“So Many Cherished Memories”: ’Chicago Fire’ Star Breaks Silence on Shocking Series Exit

With spring comes the epic finales of our favorite TV shows, the devastating news that productions have run their course or the celebratory announcement that your chosen series is receiving another season. There are also plenty of new additions announced for call sheets and, unfortunately, plenty of folks moving on and leaving their characters behind. It’s been a particularly difficult one for fans of 9-1-1 and Fire Country as they say farewell to some of the biggest personalities to step into their respective storylines and now, a Chicago Fire star is bidding adieu, with Jake Lockett saying goodbye to fans in an Instagram post.

Yes, sadly the rumors are true and Lockett will be exiting the series after a three-season run that began back in Season 11. The social media post features a montage video of the actor’s memories from his time with the rest of his Chicago Fire team, showing the behind-the-scenes fun the performers have while making the procedural. With nothing but gratitude in his heart, the actor uses his post as a place to talk about the “pride” and “cherished memories” that he experienced, writing,

“While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that. So much pride in this journey.

It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years.

And most importantly, the people that I was on the ground with day and night… thank you for the family you are and times you have been and will be there for me. If you’re not in one of these clips, there will be more to follow. So many cherished memories.”

What’s Next for ‘Chicago Fire’?

Right now, the fate of Chicago Fire remains up in the air. Like so many other shows airing on NBC, the title hasn’t received a cancellation or renewal notice for its hopeful fourteenth season. This means that, along with Lockett, many members of the production could be exiting the series if it doesn’t come back altogether. Right now, we know that two new titles, Happy’s Place and St. Denis Medical, will be returning for sophomore installments.

Like Chicago Fire, other favorites such as Found, Brilliant Minds, Chicago P.D., Grosse Pointe Garden Society, Night Court, The Irrational, and more are still on the chopping block as the network makes their decisions about what to keep and what to toss.

Check out Lockett’s farewell post above and stream Chicago Fire now on Peacock.