When a TV show lasts as long as Chicago Fire has, cast exits are to be expected, but losing two important characters after season 13 is still devastating and makes me (and evidently some other fans) consider quitting the series. As of the writing of this article, NBC hasn’t renewed any of the One Chicago TV shows for the 2025–2026 season yet. However, Chicago Fire season 14, Chicago PD season 13, and Chicago Med season 11 are all but guaranteed, giving their success and longevity. It’s only a matter of time before the network officially greenlights them all.

Unfortunately, the only news to come out regarding the future of Chicago Fire is the surprise exit of two cast members. Despite season 14 not even being confirmed yet, characters are already reported scheduled not to appear in it, which is quite disappointing. Thankfully, a handful of episodes remain in Chicago Fire season 13, so anything can happen. But it’s difficult to watch these last few episodes, knowing we’ll have to say goodbye to two beloved Firehouse 51 firefighters (perhaps for good).

Ritter & Carver Are Reportedly Leaving Chicago Fire Following Season 13

NBC Is Making Budget Cuts

According to Deadline, Chicago Fire is booting Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) from the TV series after season 13 (if/when NBC greenlights season 14). NBC hasn’t confirmed this news yet, but all signs point to it being true. The network has been trying to make budget cuts as of late, which includes reducing actors’ episode counts per season. Almost every Chicago Fire season 13 cast member has been missing for an episode or two, thanks to this initiative. Now, though, Kyri and Lockett appear to be leaving for good.

As Deadline’s report states, Wolf Entertainment’s NBC TV shows are looking to downsize ahead of their renewals for the 2025–2026 season, meaning Kyri and Lockett’s exits are likely only the start of the budget cuts. Fans should expect to hear about more actor exits across all three One Chicago series. They are all simply casualties of NBC’s apparent plan to reduce budgets. It certainly doesn’t help that many of the veteran cast members’ contracts are up, resulting in negotiations with the network for new deals.

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

Ritter & Carver Are Both Important To Keeping Chicago Fire Fresh

The two major Chicago Fire characters leaving after season 13 is quite upsetting and disappointing, to say the least. NBC seems to see Ritter and Carver as expendable, given that they haven’t been around as long as some other characters. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Both men have been great additions to the series, as their introductions have made room for fresh, intriguing storylines (e.g., something other than repetitive drama between Severide and Kidd).

The procedural drama needs new couples that fans can root for, and Carver and Violet could have been Firehouse 51’s next great love story.

Unfortunately, Chicago Fire hasn’t used Ritter and Carver to their full advantage throughout their time on the show. Firstly, Ritter has been tragically pushed to the background as of late. He is a non-factor in season 13, which is likely why NBC is removing Ritter from the One Chicago universe, but that’s the writers’ fault, not his. Ritter still has unexplored storylines that Chicago Fire could have (and should have) dived into, and now, they’ll never get the chance. Ritter’s exit also hurts because he is one of many LGBTQ/POC characters who have been kicked from the cast over the years.

As for Carver, he is part of Chicago Fire season 13’s most exciting love story. Casey and Brett are gone, and Severide and Kidd’s romance has gotten a bit old. The procedural drama needs new couples that fans can root for, and Carver and Violet could have been Firehouse 51’s next great love story. Now, it’s unclear how their will-they-won’t-they romance will end, especially after all of season 13 has been building up to a Carver/Violet reunion. Ultimately, Chicago Fire cannot be sustained by the veteran players alone, and losing two fresh, enticing characters only hurts the series in the long run.

The Best Way Chicago Fire Can Write Out Ritter & Carver

The Show Can’t Kill Either Character

Given that Chicago Fire season 13 is already doing them dirty, Ritter and Carver cannot leave the show in body bags. They deserve a memorable and honorable farewell, whether that means moving out of the city, transferring to a different firehouse, or retiring from firefighting. Honestly, though, there aren’t many good ways to write out Ritter and Carver.

It doesn’t make sense for Ritter to leave Firehouse 51 at this time, and Carver escaping just as he and Violet are about to get back together is also unfathomable. Hopefully, Ritter and Carver can return in the future. Since they’re reported leaving after Chicago Fire season 13, though, their exits only leave a bad taste in my mouth.