There’s a real emergency behind the scenes of NBC’s Chicago Fire. If the veteran show gets renewed for a fourteenth season (and it is likely it will), it won’t be with two of its fan-favorite actors.
Two Big Losses
Deadline was the first media outlet to announce that Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) will exit the series after season 13. The move could be part of an effort to cut costs and trim the budget. “As actor deals are getting renegotiated and renewed talks between NBC and producing studio Universal Television on the five Wolf Entertainment series for the network continue, there could be more exits across all five shows,” Deadline explained.
In other words, as shows get older, they become more expensive to produce. And trimming the budget becomes a necessary evil of the business. The five Dick Wolf series that air on NBC include the One Chicago franchise (Med, Fire, and PD) as well as the two Law and Orders (the OG and SVU).
Lockett joined the show in season 11. His character, Sam Carver, has really been put through the writing this season. A toxic relationship and a descent into alcoholism means he hasn’t been fighting like many fires. Instead, he has been fighting his demons. The character was absent for several episodes due to a stint in rehab. But now he’s back and fighting the good fight alongside his fellow first responders. Unfortunately, with Carver departing this universe at the end of the season, Sam and Violet (Hanako Greensmith) may not be at the endgame.
Over Ritter’s seven seasons on Chicago Fire, the openly gay character has provided much of the drama’s heart. He continually shows up for his fellow firefighters and, in his early days, had one of the show’s best friendships alongside Violet and Blake Gallo (ex-Alberto Rosende).
Fan Feedback
On social media, Chicago Fire fans are already expressing sadness and disappointment over Kyri and Lockett’s imminent departures. One said, “I cant believe we are losing Ritter and Carver after this season like AM I JOKE TO THEM!? #ChicagoFire.” Meanwhile, these exits have fans feeling bad for Violet. After all, Ritter’s her bestie, and Carver’s someone she could have a future with. “Poor Violet First she lost Hawkins Then Gallo left. Now Carver and Ritter are leaving…. Wtf #ChicagoFire.” Finally, below @thebshades stated, “I can’t believe these are the last episodes we see Carver and Ritter on the show. #chicagfire.”
