9-1-1 will be entering its first full season without its captain, Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), after a tragic on-the-job death. The Dick Wolf universe will be losing characters from four shows, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order, and Law & Order: SVU — and there haven’t been hints about how any of them will be written out. Fire Country left three characters’ lives hanging in the balance after a massive fire consumed significant parts of Edgewater, and only one of the two characters whose actors won’t be back was involved in that cliffhanger. Tracker cut its series regular cast in half. Below, we’ve ranked the characters who will be missed next season by the impact their absences will have on their shows.
Television has always been a rollercoaster of emotions, hasn’t it? You get invested in a show, fall in love with the characters, and just when everything feels right—boom, a shocking exit turns your world upside down. And Fall 2025 is shaping up to be one of those seasons. From One Chicago dramas to Law & Order: SVU and 9-1-1, major exits are looming—and fans are already bracing for heartbreak. So, which departure will hurt the most? Let’s dive deep into what’s coming and why some of these exits might leave us clutching tissues for weeks.
The Fall 2025 TV Farewell Season Is Upon Us
Why Do TV Exits Hit So Hard?
We grow with these characters. They become part of our weekly routine, our inside jokes, our favorite quotes. So, when a beloved character exits—whether by death, transfer, or creative differences—it stings.
The Top Contenders for the Most Devastating Exit
There’s no shortage of heartbreak on the horizon, but these are the top contenders that already have fans talking:
One Chicago’s Brewing Storm
‘Chicago Fire’ — Is Stella Kidd Leaving for Good?
Rumors have swirled around Miranda Rae Mayo’s future on Chicago Fire. Stella Kidd has been a fan-favorite for years, balancing leadership with fiery passion. If she leaves, the firehouse might not feel the same again.
‘Chicago P.D.’ — Voight’s Legacy May Be Ending
Jason Beghe has hinted that Season 13 could be his last. If Voight exits, it’s not just a character loss—it’s the end of a gritty era. The heart and soul of P.D. would vanish.
Why ‘One Chicago’ Fans Are Panicking
NBC’s renewal decisions have been cautious, and character contracts are nearing their end. Add that to social media teasers and fans are piecing together their own conspiracy theories.
Law & Order: SVU — Can It Survive Another Exit?
Olivia Benson’s Final Chapter?
Let’s not pretend this isn’t the elephant in the room. If Mariska Hargitay finally says goodbye after more than two decades, there might be a national mourning. SVU without Benson? It’s unthinkable.
Rollins Already Gone — Who’s Next?
We already felt the loss of Kelli Giddish’s Amanda Rollins in past seasons. Another major departure could tip the balance.
9-1-1 — Losing Its Heart?
Buck or Bobby — Who’s on the Chopping Block?
Fox’s (now ABC’s) procedural favorite has teased an emotional bombshell in Fall 2025. With cryptic trailers and teary goodbyes, either Oliver Stark or Peter Krause might be bowing out.
The Emotional Core of 9-1-1
What makes 9-1-1 different is how it blends outrageous emergencies with deeply human moments. If we lose one of the OG characters, the tone might shift in a big way.
Grey’s Anatomy — Still Bleeding Out?
Meredith’s Legacy Still Looms
Even with Meredith Grey in a reduced role, the show hasn’t been the same. Rumors of Bailey or Webber making their final rounds could send fans into emotional freefall.
Can ‘Grey’s’ Survive Another Mass Exit?
Historically, yes. But there’s only so much emotional whiplash an audience can take. Another central exit might be the nail in the coffin.
New Shows Ending Too Soon
‘The Irrational’ and ‘Found’ Might Be One-and-Done
While not as iconic as other titles on this list, shows like The Irrational and Found have built loyal followings quickly. Premature cancellations sting especially hard for fans who feel robbed of closure.
The Ripple Effect of a Major TV Exit
Audience Loyalty Shaken
When core characters leave, some fans leave with them. It’s that simple. Ratings drop, social media buzz dies out, and the show may never fully recover.
Writers Forced to Reboot the Tone
Some writers rise to the challenge, creating powerful reinventions. Others? Not so much. One wrong move can make the show feel unrecognizable.
Behind the Scenes — Why Actors Say Goodbye
Creative Burnout and Contract Disputes
After years on set, actors may crave new challenges. Or the network’s offer simply doesn’t match their value.
Personal Lives Matter
Let’s not forget—these actors are human too. Whether it’s parenting, health, or other passions, sometimes stepping away is the healthiest move.
The Psychological Toll on Fans
Parasocial Grief Is Real
You laugh with these characters. You cry with them. You know them. So when they leave, you grieve. It’s a real emotional response.
The Memes, The Tributes, The Online Meltdowns
TikTok edits. Tribute tweets. Instagram reels of “best moments.” The internet becomes a digital vigil every time a fan-favorite leaves.
So, Which Exit Will Be the Most Devastating?
Our Verdict — Olivia Benson’s Potential Departure
If SVU’s Benson does exit in Fall 2025, it’s game over emotionally. No other character has had that kind of longevity and cultural impact. The exit of a true TV icon would echo through pop culture for years.
How to Emotionally Prepare for a TV Exit
Rewatch Their Best Moments
Let nostalgia soften the blow. Celebrate their highs instead of mourning the loss.
Join Fan Communities
You’re not alone in your heartbreak. Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and fandom forums can be surprisingly therapeutic.
Trust the Writers (Sometimes)
Sure, not every goodbye is graceful (ahem, Game of Thrones). But often, writers genuinely want to honor a character’s arc.
Conclusion: The Endings That Shape Television
We hate goodbyes. But they’re part of what makes great TV so impactful. These exits, devastating as they are, often represent new beginnings—for the characters, for the actors, and sometimes even for the shows themselves.
Whether it’s Voight hanging up his badge, Buck taking one final call, or Benson walking away from justice, Fall 2025 will be an emotional ride we won’t forget anytime soon.
