Daniel Kyri Returns to Chicago Fire in Limited Role Following Season 13 Departure

Fans of Chicago Fire are getting a welcome surprise—Daniel Kyri, who portrayed firefighter Darren Ritter, is making a short return to the hit NBC drama after his emotional exit at the end of Season 13. The actor confirmed his return with a behind-the-scenes set photo, igniting excitement among longtime viewers.

Daniel Kyri Returns to Chicago Fire in Season 14

Daniel Kyri, who joined Chicago Fire in 2018 as firefighter candidate Darren Ritter, will appear briefly in Season 14. Though he exited the series as a regular alongside co-star Jake Lockett at the end of Season 13, Kyri revealed via Instagram that he is back “for a limited time only.” The post featured fellow cast members Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon, signaling Ritter’s involvement in at least one upcoming episode.

Ritter was introduced as a thoughtful, skilled firefighter with a strong moral compass. Over time, he became an integral part of Firehouse 51 and developed a loyal fan base. His character also stood out as one of the few openly gay characters in the One Chicago universe, sharing a notable relationship arc with Officer Dwayne Monroe in Season 12.

Despite stepping away from the show, Kyri’s character was never formally written off, allowing space for future appearances—a decision hinted at by showrunner Andrea Newman in previous interviews (TVLine, Entertainment Weekly).

Why Daniel Kyri’s Return Is Temporary

Kyri’s limited return aligns with major structural changes happening behind the scenes. NBC confirmed earlier this year that Chicago Fire, along with its sister series in the One Chicago franchise, will face significant budget cuts. These include reduced episode orders and salary adjustments across the cast. These shifts have already prompted the exits of other characters, including Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) and Michael Bradway (Jack Damon), both of whom were introduced in recent seasons (People Magazine, TV Guide).

Showrunner Andrea Newman acknowledged that Season 14 will bring high turnover at Firehouse 51. She noted that storylines would reflect the financial pressures facing the department, including layoffs, leadership shifts, and department-wide reorganizations—mirroring real-world struggles faced by fire departments nationwide.

Given the current constraints, Kyri’s appearance will likely serve to wrap up lingering character arcs or provide narrative transitions.

Cast Departures and Changes Ahead of Season 14

Jake Lockett, who played Carver and developed a romantic subplot with Violet Mikami in Season 12, also departed as a main cast member after Season 13. Meanwhile, Bradway’s departure is attributed to his new leading role in a Prime Video project. According to internal production sources cited in multiple outlets, several new characters are expected to join the firehouse roster in Season 14 to balance out the exits (CBR, Deadline).

Despite fan concerns over cast changes, Newman emphasized that this phase of transformation opens doors for fresh storylines, emotional depth, and possible future cameos by past favorites like Kyri.

What to Expect from Kyri’s Brief Return

The creative team has not confirmed how many episodes will feature Daniel Kyri’s character, but industry sources suggest his return will likely coincide with emotionally charged plotlines surrounding team dynamics, job security, and personal crossroads. Given Ritter’s deep ties to the rest of the crew—particularly Herrmann and Violet—his scenes are expected to be impactful despite their brevity.

Fans continue to speculate on whether this “limited” appearance could eventually evolve into more substantial guest roles. While nothing is official, Kyri’s return opens that door, depending on how the season unfolds.

The character of Darren Ritter remains a fan favorite, and Daniel Kyri’s presence—even temporarily—adds continuity and emotional weight as the show faces big shifts in its fourteenth season.

You Must Know:

Why did Daniel Kyri leave Chicago Fire?
Daniel Kyri left at the end of Season 13 due to creative and production changes within the show, including budget-related restructuring. His exit was part of a broader shift impacting several cast members.

Will Daniel Kyri return as a series regular?
As of now, Daniel Kyri is only returning for a limited arc in Season 14. There’s no confirmation about a permanent return to the main cast.

What episode will feature Daniel Kyri’s return?
Exact episode details haven’t been announced, but his return was teased via an Instagram story during early production of Season 14.

Is Chicago Fire losing more cast members?
Yes, alongside Kyri, Jake Lockett and Michael Bradway are also leaving the main cast. Showrunner Andrea Newman has warned of more turnover in Season 14.

What changes are coming to Season 14 of Chicago Fire?
Season 14 will have fewer episodes and a restructured cast due to NBC budget cuts. Themes will include internal layoffs and administrative shakeups in the CFD.

Will Darren Ritter’s storyline get closure?
Given Kyri’s brief return, it’s expected the show will provide some closure or continuation of Ritter’s story in a meaningful way.