Fans React as Beloved Firefighter Darren Ritter Departs Chicago Fire Main Cast
CHICAGO — The One Chicago universe is facing another major shift as news broke that Daniel Kyri, who plays the compassionate and courageous Firefighter Darren Ritter, will no longer be a series regular on Chicago Fire’s upcoming season. After portraying Ritter for 123 episodes and becoming a foundational part of Firehouse 51, his main journey with the team is reportedly coming to a close.
The official announcement confirms that Kyri will not be part of the main cast, though he is expected to make a brief appearance in the new season’s first episode, marking his final scenes as a regular member of the cast.
A Beloved Presence at Firehouse 51
Ritter quickly became a fan favorite, admired for his courage, kindness, and deep loyalty to the firehouse family. His relationships with the team were a central, heartfelt component of the show, making the news of his departure particularly difficult for the audience.
The online response has been immediate and overwhelmingly emotional, with fans expressing sadness and concern over the show’s direction.
- “I love Ritter! His relationships with the team are so special. He cannot be replaced,” commented one fan, reflecting a widespread sentiment that the character is irreplaceable.
- Another viewer lamented the continuous cast changes, stating, “Too many of the characters leave and that really changes the paths of the story. Even guest appearances of those people would help to keep the show connected.”
- The actor himself was praised, with comments such as, “He is a great actor,” and, “Why him he was so funny 😂 u will be missed.”
Concerns Over Show Consistency and Ratings
Several comments pointed to a growing frustration with the frequent cast shakeups on Chicago Fire, suggesting that losing key characters impacts the show’s core appeal.
“You worry about ratings stop getting rid of the people that make Chicago FD a place we want in our homes & hearts,” a concerned fan posted, directly appealing to the producers to maintain the familiar dynamics that viewers cherish.
While many comments offered well wishes for Daniel Kyri’s next chapter—“May you always be successful in your new life’s chapter,”—the sorrow for Firehouse 51’s loss was palpable. Fans are now left wondering how the firehouse dynamics will shift without Ritter’s presence, particularly given his deep integration into the team.
As Chicago Fire prepares for its next season, the emotional departure of Daniel Kyri leaves a significant void at Firehouse 51. Fans are preparing to say a final, bittersweet goodbye to Darren Ritter, a character who brought heart and soul to the hit NBC series.
