After an abrupt disappearance, fans may finally get closure for Darren Ritter
As Chicago Fire gears up for Season 14, there’s a glimmer of hope for fans still reeling from the sudden exit of firefighter Darren Ritter. While the show has often bid farewell to characters with little more than a throwaway line, showrunner Andrea Newman has revealed there might be more in store for Ritter—played by Daniel Kyri—after all.
🚪Not All Exits Are Created Equal
Longtime viewers of Chicago Fire are all too familiar with the uneven nature of character departures. Some, like Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), are given time to process their goodbyes with multi-episode arcs. In Carver’s case, it was a transfer to Dallas, a decision born from emotional clarity and personal growth.
Ritter, on the other hand, was left in narrative limbo. As Season 13 came to a close, there was no build-up, no farewell, and no indication that the character was on the way out. He had just moved in with Lizzy Novak, and his storyline was seemingly ready to take off—only for budget-driven decisions to pull the plug without warning.
🔥 A Possible Return—But No Promises
Speaking with TVLine, Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman acknowledged the fan frustration and hinted at possible plans to bring Ritter back for a final appearance. “We’re still figuring it out,” Newman admitted, noting that NBC’s decision to cut Kyri came late in the game—leaving the writers little time to give his character the closure he deserved.
The contrast between Carver’s well-handled farewell and Ritter’s abrupt vanishing act has not gone unnoticed. Newman’s comments suggest that the creative team wasn’t in favor of how things played out—but their hands were tied by decisions made far above the writers’ room.
🖤 Fans Deserve Better for Ritter
For many, Ritter has long been a steady presence in Firehouse 51—kind, capable, and deeply rooted in the emotional fabric of the team. Over five seasons as a series regular (and two more recurring), Daniel Kyri’s performance has earned a loyal fanbase. That makes the idea of him disappearing without so much as a goodbye scene all the more disappointing.
The hope now is that Chicago Fire Season 14 will do right by the character and the fans. Even a single-episode return would offer a chance for Ritter to walk away with dignity—and for viewers to say a proper goodbye.
In a show known for heart-stopping rescues and emotional drama, Darren Ritter’s sendoff should be no different. While his future on Chicago Fire remains uncertain, one thing is clear: fans haven’t given up on seeing their favorite firefighter get the farewell he deserves.
