Jake Lockett has announced that he will not return for a potential fourteenth season of NBC’s Chicago Fire, confirming earlier reports about cast changes on the long-running series. The actor, who portrayed firefighter Sam Carver, shared his thoughts on social media, reflecting on his time with the show and thanking those he worked with.
“While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that,” Lockett wrote on Instagram alongside a behind-the-scenes video montage. “It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years,” he added.
Lockett first appeared during season eleven as a recurring character and was later promoted to series regular for season thirteen. His character’s arc involved significant personal challenges, including a difficult breakup with Violet, a relapse after pursuing a relationship with a former girlfriend, and eventual efforts to rebuild his life through rehabilitation and a 12-step program. Throughout these developments, Carver worked to regain the trust of his colleagues at Firehouse 51 and restore his friendship with Violet.
Sources connected to the production indicated that Lockett’s departure, along with that of Daniel Kyri, who played firefighter Darren Ritter, is part of a broader cost-cutting effort. Kyri, who joined the series in season seven and became a regular in season nine, is also not expected to return. NBC has not formally announced a renewal for season fourteen, but discussions about budget adjustments and cast contracts are ongoing across the five Wolf Entertainment dramas airing on the network.
In his message to fans and colleagues, Lockett emphasized the bonds formed during his three years on the series. “Most importantly, the people that I was on the ground with day and night… thank you for the family you are and times you have been and will be there for me,” he wrote. Lockett indicated he plans to share more memories from his time on set, suggesting the significance of the relationships built during production.
Carver’s storylines brought depth to Firehouse 51 during a period marked by cast changes and character transitions. His depiction of a firefighter struggling with sobriety and personal redemption contributed to the series’ ongoing focus on resilience within its ensemble.
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Production decisions regarding Chicago Fire’s next season remain under discussion, with sources suggesting that additional changes to the cast may still occur as budget negotiations continue between NBC and Universal Television.
