A New Era for the Windy City: Every One Chicago Cast Member Not Returning in 2025
For over a decade, the One Chicago universe has been a television powerhouse, with three interweaving shows that have captivated millions of viewers. The franchise, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, has been a masterclass in serialized storytelling, with a rotating cast of characters that has kept the shows fresh and exciting. But as with any long-running franchise, change is inevitable. And in 2025, the One Chicago universe is facing one of its biggest shakeups yet.
A number of beloved cast members from all three shows are not returning, a development that is not only due to creative decisions but also to a new wave of budget cuts and personal choices. This mass exodus is a significant turning point for the franchise, and it will fundamentally change the landscape of the three shows. Here is a complete breakdown of every One Chicago cast member not returning in 2025.
Chicago Fire: A Firehouse in Flux
Firehouse 51 has always been a tight-knit family, but it is also a family that has been in a constant state of flux. In 2025, the show is losing three of its most beloved and long-standing characters.
- Michael Bradway as Jack Damon: The most surprising departure is that of Michael Bradway, who played Jack Damon, the half-brother of Kelly Severide. Damon’s character was just beginning to find his place in the Firehouse 51 family, and his storyline was poised to be a major part of the new season. His departure is a major blow to the show’s narrative, as it leaves a promising story arc unresolved. Bradway’s exit is reportedly due to a scheduling conflict with a new role on a Prime Video series, but the show’s creators have stated that the door is open for him to return in the future.
- Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter: Daniel Kyri, who played the fan-favorite firefighter Darren Ritter, has also departed the show. Ritter was a character who had a massive impact on the show, and his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty were a source of inspiration for many fans. Kyri’s departure, along with Lockett’s, is believed to be part of a larger effort to “trim the budget.”
- Jake Lockett as Sam Carver: Jake Lockett, who played firefighter Sam Carver, has also exited the show. Carver was a newer character, but his relationship with Violet was a source of great interest for fans. His departure leaves a major unresolved storyline, and it is a stark reminder of the show’s commitment to shaking things up.
The departures of these three characters will leave a significant void in Firehouse 51. It will be a major challenge for the show’s creators to find a way to fill that void and to create a new sense of family and community.
Chicago P.D.: Intelligence Unit in Transition
The Intelligence Unit on Chicago P.D. is known for its unwavering loyalty and its commitment to justice. But in 2025, the team is also facing some major changes, with two of its key members not returning.
- Toya Turner as Kiana Cook: Toya Turner, who played the newest member of the Intelligence Unit, Kiana Cook, has also departed the show. Turner’s exit, which was a surprise to many fans, was not tied to a specific storyline. She took to Instagram to announce her departure, saying that her time on the show had come to a close and that she was ready for a new challenge. Her departure is a major blow to the show, as she was a talented actress who brought a new energy to the team.
- Shawn Hatosy as Deputy Chief Charlie Reid: While Shawn Hatosy’s character, Deputy Chief Charlie Reid, was a more recent addition to the show, his departure was a major turning point for the series. His character was killed in the Season 12 finale, a move that was a direct result of Hank Voight’s handiwork. His departure not only creates a major void on the show but also sets up a new conflict for the new season.
The departures of these two characters will force the Intelligence Unit to adapt to a new reality. It will be a challenge for the team to move on from the loss of a colleague and to find a new way to work together.
Chicago Med: A Hospital in Transition
Gaffney Chicago Medical Center is a place of constant change and chaos. In 2025, the hospital is losing one of its most beloved and long-standing characters, a departure that will have a massive impact on the show’s narrative.
- Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood: Marlyne Barrett, who has played the beloved charge nurse Maggie Lockwood since the show’s inception, has announced her decision to step away from the show. Barrett, who has been with the show for 10 seasons, has said that her exit is for “personal reasons.” Her departure is a major blow to the show, as she was one of the few remaining original cast members. Maggie’s character was a source of unwavering strength, and her presence was a source of comfort for both the characters and the viewers.
While Barrett’s exit is being framed as a “temporary leave,” her absence will leave a significant void in the hospital. Her character was a powerful and necessary presence, and her loss will force the hospital’s staff to adapt to a new reality.
The departures of these beloved characters are a stark reminder that the One Chicago universe is not afraid to take risks. It is a franchise that is committed to shaking things up, to bringing in new talent, and to telling new stories. While it is a difficult goodbye for fans, it is also an opportunity for the shows to grow, to evolve, and to prove that they are more than just a series of jokes and insults; they are a celebration of life, of family, and of the unwavering spirit of the city of Chicago.
