Which 2 major Chicago Fire characters are leaving the show? Details revealed

Change is nothing new for long-running shows, but Chicago Fire is heading into an emotional transition as it prepares to say goodbye to two key members of Firehouse 51. Daniel Kyri, known for his warm, grounded portrayal of firefighter Darren Ritter, and Jake Lockett, who plays the complex and fiery Sam Carver, are set to exit the series after Season 13.

While cast shake-ups are part of the television landscape, these departures feel especially personal for fans who’ve watched both characters grow into essential pieces of the team. According to People, the decision appears to stem from budget changes at NBC, which are reportedly reshaping parts of the One Chicago franchise behind the scenes.

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The firehouse that became family

Since premiering in 2012, Chicago Fire has built more than just a loyal audience, it’s built a universe. Created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas and produced by Dick Wolf, the series blends action, drama, and deeply human moments as it follows the lives of firefighters and paramedics from Firehouse 51. Whether navigating a burning building or the emotional fallout of a tough call, the characters have always offered something more than adrenaline, they offer vulnerability, quiet strength, and a sense of family that goes beyond the job.

Together with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, the series is part of the broader One Chicago world, a rare storytelling universe where characters cross over, plotlines interlock, and stakes feel shared across shows. While Chicago P.D. explores justice through the eyes of detectives and Chicago Med brings us into the ethical chaos of hospital life, Chicago Fire remains the heartbeat, grounded in loyalty, courage, and the bonds forged under pressure.

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Ritter and Carver: Departures with weight

Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter wasn’t the loudest character in the room, but that’s exactly why he mattered. Introduced in Season 7, Ritter quickly became the emotional center of the firehouse. He was thoughtful, steady, and honest, someone viewers could relate to, someone whose growth felt authentic. Over time, Kyri shaped him into a quiet leader, and his departure will leave more than just a vacancy in the firehouse, it leaves a gap in the show's soul. When announcing his decision to step away, Kyri wrote simply:

“I’ll miss this character, and it’s time to move on.”

There was no grand statement, just a quiet nod to the journey he and Ritter took together, one filled with care, purpose, and integrity.

Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver, on the other hand, was more fire than water. He arrived in Season 11 with a backstory full of friction, a chip on his shoulder, and a point to prove. But as episodes passed, fans saw beneath the surface, a man struggling to reconcile who he’d been with who he was trying to become. Carver didn’t ask for sympathy, but Lockett played him in a way that earned it. His exit hasn’t been publicly addressed yet, but those who’ve followed his arc know this one will sting.

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A season of transitions

Ritter and Carver’s departures aren’t happening in isolation. Season 12 already marked the end of two other major journeys: Kara Killmer, who portrayed Sylvie Brett, left the series, and Eamonn Walker, longtime anchor of the show as Chief Wallace Boden, stepped away from his regular role. Though Walker returned for a special flashback episode aired on April 16, described by showrunner Andrea Newman as a heartfelt farewell, his exit signaled the end of a foundational chapter.

Behind the scenes, the shift isn’t just narrative. As reported by Deadline, NBC has been quietly reshaping its budget allocations, which has led to tighter casts and leaner production models even for well-established series. These changes aren’t always visible to the viewer, but they shape the rhythm of what we see on screen.

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What comes next?

For fans, the loss of Ritter and Carver is more than just a plot adjustment, it’s personal. These characters weren’t flashy, but they were familiar. They offered comfort, tension, growth, and complexity. And yet, Chicago Fire has never been static. It’s a show that evolves, not just to survive, but to stay meaningful. Over its 13 seasons, it’s weathered plenty: emotional exits, new arrivals, changing dynamics. And it’s always found a way to stay true to its spirit.

In many ways, that’s what keeps the series burning so bright. It’s not just the flames or the rescues, it’s the quiet conversations after a long shift, the found family leaning on one another, and the unspoken trust that underlies every call. As the series moves forward, new voices will join the chorus. Some stories will end, others will begin. But the firehouse, fictional or not, will keep doing what it always has: showing up, no matter what.

And for Ritter and Carver, their last call may be approaching, but their imprint on Chicago Fire is permanent.