There’s a real alarm going off at Chicago Fire—and it’s not coming from a burning building. As the veteran NBC drama barrels toward the end of its 13th season, fans were hit with the gut-wrenching news that two beloved cast members are officially on their way out. And yes, hearts are breaking across the One Chicago fandom.
Two Fan Favorites Exit Firehouse 51
In a report that quickly sent shockwaves through the Chicago Fire community, Deadline revealed that Daniel Kyri (who plays Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) will both depart the series at the end of Season 13. The departures are reportedly part of behind-the-scenes budget decisions as NBC and Universal Television continue contract negotiations across all five of Dick Wolf’s franchises.
And while fans are used to high-stakes drama on screen, this latest development feels personal.
As Chicago Fire nears its 14th season—which has not yet been officially renewed but is expected to move forward—studios are facing increasing pressure to trim costs. Long-running series often come with growing price tags, and unfortunately, that sometimes means saying goodbye to familiar faces. According to insiders, more exits across the One Chicago and Law & Order universes could be on the horizon.
Carver’s Tough Season Ends in Goodbye
Jake Lockett joined Chicago Fire in Season 11 as Sam Carver, a tough but troubled firefighter whose storyline has taken a dark turn this season. Carver has spent much of Season 13 wrestling with personal demons, including a toxic past relationship and a battle with alcoholism that led to his temporary absence from Firehouse 51 while in rehab.
Now back in action, Carver has slowly been regaining the trust of his colleagues—and building something deeper with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). But just as fans were beginning to see the possibility of a redemptive arc and maybe even a romantic future, news of his exit throws all of that into question. Is this the end of “Viver” before it even begins?
Ritter’s Exit Marks the End of an Era
Then there’s Darren Ritter, played with warmth and authenticity by Daniel Kyri. Over seven seasons, Ritter has quietly become one of the emotional anchors of Chicago Fire. As one of the few openly gay characters in the One Chicago universe, Ritter’s presence has meant a great deal to fans—and to the fabric of the firehouse itself.
From his early days forming a memorable trio with Violet and Gallo (played by former cast member Alberto Rosende), to stepping up in moments of crisis, Ritter has always been the one who shows up when it counts. His departure leaves a huge hole in both the cast dynamic and the hearts of fans who’ve watched him grow from a wide-eyed probie to a steady, compassionate firefighter.
Fans React: “Poor Violet… She’s Lost Everyone”
It didn’t take long for fans to sound off on social media—and the reaction has been equal parts devastated and furious.
“I can’t believe we’re losing Ritter AND Carver after this season. Am I a joke to them?! #ChicagoFire,” one fan wrote.
Another pointed out how emotionally crushing the loss will be for Violet, who has endured heartbreak after heartbreak.
“Poor Violet. First she lost Hawkins. Then Gallo left. Now Carver and Ritter are leaving… WTF. #ChicagoFire.”
And for many, the news feels like the end of an era. One fan summed it up simply: “I can’t believe these are the last episodes we’ll see Carver and Ritter. #ChicagoFire.”
What Happens Next?
NBC has yet to comment officially on the exits, and it’s unclear how Ritter and Carver will be written off the show. Will they get a heroic send-off? A quiet goodbye? Or will their exits come as part of a larger storyline that rocks Firehouse 51 to its core?
One thing is certain: fans aren’t ready to let go.
As Season 13 heads toward its final episodes, the emotion off-screen may just rival the drama on it. And with Chicago Fire’s renewal looming, viewers are bracing for more changes ahead.
For now, fans are holding tight to the remaining moments they’ll get with Ritter and Carver—and hoping that Chicago Fire still has plenty of heart left as it enters its next chapter.
