jake lockett leaving chicago fire

Big Changes at Firehouse 51: Why Two Fan Favorites Are Leaving 'Chicago Fire'

For fans of NBC's hit drama "Chicago Fire," some surprising news has emerged: two familiar faces will be leaving Firehouse 51. Daniel Kyri, who plays firefighter Darren Ritter, and Jake Lockett, who portrays firefighter Jack Damon, are reportedly exiting the show after Season 13. This news has sent shockwaves through the "Chicago Fire" fandom, leaving many wondering why these characters are being written out and what it means for the future of the show.

Recent Updates: Ritter and Damon Say Goodbye

The news of Kyri and Lockett's departure broke in mid-April 2025. Multiple sources, including Deadline and Yahoo News Canada, confirmed that the actors would not be returning if "Chicago Fire" is renewed for a fourteenth season.

• April 2025: Reports surface indicating Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett are leaving "Chicago Fire" after Season 13.
• Deadline: Cites sources confirming the actors' departure if the show is renewed.
• Yahoo News Canada: Reports the cast exits as part of budget cuts.

While the exact reasons for their departure haven't been explicitly stated by NBC or the show's producers, the prevailing theory points towards budget cuts within Wolf Entertainment, the production company behind the "Chicago" franchise. This information comes from "sister site Deadline reports".

The Heart of Firehouse 51: Who Are Ritter and Damon?

Daniel Kyri's Darren Ritter has been a beloved character since his introduction. Ritter, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, brought a unique perspective to Firehouse 51. His journey from a hesitant candidate to a confident and capable firefighter resonated with many viewers. His character added depth and heart to the show.

Jake Lockett joined "Chicago Fire" more recently as Jack Damon. Damon quickly became a part of the Firehouse 51 family. As the newest member of the team, Damon brought a fresh dynamic to the firehouse, and his character has been developing strong relationships with the other firefighters.

Budget Cuts and Shifting Priorities: The Context Behind the Cast Changes

The news of Kyri and Lockett's departure comes amidst "rumblings about cuts across Wolf Entertainment's NBC series," according to Yahoo News Canada. This suggests a broader trend of cost-cutting measures affecting the "Chicago" franchise and potentially other shows produced by Wolf Entertainment.

The "Chicago Fire" universe, along with its sister shows "Chicago P.D." and "Chicago Med," has been a reliable ratings draw for NBC for years. However, even successful shows are subject to budget constraints and evolving priorities. As production costs rise and viewing habits change, networks and production companies often look for ways to streamline operations and reduce expenses.

Cast departures are not unusual in long-running series like "Chicago Fire." Over the years, several actors have left the show for various reasons, including pursuing other opportunities or creative decisions by the showrunners. However, the simultaneous exit of two series regulars raises questions about the direction of the show and the potential impact on its storylines.

Immediate Reactions: Fans Express Disappointment and Frustration

The news of Kyri and Lockett's departure has been met with disappointment and frustration from "Chicago Fire" fans. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages expressing sadness over the loss of these beloved characters and concern about the show's future.

Many fans have voiced their displeasure with the decision, arguing that Ritter and Damon brought valuable representation and engaging storylines to the show. Some have even threatened to stop watching "Chicago Fire" altogether in protest of the cast changes.

The hashtag #ChicagoFire has been trending on social media as fans share their reactions and speculate about the reasons behind the departures. Fan theories range from contract disputes to creative differences, but the most common explanation remains budget cuts.

What's Next for Firehouse 51? Speculating on Season 14 and Beyond

With Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett leaving "Chicago Fire," the showrunners face the challenge of writing their characters out in a satisfying way and introducing new dynamics to Firehouse 51. The departure of Ritter and Damon will undoubtedly leave a void in the firehouse, both on-screen and off-screen.

One potential outcome is the introduction of new characters to fill the void left by Ritter and Damon. This could provide an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and storylines to the show. However, new characters would need to quickly establish themselves with the audience to avoid alienating longtime viewers.

Another possibility is that the remaining characters will take on more prominent roles in the show. This could allow for deeper exploration of their backstories and relationships. However, it could also lead to an imbalance in the ensemble cast, with some characters overshadowing others.

The writers will need to carefully craft storylines that address the absence of Ritter and Damon while maintaining the core elements that have made "Chicago Fire" a success. This will be a delicate balancing act, as they strive to honor the characters' legacies while moving the show forward.

The Bigger Picture: The Evolving Landscape of Network Television

The cast changes on "Chicago Fire" reflect the broader challenges facing network television in the age of streaming. As more viewers migrate to streaming platforms, networks are under pressure to cut costs and find new ways to attract audiences.

One strategy is to focus on established franchises with loyal fan bases, such as the "Chicago" universe. However, even these successful franchises are not immune to budget cuts and shifting priorities.

The departure of Kyri and Lockett could be a sign of things to come, as networks and production companies continue to grapple with the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the future of "Chicago Fire" and other long-running network dramas.

"Chicago Fire": A Legacy of Change

"Chicago Fire" has always been a show about change. The nature of firefighting itself demands constant adaptation, and the personal lives of the characters are no different. Over the years, viewers have seen firefighters come and go, relationships blossom and fade, and lives forever altered by the dangers they face.

The departure of Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett is just the latest chapter in this ongoing story of change. While their absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans, it also presents an opportunity for the show to evolve and explore new possibilities. Whether "Chicago Fire" can successfully navigate this transition remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the firefighters of Firehouse 51 will continue to face whatever challenges come their way, both on and off the screen.