Chicago Fire Season 13 Losing 2 Major Characters Makes Its Season 14 Renewal Less Exciting

When a TV show lasts as long as Chicago Fire has, cast exits are to be expected, but losing two important characters after season 13 is still devastating and makes me (and evidently some other fans) consider quitting the series. As of the writing of this article, NBC hasn’t renewed any of the One Chicago TV shows for the 2025–2026 season yet. However, Chicago Fire season 14, Chicago PD season 13, and Chicago Med season 11 are all but guaranteed, given their success and longevity. It’s only a matter of time before the network officially greenlights them all

Unfortunately, the only news to come out concerning the future of Chicago Fire is the surprise exit of two cast members. Despite season 14 not even being confirmed yet, characters are already reportedly scheduled not to appear in it, which is quite disappointing. Thankfully, a handful of episodes remain in Chicago Fire season 13, so anything can happen. But it’s difficult to watch these last few episodes, knowing we’ll have to say goodbye to two beloved Firehouse 51 firefighters (perhaps for good).

Ritter & Carver Are Reportedly Leaving Chicago Fire Following Season 13

NBC Is Making Budget Cuts

According to Deadline, Chicago Fire is booting Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) from the TV series after season 13 (if/when NBC greenlights season 14). NBC hasn’t confirmed this news yet, but all signs point to it being true. The network has been trying to make budget cuts as of late, which includes reducing actors’ episode counts per season. Almost every Chicago Fire season 13 cast member has been missing for an episode or two, thanks to this initiative. Now, though, Kyri and Lockett appear to be leaving for good.

As Deadline‘s report states, Wolf Entertainment’s NBC TV shows are looking to downsize ahead of their renewals for the 2025–2026 season, meaning Kyri and Lockett’s exits are likely only the start of the budget cuts. Fans should expect to hear about more actor exits across all three One Chicago series. They are all simply casualties of NBC’s apparent plan to reduce budgets. It certainly doesn’t help that many of the veteran cast members’ contracts are up, resulting in negotiations with the network for new deals.