Chicago Fire: Two Fan-Favorite Characters Departing in Season 14

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The long-running TV show, “Chicago Fire,” has experienced several cast changes throughout its 10+ years on air, but there’s hope amongst fans and actors that it might return for a 14th season. If this happens, the popular drama may be missing two beloved characters: Darren Ritter and Sam Carver. These cherished roles have been portrayed by actors Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett. Their reported exits from the show are said to be due to NBC’s cost-cutting measures for the series.

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As reported by Deadline, there have been whispers about cost-reduction in relation to Wolf Entertainment’s potential renewal of their NBC series. This production company is known for some of TV’s top franchises such as Chicago, Law & Order, and FBI. To trim expenses, two years ago, Season 12 of Chicago Fire saw a significant reduction in episodes, with only 13 episodes produced, which also meant fewer episodes for established cast members. Despite the current season’s popularity, there’s speculation that if the series is renewed again, another episode reduction might be on the horizon.

The exact amount it takes to create each episode of Chicago Fire isn’t clear, but it’s evident that the show is pricey to produce. According to Deadline, Kyri and Lockett’s departures are thought to be a method the series employs to cut costs. Sources revealed to the publication that several senior cast members’ contracts have ended, which means discussions about renewals are imminent. With these negotiations underway, viewers may need to brace themselves for more goodbyes to familiar characters, not just on Chicago Fire, but across the entire television franchise.

In a positive development, characters Darren Ritter and Sam Carver were able to have an appropriate send-off. Kyri entered the NBC procedural drama in season 7, with his character, Ritter, appearing regularly until he was upgraded to series regular in season 9. Initially portrayed as a firefighter aspirant seeking recognition, Ritter eventually became one of the show’s most respected figures, with recent seasons focusing on his romantic life. Concurrently, Sam Carver, played by Lockett, appeared as a recurring character in seasons 11 and 12 and was recently elevated to main cast in season 13. Carver demonstrated his commitment as a firefighter until a breakup caused him to revert to old destructive habits. However, he’s been putting in the effort to regain trust since then.

‘Chicago Fire’ Episode Views Have Been Consistent

To maintain a show without cuts or cancellations, it often requires a unique blend of factors that can vary greatly from one production to another. For instance, Chicago Fire, a highly-rated NBC series, manages to captivate audiences for 13 seasons by presenting compelling storylines about firefighters battling blazes while navigating their personal struggles. However, consistent viewership alone may no longer be sufficient to ensure a show’s longevity.

The show, Chicago Fire, focuses on the firefighters, emergency responders, and medical personnel from a fictional Chicago Fire Department station, Firehouse 51. Some parts were actually filmed in Chicago, Illinois, with real-life figures like former Mayor Rahm Emanuel making appearances, such as in the pilot episode. Since its debut, Chicago Fire has maintained an audience of at least 7 million viewers on average, retaining its popularity even after significant modifications.

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2025-04-19 21:04