Contains spoilers for Season 13 of “Chicago Fire”
Another season, another round of heartbreaking goodbyes in the One Chicago universe. But this time, fans are bracing for double impact: Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) are both exiting Chicago Fire as the series quietly trims its roster—and its budget.
💸 Budget Cuts Behind the Blazes
The exit of Kyri and Lockett isn’t about creative disagreements or shocking story arcs—it’s a numbers game. As NBC deliberates the future of Chicago Fire, Med, and P.D., rumors point to major cost-cutting measures behind the scenes. That means ensemble-heavy shows like Fire are facing cast downsizing, with long-time players potentially sidelined to save money.
While NBC has yet to confirm a Season 14 renewal, sources close to production suggest a leaner cast is essential to securing the show’s future. And unfortunately, that’s where Ritter and Carver come in.
👨🚒 Daniel Kyri’s Quiet Exit
Since Season 7, Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter has quietly but consistently been one of Firehouse 51’s most grounded and beloved members. An openly gay firefighter—a rare and welcome representation in the franchise—Ritter’s low-key wit and heart anchored his friendships with Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith).
But Ritter has taken a backseat throughout much of Season 13. While still present, he’s mainly appeared in the background, with few major plotlines. His exit, like his character, is understated but significant: Chicago Fire is losing one of its quietest powerhouses.
🚨 Sam Carver’s Spiraling Goodbye
Unlike Ritter’s slow fade, Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver has been on an emotional rollercoaster all season. Introduced in Season 11 and promoted to series regular by Season 13, Carver was poised to become a new cornerstone for Firehouse 51. Instead, his story became a slow unraveling.
After a painful breakup with Violet, and a failed rebound with ex-girlfriend Tori (Holly Hinchliffe), Carver spirals. Alcohol becomes a crutch again, and in one of the season’s most gut-wrenching scenes, Violet finds him in the middle of a binge. Recognizing the danger, Carver checks himself into rehab—effectively writing him offscreen.
Though he’s expected to return briefly before the season ends, Carver’s storyline has clearly reached its conclusion. Whether he leaves the job quietly, transfers, or is given a final emotional send-off, the writing is on the firehouse wall.
💔 Violet’s Bad Luck in Love Continues
Carver’s departure is a brutal blow to fans of the Violet-Carver relationship. After losing Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas) and drifting from Blake Gallo, Violet’s track record in love has become a Chicago Fire tragedy in itself. Her latest flame, Flynn Calhoun (Steven Strait), offers a more grounded future—but with Sam’s exit looming, many wonder if there’s unfinished business between the exes.
🚪What Comes Next?
The ripple effect of Kyri and Lockett’s exits is already being felt. Not only does Firehouse 51 lose two crucial perspectives—one representing diversity, the other emotional vulnerability—but their departure also signals a broader shift for Chicago Fire. With budget-focused cast shake-ups happening across all One Chicago shows, longtime fans may need to brace for more changes in Season 14.
But if this universe has taught us anything, it’s that goodbyes never mean forever.
