“Ritter Says Goodbye: Chicago Fire Season 14 Promises Heartbreak, High Stakes & a Heroic Exit”

The sirens are wailing louder than ever — and not just for the fires.
As Chicago Fire season 14 gears up for its premiere this fall, fans are bracing for an emotional rollercoaster. After seven powerful seasons, Daniel Kyri has officially wrapped his final scenes as Darren Ritter — the fan-favorite firefighter who was only supposed to stick around for three episodes but ended up capturing hearts across eight unforgettable seasons.

While NBC hasn’t confirmed how many episodes he’ll appear in, Ritter’s farewell is expected to come early — possibly by episode 3 or 4 — making this one of the most anticipated and bittersweet exits in One Chicago history. Thankfully, unlike some past cast departures that happened off-screen, Ritter will receive a proper goodbye… and fans are relieved but not ready.

The reason behind Kyri’s departure? Budget cuts. In a wave of changes affecting multiple cast members, Ritter’s exit is part of NBC’s financial shake-up. But in true Chicago Fire fashion, the writers are making sure his final moments are handled with heart.

Could layoffs hinted at in the season 13 finale be Ritter’s exit storyline? Or will Chicago Fire go bold and give him one last heroic call? One thing’s certain: Firehouse 51 won’t be the same without him.

Get ready — season 14 is coming in hot, with emotional goodbyes, shocking turns, and all the fire-driven drama we can handle. Don’t miss it.