In a decision that stunned longtime viewers, Chicago Fire will launch Season 14 without two of its most beloved characters: Darren Ritter and Sam Carver.
Budget restructuring at NBC has led to Daniel Kyri (Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Carver) exiting the series as regulars. While their characters were given heartfelt sendoffs in the Season 13 finale, the loss of their presence will be deeply felt at Firehouse 51. Both actors had steadily built strong fan bases—Kyri with his emotional depth and Lockett with his rebellious yet noble edge.
The show now faces the challenge of rebalancing its core team. With veterans like Taylor Kinney, Miranda Rae Mayo, and David Eigenberg still onboard, there’s a strong foundation to work from. But Season 14 will need to address these departures quickly and meaningfully if it wants to retain its emotional heartbeat.
The exits aren’t necessarily permanent, though. Both Kyri and Lockett are rumored to be open to guest appearances. And if the show’s past is any indication, characters never disappear from Chicago Fire forever.
