Firehouse 51 is losing another favorite, and fans are getting hot under the collar. Jake Lockett, who brought gravitas and openness to his character Sam Carver on NBC’s Chicago Fire, has confirmed he will not return for a potential Season 14.
In an Instagram post, Lockett addressed the end of his three-season journey, writing, “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.” The actor shared a heartfelt video montage of Carver’s evolution, ending the caption with, “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.”
Lockett initially came aboard the One Chicago universe in Season 11, becoming a regular by Season 13. His exit, along with Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter), is a major cast shakeup (and maybe a budgetary one) during ongoing negotiations between NBC and Universal Television about the future of the 3 Wolf Entertainment shows.
Sam Carver hit home for so many fans
Jake Lockett’s take on Carver wasn’t simply another firefighter—it was a redemptive journey that rang true. From confronting his history of anger issues to going to rehab following a bitter relapse, Carver’s journey fed viewers with an imperfect and vulnerable hero. His complicated relationship with Violet and a period of poor choices (among them, getting back together with a party girl ex) made his redemption all the more believable.
Lockett’s departure hits particularly hard because, as fan @tayhk2000 noted on X, “Your character was literally just getting started. Really need more of you.” Carver’s reconciliation with Violet had only just started to blossom into genuine friendship again, leaving fans clamoring for resolution. As @stllakidd wrote, “My heart is breaking.”
There’s still a sliver of hope for closure before the finale, but with only a handful of episodes left, any emotional payoff will have to come quickly. And fans aren’t holding back their feelings: “51 ISN’T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. NOW CARVER IS LEAVING THE SHOW 😭😭😭,” tweeted @Sydvaughnfan2.
Meanwhile, @brookelivs quoted Violet: “No, I really miss Carver more than I thought I could.”
What does Jake Lockett’s exit mean for the future of Chicago Fire?
While the creative decision behind Carver’s exit hasn’t been publicly detailed, Deadline reports his and Kyri’s departures are believed to be part of broader cost-cutting efforts. With veteran contracts up for negotiation, more exits may be on the horizon.
But is the budget the real fire the writers are trying to put out? Some fans think the writing is more to blame. “They should fire the writers first… :)” quipped @mikehickey911. They only echo frustration over losing such a recently developed and emotionally involved character.
Whether this is a temporary break or the end of Carver’s journey entirely, one thing’s clear: Jake Lockett made a lasting impact.
Yes they shouldn’t let Carver go