NBCChicago Fire Season 13 is airing until the end of May 2025, but some shocking news delivered during Episode 18 means two major characters are leaving the series for good.
Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Chicago Fire make up NBC’s untouchable trio… though they might be a little less safe than we first thought. The broadcaster is allegedly going through a series of cost-cutting measures, and that’s going to impact what we see.
Exactly how this all pans out remains to be seen, but Chicago Fire is already delivering some bad news, which you might have caught if you were watching Season 13 Episode 18.
Though it wasn’t strictly part of the plot, the binge-worthy TV show simultaneously released the news two beloved characters now won’t be returning after Chicago Fire Season 13 wraps.
Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett to leave after Chicago Fire Season 13
According to Deadline, Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett will not be returning to Chicago Fire if the show is renewed for a 14th season. Kyri has starred on the show as Darren Ritter for seven seasons, and Lockett as Sam Carver for three.
NBCKyri reacted to the news via Instagram Stories, adding, “I’ll miss this character, and it’s time to move on. Thank you to the cast, crew, & awesome fans.”
While we don’t know their exact reasons for leaving – no public statements have been made by NBC at the time of writing – there are some rumors that could suggest why. Parent company Wolf Entertainment’s NBC is allegedly making a series of cuts across multiple TV shows including Law & Order, with reduced episodes apparently lined up for multiple long-serving cast members. According to Deadline, even further episode cuts can’t be ruled out.
This means Kyri and Lockett’s farewell is likely a knock-on effect of the changes. Sources told the outlet other cast contracts are currently up for negotiations, with renewal talks remaining in place across five NBC shows.
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Understandably, fans have not taken the news well. One posted on X/Twitter, “Cutting Jake right after he got his series regular spot is not ok. Cutting Daniel after 7 seasons of loyalty to the show is not ok. All for budget cuts!? make it work damn it! Gosh I really hope they’ll still be on, maybe just not every episode.”
A second weighed in: “They did NOT announce Jake and Daniel leaving while fire was airing… THAT’S JUST TRAUMATIC,” with a third adding: “With Daniel and Jake leaving, so much for the Violet/Carver storyline.”
As Chicago Fire is supposedly still filming, fans should remain hopeful that both characters will get a fitting ending.
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