Is Ritter Really Leaving Chicago Fire? Daniel Kyri Sets the Record Straight
Chicago Fire Season 14 lit the signal flare: Daniel Kyri is stepping away after seven seasons, with Darren Ritter sticking around for a shortened run before a final farewell.
If you watched the Chicago Fire Season 14 premiere, you probably caught the writing on the wall: Daniel Kyri is on his way out as Darren Ritter. It is not an immediate goodbye, but it is happening.
Yes, Ritter is leaving — Kyri confirmed it
In August 2025, Kyri posted that he had filmed his final scenes and that Ritter is exiting the series. He also spelled out a little history lesson on how unexpectedly big this run turned out to be for him — a three-episode gig that stretched across seven years and eight seasons.
"Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter... a role that was originally meant for just three episodes turned into seven incredible years and eight seasons of this iconic show. While I know I may never find another cast and crew as amazing as this one, I intend to carry what I've learned to every set in the future."
The business side (aka why this is happening)
Behind the scenes, this is one of those long-running-series moves: budget trims. Coming out of Season 13, the show did not renew Kyri's contract. Instead of quietly shuffling Ritter off-screen, production brought him back for a short arc in Season 14 so the character could get an actual sendoff. It is the humane version of a cost-cut.
How the show is writing Ritter out
The Season 14 opener starts connecting the dots. Ritter is still at Firehouse 51 and reconnects with his ex, Dwayne — who has transferred out of Chicago and joined the NYPD. Then comes the gut punch: Dwayne is shot in the line of duty in New York and hospitalized. Ritter jumps on a plane to be with him. The implication is pretty clear: he is heading to New York to be with his boyfriend, and that is the door the show is guiding him through.
Kyri's goodbye, in spirit
Kyri kept it gracious. He shouted out the cast and crew, said he might never find a team like this again, and thanked the Wolf Entertainment folks for spotting his potential and giving him runway. It is bittersweet, but he is not slamming the door — just taking what he learned to the next set.
- Originally hired for just three episodes, Kyri's run grew to seven years across eight seasons.
- His contract was not renewed after Season 13 due to budget considerations.
- He returns briefly in Season 14 for a proper on-screen farewell.
- Premiere setup: Ritter rekindles things with Dwayne, now NYPD; Dwayne is shot; Ritter flies to New York — cue the exit plan.
- August 2025: Kyri confirms he filmed his final scenes and that Ritter is leaving Chicago Fire.