Chicago Fire fans were bracing themselves for another goodbye in the ever-changing world of Firehouse 51 — but now, the script has taken an unexpected turn.
Just weeks after what many thought was his final episode, Daniel Kyri has been spotted back on set, stepping once again into the role of Darren Ritter. The surprise appearance comes after news broke earlier this year that the actor would be leaving the show, with his absence tied to reported budget cuts.
A Return No One Saw Coming
Daniel’s comeback was first revealed through a series of Instagram Stories that lit up the One Chicago fandom. In one photo, he’s smiling alongside co-stars Jocelyn Hudon and Hanako Greensmith, with the caption: “Back! For a limited time only.”
For viewers who have followed Ritter’s journey since his introduction in Season 7, this moment feels like a long-overdue reunion. His departure in Season 13 was never officially written as a final goodbye, leaving the door open — and now, the writers seem ready to walk through it.
What This Means for Season 14
While Daniel has made it clear that his return may be temporary, showrunner Andrea Newman hinted earlier this year that the team was “playing with lots of possibilities” for Ritter’s storyline. That could mean anything from wrapping up loose ends to setting up a heartfelt send-off worthy of his character.
Fans are already speculating that Ritter’s reappearance might tie into the ongoing arcs surrounding Firehouse 51’s dynamic. And with Season 14 already juggling new cast members — including Brandon Larracuente joining as a major addition — this twist only adds more fuel to the fire.
Not Every Farewell Gets a Sequel
Unfortunately, not all recent exits have had such a happy twist. Jake Lockett, who portrayed firefighter Sam Carver, confirmed earlier this year that he won’t be returning. In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote:
“It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life… I’m going to miss the hell out of that.”
Still, moments like Ritter’s comeback remind fans that in Chicago Fire, nothing is ever set in stone. A goodbye today might just be the setup for tomorrow’s big surprise.
When to Watch
Season 14 of Chicago Fire premieres Wednesday, October 1, at 9 p.m., right after Chicago Med and before Chicago P.D.. And now, fans have one more reason to count the days — because Darren Ritter is officially back in action… even if only for a little while.
