Spring is always bittersweet for TV lovers. Alongside the thrill of finale cliffhangers and the relief of renewal announcements comes the other side of the coin—the heartbreak of cast departures. This year, the One Chicago universe isn’t immune. After months of speculation, Jake Lockett has confirmed he’s leaving Chicago Fire, and fans are already mourning the loss of Sam Carver.
A Three-Season Journey Comes to an End
Introduced in season 11, Carver was a complex addition to Firehouse 51—a firefighter whose rugged exterior masked deep scars from his past. Over three seasons, he evolved from the “new guy” to a character with layered storylines, from his quiet crush on Stella Kidd to his growing bond with Violet Mikami. Lockett’s nuanced performance won over even skeptical fans, making Carver feel like a natural fit among long-standing favorites.
Now, with his run cut short, Lockett is leaving on a note filled with gratitude. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actor shared a montage of behind-the-scenes memories with his castmates, celebrating the joy, laughter, and camaraderie that defined his time on the series.
“While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that,” Lockett wrote. “It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life… So much pride in this journey.”
Why Fans Will Miss Carver
Part of what made Carver stand out was his relatability. He wasn’t the picture-perfect hero; he was flawed, haunted, and human. Fans connected with his vulnerability, particularly when it came to his unspoken feelings for Stella and his tentative chemistry with Violet. Carver’s arc promised more untold stories, which makes Lockett’s departure sting all the more.
Behind the scenes, Carver also became a fan-favorite cast member, with Lockett’s social media giving glimpses of the tight-knit family that forms when you spend long nights on set together. His farewell message, filled with thanks to his fellow cast and crew, underscores just how much he valued that bond.
What’s Next for Chicago Fire?
Lockett’s exit comes during a time of transition for the series. Season 12 already saw Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett and Eamonn Walker’s Chief Boden step away, leaving Firehouse 51 without some of its most enduring leaders. Now, losing Carver adds another hole the writers will need to fill.
The uncertainty is heightened by the fact that NBC has yet to confirm whether Chicago Fire will return for a 14th season. As of now, the future of the entire franchise hangs in the balance. With new shows like Happy’s Place and St. Denis Medical receiving sophomore renewals, and others such as Found and Chicago P.D. still awaiting word, fans are anxiously waiting to see if Firehouse 51 will continue burning bright.
Saying Goodbye—But Not Forever?
Lockett hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to Chicago Fire down the road. His farewell was more of a “see you later” than a definitive closing of the book. And in true One Chicago fashion, no character is ever truly gone—whether through flashbacks, guest spots, or a dramatic return in a future season.
For now, though, fans must say goodbye to Sam Carver, a character who left a bigger mark in just three seasons than many do in a decade. Jake Lockett exits Chicago Fire with pride, cherished memories, and the gratitude of fans who watched him grow into one of the firehouse’s most compelling members.
