When Chicago Fire kicked off Season 14, viewers quickly picked up on a major hint that after seven seasons, Daniel Kyri is saying goodbye to his role as Darren Ritter. However, it won’t be an immediate exit. Ritter will still appear in Season 14, just for a shorter run, before officially leaving the show for good. 

Is Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter leaving Chicago Fire in Season 14?

Kyri confirmed in an Instagram post in August 2025 that he’s filmed his final scenes. He also clarified that his character, Darren Ritter, is leaving Chicago Fire. 

In the post, Kyri writes, “Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig—a role that was originally meant for just three episodes—turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt???!) and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show!” Kyri continues. “While I know I may never find another cast and crew as amazing as this one, I intend to carry what I’ve learned from you to every set in the future.” 

Originally, Ritter’s exit was tied to budget cuts, and the long-running show chose not to renew his contract heading out of Season 13. However, rather than vanish off-screen, Ritter was brought back for a couple of episodes in Season 14 so his character could receive a proper send-off. 

The Season 14 opener gives us clues about Ritter’s departure. We find Ritter still at Firehouse 51, getting back with his ex, Dwayne. The latter was transferred out of Chicago and joined the NYPD. 

Later, Dwayne is shot in the line of duty and is hospitalized in New York. Ritter gets on a plane to be by his side. This is how the show sets up Ritter’s exit: moving to New York to be with his boyfriend. 

While leaving the show is bittersweet for Kyri, he praised the Chicago Fire cast. He claimed he may never work with a group as incredible as this one. He added that he’ll carry everything he’s learned from them into future opportunities. Kyri also thanked the Wolf Entertainment team for recognizing his talent.