A Familiar Face Could Soon Be Back at Firehouse 51

Chicago Fire Season 14 may have just reignited hope for fans longing to see one of Firehouse 51’s most beloved firefighters again. Despite several character departures, the NBC hit subtly set the stage for Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter to make a comeback — and the signs are unmistakable.

Let’s break down how the series quietly left the door wide open for Ritter’s return and why his story might not be over just yet.

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Ritter’s Exit: A Heartfelt Pause, Not a Goodbye

When Chicago Fire Season 14 began, it looked like another wave of exits was upon us. Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) transferred to Denver, Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) was moved to another firehouse, and Ritter suddenly announced he was leaving to be with his ex-boyfriend, Dwayne Morris.

In Episode 2, “Primary Search,” viewers learned that Dwayne, now a firefighter in New York, had been shot in the line of duty. Upon hearing the news, Ritter immediately rushed to his side. Their reunion was emotional and deeply personal — two men who had once parted ways finding love and closure again amid crisis.

When Dwayne regained consciousness, the pair had an honest conversation and decided to work on rebuilding their relationship, with Ritter agreeing to take a furlough to stay in New York for a while.

This distinction — furlough, not resignation — is key. It signals that Ritter’s departure is temporary, leaving fans with a glimmer of hope that he’s not gone for good.

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NBC May Have Plans for Ritter’s Return

Behind the scenes, Chicago Fire’s creative team appears to have left Ritter’s storyline intentionally open-ended. While NBC’s reported budget cuts were the main reason behind Kyri’s initial exit, the writers seem optimistic that the actor could return down the line.

Showrunner Andrea Newman hinted at this in an interview with TV Insider following the Season 14 premiere. Though she didn’t officially confirm when Ritter might reappear, Newman expressed hope that Kyri could come back before the season ends.

That optimism — coupled with the emotional sendoff in Episode 2 — suggests that Ritter’s story is still being written.

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Why Firehouse 51 Needs Ritter Back

Ritter has long been one of Firehouse 51’s emotional anchors. Introduced as a fresh recruit in earlier seasons, he grew into a steady, compassionate firefighter — one who often bridged the gap between veterans like Mouch and the younger crew members.

His quiet courage and empathy made him a fan favorite, especially during times of internal conflict at the firehouse. Without him, there’s a noticeable gap — not just in the team dynamic but in the show’s moral balance.