Does Carver leave Chicago Fire for good? His fate revealed
Does Carver leave Chicago Fire? Yes, Jake Lockett, who plays firefighter Sam Carver, exits the series after season 13. But there's more to his departure than a simple send-off. So, what led to this surprising move, and could it mean something bigger for the future of Firehouse 51?
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Jake Lockett, who plays Sam Carver, is leaving Chicago Fire after season 13, with no confirmation of a return.
- Carver will be leaving together with Darren Ritter, portrayed by Daniel Kyri, as part of broader cast reductions driven by NBC's cost-cutting measures.
- Carver's departure is tied to his character's emotional struggles in season 13
Does Carver leave Chicago Fire for good?
Yes. Jake Lockett, known for his role as Sam Carver, is being written out of Chicago Fire following the end of season 13. Although there has been no official confirmation that Carver's departure is permanent, sources indicate that he might not return to the show. The news has surprised many viewers, particularly because Carver's character plays a significant role in the show.
Is Carver leaving Chicago Fire alone?
No. Daniel Kyri, who plays Darren Ritter, and Jake Lockett, who portrays Sam Carver, are set to exit Chicago Fire following the conclusion of season 13 as well. Their departures mean two prominent characters will be leaving the series, a decision that has sparked disappointment among fans.
Despite not having been part of the show as long as some of the more established cast members, both actors have played key roles in introducing new and engaging storylines to the show.
Why does Carver leave Chicago Fire?
Carver's departure from Chicago Fire is part of NBC's broader cost-cutting strategy. The network has been implementing measures to reduce production expenses across its programming, including limiting the number of episodes each actor appears in per season.
As a result, nearly every cast member in season 13 of Chicago Fire has been absent from at least one episode. Sources indicated that Wolf Entertainment's television shows on NBC are being streamlined ahead of potential renewals for the 2025–2026 season, with the exits of actors like Kyri and Lockett expected to be only the beginning.
Source: Instagram
The network's ongoing budget cuts are expected to result in further cast reductions across all three One Chicago series. The situation is compounded by the fact that many long-serving cast members have contracts nearing expiration, triggering negotiations for new agreements with the network.
Carver's turbulent journey in season 13 of Chicago Fire
In the 13th season of Chicago Fire, Sam Carver faced a series of personal and professional setbacks. His relationship with Paramedic Violet Mikami ended badly, triggering a downward spiral that saw him rekindle ties with a former partner known for her toxic behaviour. This period also marked a relapse into alcohol abuse, hugely impacting his role at Firehouse 51 and straining his interactions with colleagues.
The season depicted Carver's internal battles with a degree of realism, portraying his inconsistent efforts to seek support through Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. He often struggled to stay on course despite occasional attempts to address his issues. The mounting pressure of maintaining sobriety, coupled with emotional turmoil, eventually led Carver to step away from his duties.
In Episode 14, he was shown taking a break from the firehouse, a decision made to prioritise his recovery. He left a note for Violet before departing, and the temporary leave was granted with the backing of Lieutenant Stella Kidd.
Which other TV shows has Jake Lockett featured in?
Jake Lockett began his acting career with a comedic role in an episode of Two Broke Girls. He has since built a consistent presence in television and film, taking on significant guest roles in series such as NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawaii Five-0, and SEAL Team.
Jake's film work includes a supporting role in Transpecos, which was released by Samuel Goldwyn Films and won the Audience Award at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival. He also played the main antagonist in Blood on Wheels, which was produced by and starred James Franco.
Source: Instagram
In more recent appearances, beyond his ongoing role in Chicago Fire, Lockett has been featured in the comedy series Maggie on Hulu and The Big Leap on FOX. He also made his directorial debut with the short film A Rush of Peace, starring M Hayward Scott. The film earned several accolades, including Best First-Time Director and Best Crime Film, and additional honours from the Independent Shorts Awards and Rome Shorts, where he was named Best Male Director.
FAQs about Carver leaving Chicago Fire
- Are Ritter and Carver leaving Chicago Fire? Yes, Ritter and Carver are leaving Chicago Fire at the end of season 13.
- What happened to Carver on Chicago Fire? Carver faced personal struggles in season 13, including a breakup and a relapse into alcohol abuse.
- Did Violet and Carver get together? No, Violet and Carver did not get together after breaking up.
- Why did Carver leave Firehouse 51 in season 13? Carver left Firehouse 51 in season 13 to prioritise his recovery after a relapse, emotional issues, and professional setbacks.
- Will Carver return to Chicago Fire in the future? There is no official confirmation that Carver will return to Chicago Fire in the future.
- How old is Jake Lockett? Jake Lockett is 40 years old as of April 2025.
- Is Chicago Fire season 14 confirmed? Chicago Fire season 14 has not yet been officially confirmed.
Final word
Does Carver leave Chicago Fire permanently? Even though it hasn't been officially confirmed, reports indicate that the character might not be making a comeback in the following seasons. While the reasons behind Carver's exit range from behind-the-scenes budget cuts to an emotionally turbulent storyline, what's clear is that his character brought depth and complexity to Firehouse 51.
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