A New Era for the Windy City

For over a decade, the One Chicago universe — Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med — has captivated audiences with interwoven storylines, high-stakes drama, and a rotating cast of memorable characters. But 2025 marks a major turning point: several beloved cast members across all three shows are leaving, reshaping the landscape of Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.

These exits are driven by a mix of personal choices, creative directions, and budgetary adjustments. Fans will notice the changes immediately, as longstanding characters depart and storylines are left unresolved, paving the way for a new era of storytelling.

Chicago Fire: Firehouse 51 in Flux

Firehouse 51 is losing three of its most notable firefighters in 2025:

• Michael Bradway as Jack Damon: Damon, half-brother to Kelly Severide, was poised for a major story arc. Bradway’s departure is reportedly due to a scheduling conflict with a new Prime Video series. While his exit is significant, producers have left the door open for a potential return.

• Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter: A fan-favorite, Ritter’s quiet strength and loyalty made him a cornerstone of Firehouse 51. Kyri’s exit is part of broader budget cuts, leaving a major void in the team’s dynamic.

• Jake Lockett as Sam Carver: Carver’s budding relationship with Violet had fans invested in his character. Lockett’s departure leaves an unresolved romantic storyline and signals a shift in the show’s character landscape.

With these departures, Firehouse 51 faces the challenge of reestablishing a sense of family and camaraderie amid significant cast changes.

Chicago P.D.: Intelligence Unit in Transition

The Intelligence Unit is also undergoing major changes:

• Toya Turner as Kiana Cook: Turner’s exit was unexpected and unrelated to a specific storyline. Kiana brought a fresh energy to the team, and her departure marks a noticeable change in the unit’s dynamic.

• Shawn Hatosy as Deputy Chief Charlie Reid: Reid’s character was killed in the Season 12 finale, a decision that reshaped the team and set up new conflicts for the upcoming season.

The loss of Cook and Reid challenges the remaining members of the Intelligence Unit to adapt, rebuild trust, and navigate the evolving dynamics of the department.

Chicago Med: A Hospital in Transition

At Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, one of the most recognizable faces is stepping away:

• Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood: Barrett, who has portrayed the beloved charge nurse since the show’s inception, is taking a leave for personal reasons. Maggie has been a pillar of strength and guidance within the hospital, and her absence will be felt deeply by both characters and viewers.

Barrett’s departure may be temporary, but her character’s role in maintaining stability at the hospital underscores the challenges the remaining staff will face in 2025.

A Turning Point for the Franchise

The departures across all three One Chicago shows highlight the franchise’s willingness to evolve. While saying goodbye to familiar faces is difficult, it opens the door for fresh storylines, new characters, and opportunities to explore different aspects of Chicago’s first responders and medical professionals.

The exits of Bradway, Kyri, Lockett, Turner, Hatosy, and Barrett are a stark reminder that in the One Chicago universe, no role is permanent — and that change can bring both challenges and new excitement. Fans can expect 2025 to be a year of adaptation, growth, and high-stakes storytelling across Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.

The city of Chicago remains at the heart of these dramas, and even as familiar faces depart, the franchise’s dedication to exploring life, family, and the human spirit ensures that the Windy City will remain as compelling as ever.