ThroughoutChicago Fire’s 13 (soon-to-be 14) seasons, many characters have come and gone, and now that one firefighter is returning, another could easily follow in his footsteps. The NBC procedural drama is entering its fourteenth season in the fall of 2025. When it premieres,theChicago Firecastwill look relatively the same, minus three actors.
Michael Bradway, who stars as Jack Damon inChicago Fire, also left the show a few months before the season 14 premiere.
A couple of weeks ahead of the season 13 finale, news aboutDaniel Kyri and Jake Lockett’s exits fromChicago Firebroke. The two(who played Darren Ritter and Sam Carver, respectively, on the show)were expected to leave ahead of season 14. However, as we get closer to the premiere, we’ve learned that one of the two actors will return.
Darren Ritter Is Confirmed To Appear In Chicago Fire Season 14
Daniel Kyri Shared The Exciting News
Chicago Firestar Daniel Kyri is returning for season 14, despite his frustrating season 13 exit. The actor shared the exciting news on his Instagram story (viaTVLine). The photo featured him on set, alongside Hanako Greensmith (who plays Violet Mikami) and Jocelyn Hudon (who portrays Lizzie Novak), andthe text on the screen read, “Back! For a limited time only.”
Given thatChicago Fireis in the early days of production on season 14, Kyri will likely reprise his role as Ritter in the premiere. He might even stick around for the first few episodes. However,Ritter’s return is temporary.Based on his Instagram story, Kyri is probably back only to give closure to his character’s storyline before leaving once more.
Carver’s Return Is More Likely Following The News About Ritter
Jake Lockett Also Exited Chicago Fire After Season 13
If Kyri is returning to close out Ritter’s character arc, then Jake Lockett could also reprise his role as Carver inChicago Fireseason 14 to do the same. After all,theChicago Fireseason 13 finaleleft many questions unanswered concerning both men. The last episode barely featured Ritter, whileit ended on a cliffhanger concerning Carver and Violet’s relationship.
Dermot Mulroney
Dom Pascal
At the beginning of theChicago Fireseason 13 finale,Carver told Violet that he had requested a transfer to the Denver Fire Department.He wanted a fresh start, as Chicago held too many bad memories. However, after Violet (finally) gave Carver her letter, he sped over to her apartment to kiss her and tell her that he loved her.
Violet returned Carver’s feelings,andChicago Fireseason 13 endedwith the two making out on the street in front of Violet’s building. So, it’s unclear what will happen to the couple in season 14. Is Carver still moving to Denver? Or will he stay in Chicago to be with Violet? The former is (sadly) more likely, given Lockett’s exit.
Chicago Fireis adding a new series regular for season 14 — Brandon Larracuente. The actor is set to play a “key member of Firehouse 51,” perDeadline, but nothing else is known about his character as of the writing of this article.
Whatever the case,Lockett must be present to give Carver closure.Since Kyri appears to be doing that forRitter inChicago Fireseason 14, it’s much more likely that Lockett will return, as well. The series can’t just close out Carver’s story via some throwaway line about him moving to Denver. Carver deserves better than that.
Chicago Fire Would Be Better Off If Ritter & Carver Stayed At Firehouse 51
Ritter & Carver Leaving Is A Mistake
Of course, it is thrilling that Ritter (and hopefully Carver) is coming back to Firehouse 51 inChicago Fireseason 14. However, it is more disappointing to learn that his return will be short-lived. Ritter is truly leavingtheOne Chicagouniverse, and it’s a shame becausethe NBC procedural drama TV series is better with him (and Carver) in it.
Chicago Fireoften neglected Kyri’s character,opting to focus on other storylines instead of giving Ritter a juicy plot. TheOne Chicagoshowignored Ritter more often than not, and now it will never get the chance to redeem its mistakes because Kyri is leaving. The audience will never see Ritter reach his full potential, and that is a shame.
All-in-all,Chicago Fireis making a big mistake by getting rid of Ritter and Carver.
Meanwhile,Chicago Fireis abandoning one of its best love stories with Lockett’s exit.Carver and Violet had great chemistry, and their will-they/won’t-they relationship was alluring. Now, the fans are losing a romance that never truly began. Carver was also a complex, interesting character on his own. All-in-all,Chicago Fireis making a big mistake by getting rid of Ritter and Carver.
Chicago Fireseason 14 premieres on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 pm ET (preceded byChicago Medseason 11 at 8 pm ET and followed byChicago PDseason 13 at 10 pm ET) on NBC.Chicago Fireseason 14 is expected to contain 21 episodes, one less than season 13’s episode count.
