The Real Reason Daniel Kyri And Jake Lockett Left Chicago Fire

The One Chicago world continues to be a revolving door of departures and entrances, and the two most recent cuts to the cast of "Chicago Fire" seem to be driven by one thing — an attempt at trimming the show's budget. The series, along with "Chicago Med" and "Chicago P.D.," has not yet been renewed by NBC for the 2025-2026 season, and reducing each program's large ensemble cast seems to be essential to getting the green light.

That's why Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett will be leaving the program should it snag a Season 14. Even worse: many other series veterans might either exit the show or see reduced action to benefit those shrinking wallets. Kyri's Darren Ritter is one of a very few openly gay "Chicago Fire" characters; he's been with the series since Season 7 and had developed a Three Musketeers-like friendship and business partnership with the already-departed Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) and series stalwart Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). 

Lockett has been taming flames as Sam Carver since Season 11. Just promoted to series regular status during Season 13, he's been part of the show's ongoing quest to fill the hole left behind by the departure of Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer). Sam and Violet had entered into a romance but it was haunted by the memory of her late, lamented boyfriend Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas), which tossed stumbling blocks between them. While Darren has been present — although mainly in the background of Season 13 — Sam is already long gone.

It's been quite a few weeks since "Chicago Fire" fans have seen Sam Carver, mainly because he's been written offscreen for storyline purposes. Sam and Violet have struggled with their feelings about their foundering relationship for most of Season 13. Violet has come to realize — too late — that she loves Sam, while Sam's attempt at replacing Violet with his old girlfriend Tori (Holly Hinchliffe) leads him to relapse into bad habits.

Tori implores Sam to return to Austin, where he'll never be questioned and treated with respect. But he declines, sending Tori home alone, although he's unable to stop drinking. Violet catches him mid-binge and he realizes it's time to renew his commitment to sobriety. He enters rehab, and Violet deals with her frustrated feelings for Sam by putting them into a letter. 

Sam is slated to be back on the job before the season wraps, while Violet is now dating a lawyer named Flynn Calhoun (Steven Strait). But perhaps things aren't quite over between the exes? Is there more to say before Sam leaves Chicago for good at the end of the season, or has that ship sailed? We'll find out when he finishes out his final shifts in "Chicago Fire." 

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).