If you’re a die-hard Chicago Fire fan, you might want to sit down for this. Season 13 is bringing not just blazing fires but also burning heartbreak. Two of the show’s beloved stars — Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) — are officially exiting the series after this season. Yep, it’s happening.
Let’s break down what’s going on, why it matters, and what this means for Firehouse 51 moving forward.
🔥 Why Is This a Big Deal for ‘Chicago Fire’ Fans?
When long-time cast members leave a show like Chicago Fire, it’s more than just a change in the credits. It’s like losing family. Ritter and Carver have become integral parts of the 51 squad, and saying goodbye feels like a gut punch.
But why now? What’s behind this big shake-up?
👨🚒 Who Is Daniel Kyri? (A Quick Look at Darren Ritter)
📺 Ritter’s Journey Through the Fire
Daniel Kyri joined Chicago Fire in Season 7 and quickly became a fan favorite. His portrayal of Darren Ritter, the brave, compassionate firefighter, added depth and heart to the cast.
🌈 A Groundbreaking Character
Ritter also stood out for being one of the few openly gay firefighters on network television — a character that resonated with many viewers for his courage and authenticity.
💪 Meet Jake Lockett: The Man Behind Sam Carver
🚒 A New Kind of Tough
Jake Lockett came into the show in Season 11, and despite being a newer addition, his character Sam Carver made an impact. Carver brought edge, intensity, and a bit of that classic bad-boy charm that fans couldn’t resist.
😢 The Exit: What We Know So Far
So, what’s the reason for their departure?
NBC hasn’t dropped all the details, but sources close to the show suggest it’s part of a creative decision to reshape the team dynamic at Firehouse 51. With major storylines wrapping up and new ones being built, this was a natural — albeit heartbreaking — turning point.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: Are the Actors Ready to Move On?
Both Kyri and Lockett have exciting futures ahead.
💼 Daniel Kyri’s Next Move
Kyri is reportedly focusing on new creative projects, including writing and producing. He’s hinted at wanting to expand beyond acting — and honestly, we can’t wait to see what he does next.
🌍 Jake Lockett’s Future Plans
Lockett is said to be eyeing roles in both film and high-profile streaming series. His rising star status is undeniable, and his exit may be just the beginning of something even bigger.
🔥 What Their Exit Means for ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 14
Let’s be real — these exits are going to leave a serious void. Ritter’s heart and Carver’s heat brought balance to the crew. With both characters gone, expect some major shifts in team dynamics, promotions, and possibly new recruits stepping in to fill the boots.
🧩 Will Their Stories Get Closure?
You bet. Showrunners have confirmed that both characters will get “meaningful and respectful send-offs.” That means no random disappearances — we’re getting real, emotional goodbyes.
👀 Fan Reactions: The Internet Is Losing It
As expected, Twitter and Reddit have exploded. Some fans are devastated, others are speculating about possible returns in future crossovers. Either way, this news is making serious waves.
📅 When Is Their Final Episode?
The exact episode hasn’t been confirmed, but expect a big emotional arc leading to their exits near the Season 13 finale. So, yeah, you might wanna stock up on tissues.
💬 What the Cast Has Said So Far
Kyri posted a heartfelt message to fans, thanking them for the support and promising “this is not goodbye forever.”
Lockett kept it cool, simply saying he’s “grateful for the ride.”
That’s showbiz, right?
🎥 Could They Return in Future Episodes?
Absolutely. The One Chicago universe is famous for its crossovers and returning characters. Never say never when it comes to Firehouse 51.
📊 How Will This Impact Ratings and Fan Loyalty?
It’s a bold move. While some fans may tune out in protest, others are curious about where the show goes from here. If done right, this could breathe new life into the series.
🧯 The Evolution of Firehouse 51
With change comes opportunity. The team behind Chicago Fire has a history of building powerful, emotional arcs — and if anyone can turn this loss into gold, it’s them.
🔥 Final Thoughts: A Bittersweet Farewell
Change is never easy, especially when it means saying goodbye to characters who feel like family. But hey — we’ve been through loss before (RIP Otis), and we’ll get through this one too.
Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett gave us performances that were bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable. As the flames die down on their chapters, a new fire is just getting started.
