Chicago Fire’s Ultimate Ritter Replacement? The Answer’s Been Right In Front of Us All Along!

Ritter might not have much time left on Chicago Fire, but his best replacement option has been right under our noses since season 8.

Although they were both announced to be departing the series, the Chicago Fire season 13 finale didn't do much to set up Carver (Jake Lockett) and Ritter's (Daniel Kyri) exits. This leaves unanswered questions regarding their replacements come Chicago Fire season 14.

Furthermore, it seems like a particularly odd time for Ritter to leave. Not long after moving to Truck, Ritter will have to say goodbye right as he is growing accustomed to his new role at Firehouse 51. However, this also sets up a currently existing member of the Chicago Fire cast to take his place, even if the timing's unfortunate for Ritter himself.

Ritter's Exit In Chicago Fire Season 14 Is Inevitable (Despite Season 13's Finale)

The Announcement Happened Before The Finale Even Aired

When NBC announced the departures of Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett ahead of the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, fans hoped the creative team would at least have time to deliver a proper send-off for their characters. It did no such thing, but Brandon Larracuente's Chicago Fire casting suggests the search for Ritter and Carver's replacements is already underway.

On the other hand, Ritter's exit may look even more doubtful after showrunner Andrea Newman hinted Sam Carver may appear in Chicago Fire season 14. However, there has been no confirmation that Ritter will appear to say goodbye in person before his character's departure. And, whether his exit occurs onscreen or not, he still needs a replacement eventually. Fortunately, they're already at the firehouse.

How Kylie Is The Perfect Replacement For Ritter In Chicago Fire Season 14

She's Already Proven Herself An Asset To Firehouse 51

Although Michael Bradway's Jack Damon's Chicago Fire return led to her appearing in fewer episodes than in any other season besides season 8, Kylie Estevez (Katelynn Shennett) embodies nearly everything that works about Ritter and more. Much like Ritter, she's young and relatively new to her position, yet she's still been the MVP on many calls since she became a firefighter. One main reason Kylie deserves to become a series regular is her history. Between graduating from Girls on Fire and being put on Engine 51, Kylie has incredible working relationships with Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg).

Additionally, Katelynn Shennett won't face the same challenge a newer actor might face in terms of establishing onscreen chemistry with the rest of the primary cast. Furthermore, Kylie's an incredibly smart, resourceful, and diligent woman who gets along with everybody. She demonstrates each of these qualities in Chicago Fire season 13 when she plays a vital role in helping Herrmann track down the source of citywide hydrant thefts. That's barely scratching the surface of what she's accomplished, let alone what she'd accomplish as a regular.

Firehouse 51 Still Has A Staffing Issue In Chicago Fire Season 14 After Kylie Replaces Ritter

Jack Damon's Injury Could Make Things Complicated

It's still not entirely clear how Ritter's Chicago Fire exit will happen. Either way, promoting Kylie to series regular raises the question of whether she'll stay on Engine or move to Truck. If Carver is indeed sticking around for longer than initially believed, then keeping Kylie on Engine is the most logical choice. But that raises yet another problem when the reason Damon's return likely reduced Kylie's episode count in Chicago Fire season 13 is that Engine wound up with one too many filled positions.Damon's currently out as a result of his injury, but the prognosis deems a full recovery likely. And with Brandon Larracuente's addition to the cast, there still isn't enough room on Engine for both Damon and Kylie. Of course, there are ways around this. If Damon remains a recurring character, he can act as an occasional substitute. It's also possible his lung complications could be worse than expected, forcing him to take a less dangerous role at 51. But if Chicago Fire can work out these kinks, they can give Kylie the main cast position she deserves.