That door, it seems, is now ajar.
“Back! For a Limited Time Only”
Fans received the confirmation they’d been waiting for on August 4, when Kyri posted an Instagram story from the set of Chicago Fire, cheekily captioned “Back! For a limited time only.” The post showed him alongside Greensmith and newcomer Jocelyn Hudon (Paramedic Novak), hinting that Ritter will still be very much involved in Firehouse 51 operations—at least briefly.
Another behind-the-scenes shot, reposted from Hudon’s story, included cast members David Eigenberg (Herrmann), Christian Stolte (Mouch), Miranda Rae Mayo (Kidd), and Brandon Larracuente, who has been upped to series regular for Season 14. All of them appear geared up for action, possibly responding to a call.
So, if Ritter is back in action… how is he being written out?
Audits, Shakeups, and the CFD Cleanup
If you’ve been paying attention to the storyline threads Chicago Fire began weaving late last season, you’ll recall that a CFD auditor issued a chilling warning: major changes are coming, and no one is safe.
“We wanted to play because it’s very true to what’s happening now in the world,” Newman explained after the Season 13 finale. “This auditor comes in and says, ‘Look, CFD is cleaning house,’ and the st is about to hit the fan. Season 14 will explore how the team holds together as a family amid all that chaos.”
Translation? Ritter’s days might be numbered—by bureaucracy, not bravery. It’s likely that Ritter could be one of the firefighters laid off, transferred, or forced out due to budget cuts or departmental restructuring. A quiet, emotional goodbye could be coming in the first few episodes.
But Could It Be Something Darker?
Of course, this is Chicago Fire—a series that has never shied away from shocking exits. From the tragic death of Otis to the near-fatal burns of others, it’s not out of the question that Ritter’s exit could take a dramatic turn.
Could he be injured in the line of duty?
Could a personal crisis pull him away from firefighting?
Or is the show setting up something more permanent?
We truly hope not. Ritter has become a fan-favorite since his introduction in Season 7, and Kyri’s layered performance has added heart and representation to the series.
What This Means for Violet
Another major element to watch is how Ritter’s departure might affect Violet. The two have had one of the show’s most grounded and charming friendships. If Ritter does leave—whether by choice or circumstance—we may see Violet struggle to adjust, especially as Novak is positioned to be a key new player in the EMS storyline.
Could a goodbye between these two deliver one of Season 14’s most emotional moments?
Final Alarm for Ritter?
For now, fans can breathe a little easier knowing that Daniel Kyri will return briefly to give his character some closure. Whether that means Ritter rides off into the sunset—or gets caught in the line of fire—is still uncertain.
But one thing’s for sure: as Chicago Fire enters a season of upheaval, no firefighter’s fate is secure. And Ritter’s limited-time return may just be the start of an emotional rollercoaster.
Stay tuned.
