Chicago Fire Fans Devastated Over Reported Cast Shakeup
Big changes are on the horizon for Chicago Fire. In a stunning revelation, Deadline has reported that Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett, beloved members of the cast, will not be returning if NBC renews the series for a fourteenth season.
Kyri and Lockett, who have earned a loyal fanbase for their portrayal of firefighters Darren Ritter and Sam Carver, are expected to depart as part of efforts to reduce the show’s budget. This marks a significant shift for the long-running drama, known for its heart-pounding action and tight-knit ensemble cast.
Confirming the news on social media, Daniel Kyri, 30, shared an emotional message on Instagram. “I’ll miss this character, and it’s time to move on,” Kyri wrote. “Thank you to the cast, crew & the awesome fans.” Jake Lockett, who plays Sam Carver, has yet to comment publicly on his departure.
The news has sparked an outpouring of disappointment from fans. One fan expressed their sadness, saying, “This is absolutely devastating. I love Daniel and @thejakelockett so much.” Another added, “This post is why we need a dislike button.” Many others shared their upset over the characters’ exits, with one viewer writing, “I started watching the series because of Carver and Violet, now it turns out they are going to take him away from us.”
As of now, there has been no official update on the status of veteran cast members like Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo, whose contracts are reportedly up for renewal. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether these familiar faces will remain with Chicago Fire for the foreseeable future.
The departures of Kyri and Lockett come amid a string of high-profile exits over the years. In 2024, Eamonn Walker, who played Chief Boden, bid farewell to the show after 12 seasons, though he has since made occasional appearances in a recurring role. Similarly, Jesse Spencer left in 2021 after a decade as Matthew Casey, explaining that he wanted to explore new opportunities and spend more time with family. Since his departure, Spencer has taken on the role of Tony Bisset in the Australian drama Last Days of the Space Age, which premiered in October 2024 on Disney+.
As Chicago Fire moves forward, fans will undoubtedly continue to rally behind their favorite characters—while also holding their breath for the next chapter in the show’s ever-evolving story.
