When Chicago Fire first roared onto NBC in 2012, few could have predicted just how enduring Dick Wolf’s “One Chicago” franchise would become. Thirteen seasons later, the series still delivers high-octane rescues, gripping emotional arcs, and a loyal fan base that tunes in week after week. But with every successful long-running drama comes a bittersweet reality: not every character—and not every actor—will stick around forever.

This season, fans were hit hard by the news that Jake Lockett, who brought depth and grit to firefighter Sam Carver, would not be returning. His departure, announced alongside Daniel Kyri’s, left viewers stunned and asking the obvious question: Why Carver, and why now?

Sam Carver’s Rocky Road in Firehouse 51

Introduced in Season 11, Carver was never the stereotypical “perfect hero.” Instead, he arrived carrying scars—both physical and emotional. A recovering alcoholic with a complicated past, Carver quickly distinguished himself as one of the show’s most complex new additions. His rocky friendship-turned-romance with paramedic Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) gave him humanity and vulnerability, grounding the adrenaline-fueled rescues in something deeply personal.

Fans followed his struggles with sobriety, heartbreak, and self-worth. By the time Season 13 wrapped, Carver had finally clawed his way back toward redemption. Just as Violet seemed ready to give their love another chance, Carver requested a transfer out of Chicago. His next destination? Denver—an exit that felt both believable and heartbreaking.

The Business Behind the Curtain

As emotional as Carver’s departure was on screen, the real reason Jake Lockett left had little to do with storytelling. According to industry insiders, this was a budget-driven decision by the network.

After more than a decade on air, Chicago Fire has grown increasingly expensive to produce. Long-time cast members command higher salaries, and overall production costs climb with every renewal. To keep the show financially sustainable, NBC and Wolf Entertainment have already reduced the episode counts of some series regulars. When further cuts were necessary, executives made the difficult choice to let go of two actors who joined later in the run—Kyri and Lockett.

Put bluntly: Carver’s story didn’t end because the writers ran out of material. It ended because the network’s balance sheets demanded it.

A Character Fans Weren’t Ready to Lose

Introduced in Season 11, Carver was never the stereotypical “perfect hero.” Instead, he arrived carrying scars—both physical and emotional. A recovering alcoholic with a complicated past, Carver quickly distinguished himself as one of the show’s most complex new additions. His rocky friendship-turned-romance with paramedic Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) gave him humanity and vulnerability, grounding the adrenaline-fueled rescues in something deeply personal.

Fans followed his struggles with sobriety, heartbreak, and self-worth. By the time Season 13 wrapped, Carver had finally clawed his way back toward redemption. Just as Violet seemed ready to give their love another chance, Carver requested a transfer out of Chicago. His next destination? Denver—an exit that felt both believable and heartbreaking.

The Business Behind the Curtain

As emotional as Carver’s departure was on screen, the real reason Jake Lockett left had little to do with storytelling. According to industry insiders, this was a budget-driven decision by the network.

After more than a decade on air, Chicago Fire has grown increasingly expensive to produce. Long-time cast members command higher salaries, and overall production costs climb with every renewal. To keep the show financially sustainable, NBC and Wolf Entertainment have already reduced the episode counts of some series regulars. When further cuts were necessary, executives made the difficult choice to let go of two actors who joined later in the run—Kyri and Lockett.

Put bluntly: Carver’s story didn’t end because the writers ran out of material. It ended because the network’s balance sheets demanded it.

A Character Fans Weren’t Ready to Lose