The winds of change are once again sweeping through Firehouse 51 — and this time, they’re stronger than ever. As Chicago Fire prepares to launch its 14th season, the NBC juggernaut is facing a dramatic cast shake-up that has fans bracing for impact. According to TV Line, not one, not two, but three key cast members are officially bowing out of the series, signaling one of the most significant transitions in recent years.
The most notable exit is Michael Bradway, who portrayed Firefighter Jack Damon. Introduced in Season 12, Bradway’s character quickly earned a place among fan favorites, with audiences appreciating his fresh energy and compelling backstory. But as Chicago Fire gears up for its next chapter, Bradway’s journey in the One Chicago universe is coming to a close. The actor has signed on for a lead role in the Prime Video romantic drama Every Summer After, based on Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel of the same name. With production for the series imminent, Bradway’s focus is now shifting from fire rescues to romantic reunions.
But Bradway isn’t the only familiar face leaving the firehouse.
Jake Lockett, who brought intensity and complexity to the role of Sam Carver, is also departing ahead of Season 14. Lockett joined the series in Season 11, and over two seasons, his portrayal of the sometimes reckless but deeply committed firefighter added crucial tension and depth to the ensemble. His goodbye was confirmed via a heartfelt Instagram post, where he wrote:
“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. It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life.”
And rounding out the trio of departures is Daniel Kyri, who has been with Chicago Fire since Season 7 as Darren Ritter. Known for his steady presence, compassionate nature, and strong LGBTQ+ representation on the show, Ritter became a grounding force within Firehouse 51. While NBC hasn’t officially commented on the reason for Kyri’s exit, reports suggest that budget cuts may have played a significant role.
While long-time fans may be rattled by the rapid loss of three core characters, NBC executives are projecting confidence in the franchise’s resilience. In a candid interview with TV Line last year, NBC’s president of program planning, Jeff Bader, addressed the revolving door of the One Chicago cast:
“Cast comes in, cast goes out. It’s interesting. Because every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question about what’s going on within the One Chicago universe. But [those shows] just keep going on.”
Indeed, the network has no plans to disrupt its winning Wednesday night lineup, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.. Bader reaffirmed NBC’s commitment to the franchise, saying,
“We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night.”
To help ease the transition, the series is already introducing fresh blood. Brandon Larracuente, known for his roles in On My Block, 13 Reasons Why, and most recently another Wolf Entertainment project On Call, is joining the cast of Chicago Fire Season 14 in a new, yet-to-be-named role. While details about his character remain under wraps, Larracuente’s casting promises to inject new energy into the ensemble and help rebuild dynamics altered by the recent exits.
At the moment, NBC has not announced a specific premiere date for Season 14 of Chicago Fire, but the show is expected to return later this year. And while the departures of Bradway, Lockett, and Kyri mark the end of one chapter, the Chicago Fire legacy — built on reinvention, resilience, and a deeply loyal fanbase — is poised to burn brighter than ever.
Still, the question lingers: With these departures, could more goodbyes be on the horizon? For now, viewers will have to stay tuned and hold tight — because change may be inevitable, but at Firehouse 51, the story never stops.
