Just as the cast of Chicago Fire was finding a new rhythm, the hit NBC drama is being rocked by yet another unexpected cast shake-up. Michael Bradway — who portrayed Jack Damon, the newly introduced half-brother of Kelly Severide — has officially exited the series, making him the third cast member to bow out ahead of the show’s fourteenth season.
Confirmed by TVLine on Thursday, Bradway’s departure comes hot on the heels of Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) and Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) also stepping away from Firehouse 51. With Season 14 still weeks away from its premiere, fans are already voicing concern that too many goodbyes are signaling a shift in the series — and not necessarily for the better.
Jack Damon’s Short-Lived Arc
Introduced in Season 12, Jack Damon was more than just a rookie fresh out of the academy — he carried with him a mysterious past and a secret that would rock the foundation of Firehouse 51. That twist, of course, was the reveal that Jack was the half-brother of none other than Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). For a moment, it seemed the show was gearing up to delve into deeper family ties, complex character dynamics, and perhaps even a longer arc involving Severide’s backstory.
But that storyline now appears to be over before it truly began.
Bradway’s screen time was noticeably reduced in Season 13, leading fans to speculate that the show was preparing for his quiet exit. Still, confirmation of his departure left many disappointed — especially those who hoped his connection to Severide would anchor him for seasons to come.
New Opportunities and an Open Door
Although Bradway’s departure is a loss for Chicago Fire, the actor is wasting no time making his next move. He’s already been cast in the leading role of Charlie in Every Year After, a highly anticipated Prime Video series based on Carley Fortune’s bestselling romance novel Every Summer After.
“Couldn’t be more excited to be your Charlie,” Bradway wrote on Instagram, confirming the news shortly before the casting shake-up hit the headlines. While the new role marks a big step forward for the rising star, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of a return to Chicago Fire down the road. Sources close to the production say that if schedules align, Bradway could reprise his role in a guest capacity — though nothing is officially confirmed.
Fan Backlash and Unanswered Questions
As expected, the fanbase isn’t taking the news lightly. Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright frustration. Many viewers are expressing fatigue over the constant turnover of beloved characters, and some feel that Damon’s potential was squandered.
“Not liking the changes. He’s out and he’s in. I’m late to the party, but adding someone unknown to replace those not invited back makes me not want to attend,” one user commented online.
Others echoed the sentiment: “I’d rather they keep who they have instead of adding new characters. I like the current cast. Not sure what the point was of bringing in this half-brother for Severide, but oh well.”
And then there are the emotional goodbyes: “I’ll miss him and the others leaving Chicago Fire. I really liked all three.” Another fan pleaded for some consistency: “Please get this show more stable characters!”
A Pattern of Departures
Bradway’s exit is part of a growing list of recent changes that are reshaping Chicago Fire’s cast. Jake Lockett’s departure as Sam Carver was foreshadowed in the Season 13 finale, as his character accepted a job out of state. But Daniel Kyri’s abrupt disappearance as Darren Ritter came without warning — and with no clear sendoff, viewers are left in limbo.
All three exits have left noticeable holes in the roster. And while NBC has confirmed the addition of new cast members — including 13 Reasons Why star Brandon Larracuente — the audience is understandably cautious about new faces replacing familiar ones without enough buildup or resolution.
The Firehouse Moving Forward
Despite the shakeups, Chicago Fire will continue with several returning core cast members. Taylor Kinney is expected to reprise his role as Kelly Severide, and Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd) and Eamonn Walker (Chief Boden) are confirmed to return as well. Their presence will help ground the series during this period of transition.
Still, the real challenge lies ahead: rebuilding Firehouse 51 in a way that honors its past while carving out space for new energy. With three departures before the premiere even airs, Season 14 is shaping up to be a make-or-break moment for the long-running drama.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Uncertainty
With Season 14 slated to return this fall as part of NBC’s Wednesday night One Chicago lineup, there are still many unknowns. Will Bradway’s Jack Damon get a proper on-screen sendoff? Could Carver or Ritter return in guest arcs? And most importantly — can Chicago Fire regain the narrative cohesion and emotional depth that made it one of NBC’s most enduring hits?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the firehouse isn’t what it used to be.
Coming Soon:
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Chicago Fire Season 14 returns this fall on NBC.
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Every Year After, starring Michael Bradway, is currently in production and will debut on Prime Video in early 2026.
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Stay tuned for more updates on One Chicago casting news and potential crossovers.
For fans of Firehouse 51, the next chapter begins now — with or without the ones who started it.
