Whether he’s making us laugh or cry, Ritter never fails to steal the show on Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire has birthed many fan favorites throughout its 13 seasons, including Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri).
Ritter has emerged as one of Firehouse 51’s most reliable and passionate first responders, saving countless lives throughout his lengthy tenure on the NBC drama. Whether he’s rushing a civilian out of a burning building or giving helpful advice about the latest technology to David Eigenerberg’s seasoned Herrmann, Ritter never fails to steal the show, so fans were quick to notice his absence from the April 2 episode of Chicago Fire. Where did Ritter go, and when can Chi-Hards expect him to come back?
Find out why Ritter was missing from Firehouse 51 on Season 13, Episode 17 (“A Beast Like This”), below.
Where was Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire this week? April 2, 2025
Ritter wasn’t weighing in on the action this week on Chicago Fire, presumably because he had the day off. Heroes need their rest, but worry not, Chi-Hards, Ritter will be back in action soon enough.
Ritter’s been going through changes on Season 13 of Chicago Fire
Chi-Hards eagerly await Ritter’s return during an era of change at Firehouse 51. He has had a particularly action-packed season, so he deserves the downtime. Not only did Ritter navigate a troubling breakup with a great guy, but Ritter was injured in the line of duty after being ejected from a two-story building. Fortunately, Ritter recovered, but the incident was a gripping reminder of his infallible dedication.
“What Ritter brings to the firehouse, his value there, how people see him, how they relate to him, and his value as a firefighter as well, all of those things are thrown into sharp relief [after Ritter got injured],” Kyri told Us Weekly in 2024. “You see the ways I think in which folks really care about him and the ways in which seeing one of their own takes a hit affects them.”
Despite the challenges he’s faced, Ritter remains one of the best first responders in One Chicago. Ritter’s best friends, Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lyla “Lizzie” Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), are surely missing him, so he can’t return fast enough.
Find out what happens to Ritter next by watching Chicago Fire on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
