Chicago Fire Cast Departures in 2026: Who's Leaving the NBC Drama Several key actors from Chicago Fire have exited or are stepping away as the show heads into its 2026 episodes within Season 14, reflecting the franchise's ongoing cast turnover that keeps Firehouse 51 dynamic and storyline-driven. This trend isn't new—showrunners have addressed waves of changes, balancing fresh narratives with fan favorites amid a competitive TV landscape. As of March 2026, here's the latest on confirmed and recent exits, drawn from entertainment news and official announcements.

Confirmed Exits from Season 13 End (Into 2026)

These departures were announced ahead of the 2025-2026 season, impacting the core ensemble:

  • Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) : A series regular since Season 7, Kyri is leaving at the end of Season 13 and won't return for Season 14 if renewed. His exit wraps up a heartfelt firefighter arc, with fans speculating on dramatic farewells.
  • Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) : Joined in Season 11, Lockett confirmed his departure in April 2025 via Instagram, expressing gratitude after three seasons. Carver's storyline concluded with emotional weight, as showrunners hinted at no recast.

"While I'm uncertain about what lies ahead... I will deeply miss that. It has been a privilege to bring Sam to life." – Jake Lockett

Recent 2026 Updates: Temporary and Ongoing Shifts

  • Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal) : Mulroney is taking a temporary break after Episode 14 of Season 14 (early 2026 airing). His character is slated for a potential return later in the season, as scripts evolve—NBC confirmed this shift while introducing replacements to maintain leadership drama.

Past exits like Kara Killmer and Alberto Rosende set the stage, but 2026 focuses on these, with rumors of more via One Chicago crossovers.

Why the Cast Shake-Ups? Showrunner Insights

Producer Andrew Schneider has weighed in on the "exodus," citing creative evolution over burnout—characters get fulfilling arcs rather than abrupt drops. Fan forums buzz with theories: budget, new spins like Pascal's hiatus, or pivots to Chicago P.D./Med stars. This keeps the show trending, with Season 14 blending nostalgia and innovation since its 2012 debut.

Note: This isn't the soccer team —those 2026 roster moves (e.g., Tom Barlow departing Chicago Fire FC) are separate MLS news.

TL;DR Bottom: Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett exited end of 2025; Dermot Mulroney pauses mid-2026. More turnover expected in One Chicago universe.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.