Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett will not return to “Chicago Fire” if the show is renewed for a 14th season. Kyri has been on the hit firefighter drama for seven seasons, Lockett for three. The move comes amid rumblings about budget cuts across Wolf Entertainment’s NBC series ahead of next season.
Kyri and Lockett’s departures are believed to be part of an effort to trim the budget of “Chicago Fire,” which also faces contract negotiations with many of the series’ veteran cast members. As actor deals are getting renegotiated and renewal talks between NBC and producing studio Universal Television on the five Wolf Entertainment series continue, there could be more exits across all five shows. Sources close to production reveal that shooting continues on “Chicago Fire,” which means Darren and Sam may get a proper ending for their characters.
Thirteen seasons in, the show remains one of NBC’s best-performing scripted series on both linear and streaming platforms. Representatives for NBC, Universal TV, and Wolf Entertainment declined to comment. Kyri joined “Chicago Fire” in Season 7 as Firefighter Darren Ritter in a recurring role before being promoted to the main cast two seasons later.
cast changes on Chicago Fire
Darren is well-liked and respected among his peers and has come a long way since he was a firefighter candidate. The recent focus of the character has been around his love life, with Season 12 and Season 13 delving into his relationship with Officer Dwayne Monroe.
The pair parted ways because Darren wasn’t ready to move in with Dwayne. Lockett has portrayed Firefighter Sam Carver since Season 11. He also started on the show in a recurring role before being bumped up to the main cast two seasons later.
His storyline seemed to wane after his relationship with Violet ended, leading him back to destructive behaviors he had previously worked hard to improve upon. He eventually relapsed and entered a 12-step program and rehab. Since then, Sam has been working hard to redeem himself at the firehouse and with Violet, who have since renewed their friendship.
As “Chicago Fire” continues its production, fans are eager to see how Darren and Sam’s storylines will conclude. More updates will follow as renewal talks and actor negotiations proceed.
