Chicago Fire’s Lethal Blow: 2 Beloved Characters Cut – Is Season 14 Worth Saving?

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After a TV series like Chicago Fire has been on for as long as it has, it’s not unusual for cast members to depart, but losing two key characters following season 13 is still heart-wrenching and leaves some viewers, including myself, contemplating whether to continue watching the show. At this point, NBC hasn’t made any renewal decisions for the One Chicago TV shows in the 2025–2026 season. However, given their popularity and endurance, it’s highly likely that Chicago Fire will return for season 14, Chicago PD for season 13, and Chicago Med for season 11. It seems only a matter of time before the network formally approves all three.

Unfortunately, all that’s been revealed about Chicago Fire‘s future is the unexpected departure of two cast members. Even though there’s no confirmation about season 14, it seems some characters might not be returning, which is quite disheartening. However, we still have a few episodes left in Chicago Fire season 13, so there’s always hope for surprises. But with these last episodes approaching, it’s hard to keep watching knowing that we may be saying goodbye (possibly permanently) to two beloved firefighters from Firehouse 51.

Ritter & Carver Are Reportedly Leaving Chicago Fire Following Season 13

NBC Is Making Budget Cuts

Based on Deadline’s report, it seems that the characters played by Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) may not return for season 14 of Chicago Fire, if NBC decides to renew the series. However, NBC has yet to officially confirm this news. The network has been making efforts to reduce costs, which includes decreasing the number of episodes each actor appears in a season. Many cast members of Chicago Fire’s season 13 have missed an episode or two due to these cost-cutting measures. At this point, it looks like Kyri and Lockett might be departing the show permanently.

Chicago Fire Season 13 Cast Role
Taylor Kinney Kelly Severide
Miranda Rae Mayo Stella Kidd
David Eigenberg Christopher Herrmann
Christian Stolte Randall “Mouch” McHolland
Joe Minoso Joe Cruz
Daniel Kyri Darren Ritter
Hanako Greensmith Violet Mikami
Jocelyn Hudon Lyla “Lizzie” Novak
Dermot Mulroney Dom Pascal
Jake Lockett Sam Carver
Michael Bradway Jack Damon

According to Deadline’s report, it appears that Wolf Entertainment is planning to trim down its NBC TV shows as they approach renewal for the 2025-2026 season. This could mean that Kyri and Lockett’s departures are just the beginning of a series of budget reductions. Fans should brace themselves for more cast members leaving across all three ‘One Chicago’ series, as these changes seem to be part of NBC’s strategy to cut costs. Given that several veteran actors’ contracts are expiring, negotiations for new deals with the network are underway, which might exacerbate the situation.

Why Losing Ritter & Carver Is Bad For Chicago Fire Season 14

Ritter & Carver Are Both Important To Keeping Chicago Fire Fresh

It’s truly disheartening and unfortunate that two significant characters from Chicago Fire, played by Ritter and Carver, are departing after season 13. To put it mildly, their exit seems to suggest that NBC views them as replaceable or disposable due to their relatively shorter tenure compared to other characters. However, this assumption couldn’t be more off-base. Both actors have enriched the series with their exceptional performances and fresh perspectives, providing new dimensions to the storylines that were previously dominated by repetitive Severide and Kidd drama.

It’s regrettable that the writers of Chicago Fire haven’t fully utilized the talents of Ritter and Carver during their tenure on the show. Specifically, Ritter has been sidelined recently, barely contributing to season 13, which may have contributed to NBC deciding to remove him from the One Chicago universe. However, this misuse can be blamed on the writers, not Ritter himself. There are still untouched storylines for Ritter’s character that could have been explored by Chicago Fire, but now those opportunities will never materialize. Moreover, Ritter’s departure is disappointing because he represents one of many LGBTQ/POC characters who have been phased out from the cast in recent years.

Regarding Carver, he’s been involved in one of Chicago Fire’s most captivating love stories this season. With Casey and Brett no longer around, and Severide and Kidd’s romance starting to feel a bit stale, there’s a need for new couples that fans can rally behind. Pairing Carver with Violet could have been the next exciting romance at Firehouse 51. However, the progression of their will-they-won’t-they relationship remains uncertain, especially after the entirety of season 13 has been leading towards a potential Carver/Violet reunion. Essentially, Chicago Fire cannot continue to rely solely on its veteran characters, and losing fresh, intriguing characters like Carver and Violet is detrimental to the series in the long run.

The Best Way Chicago Fire Can Write Out Ritter & Carver

The Show Can’t Kill Either Character

Considering the fact that Chicago Fire season 13 has put them in an unfavorable position, it would be unfair for Ritter and Carver to depart from the series in a way that is reminiscent of death. Instead, they should be granted a significant and respectful send-off. This could involve relocating away from the city, shifting to another fire station, or even retiring from their firefighting duties. To put it simply, there aren’t many graceful ways to portray Ritter and Carver’s exit from the show.

It’s hard to comprehend that Ritter would depart from Firehouse 51 now, and it’s equally difficult to understand why Carver is leaving when he and Violet were on the verge of rekindling their relationship. I can only hope that they will rejoin us in the future. However, since they are said to be parting ways after Chicago Fire season 13, their departures have left a sour taste.

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2025-04-19 20:48