As Chicago Fire gears up for its 14th season, major changes are afoot for the hit NBC procedural drama. The show is experiencing an influx of departures, with Michael Bradway, Jake Lockett, and Daniel Kyri all saying goodbye to their roles in the series. These exits come after years of dedicated performances, and they mark a significant shift in the dynamic of Chicago Fire going forward.

Michael Bradway Leaves Chicago Fire After Two Seasons

One of the most notable departures is that of Michael Bradway, who portrayed firefighter Jack Damon, the younger half-brother of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Bradway was a recurring presence on Chicago Fire, appearing in 17 episodes over the course of two seasons. His character, Jack Damon, brought a fresh layer to Severide’s family dynamic, adding emotional depth and intrigue to the series.

The news of Bradway’s exit comes shortly after the announcement that he has landed a role in the series adaptation of Carley Fortune’s 2022 romance novel Every Summer After for Prime Video. Bradway celebrated the news on his Instagram, expressing excitement about his new role as Charlie in the upcoming series. The new show is already in production, which means Bradway’s availability for Chicago Fire season 14 would have been limited. However, producers have left the door open for his potential return in the future if scheduling allows.

Bradway’s departure adds to the growing list of cast changes on the show, as his exit follows the announcement that two other popular series regulars, Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett, will also be leaving.

Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri Exit the Show

Jake Lockett, who has portrayed firefighter Sam Carver for three seasons, and Daniel Kyri, who played firefighter Darren Ritter for seven seasons, are both stepping away from Chicago Fire ahead of season 14. Lockett’s character, Sam Carver, has been a key figure in recent seasons, and his departure will leave a noticeable gap in the show’s ensemble cast.

Kyri’s character, Darren Ritter, was introduced as a guest star before being promoted to a series regular, and over the years, he became a fan-favorite for his dedication and growth as a firefighter. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Kyri confirmed his departure, writing, “I’ll miss this character, and it’s time to move on.” Kyri expressed his gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans for their support throughout his journey on the show.

The exits of Lockett and Kyri are believed to be tied to budget cuts, with sources indicating that there may be further changes across all five shows in the One Chicago franchise, including Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. The news of their exits, along with Bradway’s, has raised questions among fans about the future direction of the show.

New Faces and New Challenges Ahead

With these departures, Chicago Fire is welcoming new cast members to fill the void left by the exits of fan-favorites. Brandon Larracuente, best known for his role in On Call, is the first new cast member confirmed for season 14. The addition of Larracuente’s character promises to bring fresh energy to the show, but it also means that the dynamics of Firehouse 51 will be shifting significantly.

Meanwhile, the season finale of Chicago Fire left many fans on the edge of their seats, with personal and professional struggles heating up. In the final moments, the new chief, Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), found himself arrested for the attempted murder of the man who killed his wife, adding yet another layer of drama to an already tumultuous season. As the show moves into season 14, fans can expect more high-stakes moments, explosive rescues, and perhaps some emotional farewells as the remaining crew members of Firehouse 51 continue their heroic work.

What’s Next for Chicago Fire?

The upcoming season of Chicago Fire will undoubtedly look different with the absence of these key characters. The departures of Bradway, Lockett, and Kyri signal a new chapter for the show, one that will require both fresh faces and the remaining beloved cast members to step up. How the show will adapt to these changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Chicago Fire will continue to deliver the action-packed, emotionally charged drama fans have come to love, even as the team at Firehouse 51 faces a future without some of their most familiar faces.

As the premiere of season 14 approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the show moves forward and which new stories and characters will emerge to keep the fires of Chicago Fire burning bright.