For over a decade, NBC’s “One Chicago” franchise has captivated audiences with its compelling narratives of courage, family, and sacrifice across “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med.” As the 2025–2026 network TV season approaches, fans are bracing for a significant wave of cast departures that will profoundly impact Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. This signals a turning point for the long-running franchise; while some goodbyes are permanent, others intriguingly leave the door ajar for future returns, ensuring the “One Chicago” universe faces a dramatic transformation in its narrative focus and ensemble dynamics.

On “Chicago Med,” Marlyne Barrett’s departure as Maggie Lockwood, the ED’s compassionate charge nurse and emotional backbone since 2015, marks a significant shift. Her exit in Season 11 leaves only two original cast members. While reasons are reportedly personal and producers aim to keep the door open for her return, Maggie’s absence will deeply affect the ED’s dynamic. Remaining characters will be challenged to step into new leadership roles and redefine the show’s emotional core, navigating the significant void left by her warmth and wisdom. This void might foster new character relationships, perhaps pushing Dr. Charles or Sharon Goodwin into even more central supportive roles, or allowing new medical staff to emerge as key players, providing fresh perspectives on patient care and team cohesion.

“Chicago P.D.” also faces a change with Toya Turner’s exit as Officer Kiana Cook. Introduced in Season 12, Cook quickly joined Voight’s Intelligence Unit, forging nascent bonds with Kim Burgess and Dante Torres that hinted at exciting new storylines. After just 21 episodes, her final appearance was in the Season 12 finale. Reasons for Turner’s departure are unconfirmed—speculated to be creative redirection or budget cuts. Her exit’s manner is equally uncertain—a dramatic line-of-duty death, which has historically fueled deep emotional arcs for the unit, or a quieter reassignment could both occur. Her fate, to be revealed in Season 13, will undoubtedly impact the Intelligence Unit’s tight-knit dynamics and the character arcs of Burgess and Torres, potentially inspiring them to further solidify their partnership or to confront the ever-present dangers of their profession with renewed intensity. The loss of a new, promising recruit could also reinforce Voight’s guarded nature, or paradoxically, encourage him to invest more deeply in the remaining members.

However, it is “Chicago Fire” that faces the most profound upheaval, with three confirmed exits poised to redefine Firehouse 51. Season 14 is shaping up to be one of the most transitional and emotionally charged periods in the station’s history, fundamentally reshaping its core dynamics and its very definition of “family.”

Jake Lockett’s departure as Sam Carver is particularly impactful. Introduced in Season 11, Carver became a layered, flawed, but fiercely loyal firefighter. His struggles with addiction, family tension, and a turbulent romance with paramedic Violet Mikami made him exceptionally relatable. Carver’s exit, driven by reported budget cuts, saw him request a transfer to the Denver Fire Department in the Season 13 finale. His bittersweet goodbye with Violet, heartbroken yet supportive, leaves a significant emotional void. This necessitates a profound shift in Violet’s character arc, likely exploring themes of resilience, independent growth, and perhaps a new approach to love after a tumultuous relationship. Carver’s unique blend of charisma and vulnerability will be sorely missed at Firehouse 51, requiring other firefighters to step into more prominent roles in both action and emotional support. While a quick return is unlikely, his transfer offers a narrative pathway for future reconsideration, potentially allowing for a compelling guest arc where he revisits Chicago, or for Violet to pursue a relationship outside the firehouse.

Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter, a quiet but essential fan favorite since Season 7, is another casualty of budget cuts. Known for his compassionate nature and unwavering determination, Ritter has been a vital part of the firehouse family. Unlike Carver, Ritter will receive on-screen closure, with Kyri returning for a limited run at the start of Season 14 to facilitate his farewell. The specifics of his exit remain unknown—will it be a well-deserved promotion, a career change reflecting his growth, or a tragic end that reminds viewers of firefighting’s inherent risks? His departure signifies the loss of a character embodying the quieter, more introspective side of firefighting, a crucial balance to the more boisterous personalities. His absence will undoubtedly shift the internal dynamics of Firehouse 51, potentially elevating other junior firefighters or creating space for new characters to fill the void of his thoughtful presence and meticulous attention to detail.

Finally, Michael Bradway’s Jack Damon, Severide’s younger half-brother, is also leaving Firehouse 51 just as he was finding his footing. Joining in Season 12, Damon’s arrival introduced a compelling new family dynamic for Kelly Severide, pushing him to confront his past, and a budding romance with paramedic Lizzie Novak. Bradway’s exit is due to scheduling conflicts from securing a leading role in Prime Video’s “Every Year After.” Crucially, Damon’s departure seems less definitive, with the door reportedly “wide open” for future guest appearances. This offers hope for fans and provides writers with flexibility. His exit creates an immediate void in Kelly Severide’s personal life, removing a newly found connection to his late father, and leaves Lizzie Novak’s storyline in limbo, forcing her to grapple with a new emotional challenge. However, the possibility of his return means his story, and his relationship with Kelly, might simply be on pause rather than concluded, allowing “Chicago Fire” to maintain rich character relationships while accommodating real-world actor commitments and setting up potential dramatic reunions.

After over 36 cumulative seasons, change is inherent to the “One Chicago” universe. Yet, this concentrated cluster of exits for 2025 feels like more than routine cast turnover; it’s a strategic recalibration for the entire franchise. For fans, these departures bring heartbreak, but also herald new beginnings. With several characters stepping away, Season 14 of “Chicago Fire,” Season 13 of “Chicago P.D.,” and Season 11 of “Chicago Med” gain crucial narrative space for fresh faces, bolder storytelling risks, and a re-centering on enduring characters. This could revitalize established relationships, forge new partnerships, and see new leaders emerge from the ranks. The impact on “Chicago Fire,” with its “mass exodus,” is particularly significant, pushing Firehouse 51 to redefine its collective purpose and strengthen bonds in the face of profound change. In this universe, a goodbye is rarely final; the franchise’s history of character returns offers a comforting promise that paths may cross again. This blend of heartbreak and hope defines “One Chicago,” ensuring that even in a season of unprecedented change, the franchise remains compelling and emotionally resonant. The future of Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney ED has never been more uncertain, yet this very uncertainty makes it undeniably exciting.