Jesse Spencer leaves 'Chicago Fire' after 10 seasons, but there's 'potential' he'll return

Jesse Spencer is saying goodbye to "Chicago Fire" after 10 seasons.

The Australian actor, who plays Capt. Matthew Casey on the firefighter drama, starred in his final episode as a series regular Wednesday. He has played the role since the NBC show, produced by Dick Wolf, premiered 2012.

But don't worry, "Fire" fans – there is the "possibility" Casey could come back.

In the the show's 200th episode, viewers see Casey tell his love interest Sylvie Brett (Kara Kilmer) and his colleagues that he's moving to Portland, Oregon, for three years to care for his late best friend Andy Darden’s sons.

Firehouse 51 legend Darden (Corey Sorenson) died in the series premiere, and more recently his son Griffin (Cameron Scott Roberts) showed up in Chicago asking for help – so Casey secured a job with the Portland Fire Department so he could step in.

Spencer and executive producer Derek Haas said in a Zoom call with reporters that they agreed to "at least get Casey to 200 episodes."

"It was a difficult decision because I've loved the show from the start," Spencer said.

"But there’s other things I’d like to do in the future and there’s some family I need to take care of," he said. "And 18 years is a long time, that’s a long stretch."

He added that Haas' storyline of Casey moving to Oregon felt "organic," and the two also weighed in on Casy's relationship with Brett.

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"They are trying to make this relationship work," Spencer said. "But they know that he’s leaving so they're sort of saying nothing's going to change."

Haas teased that the two will still maintain a long-distance relationship. "We're going to keep it alive … so this is a three-year commitment Casey is making, but hopefully we’ll see him before those three years are done. We are going to hear his voice after the 200(th)," he said.

Spencer agreed.

"There is the potential for me to come back. I still am in Chicago right now," where the series, along with spin-offs "Chicago PD" and "Chicago Med," are filmed. "My home here with my wife is in Chicago, so I’m still going to be here, but I’m just stepping back for right now."

Spencer is also known for his roles as Dr. Robert Chase on Fox's hit medical drama "House" and Billy Kennedy on the Australian soap opera "Neighbours."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jesse Spencer's Matt Casey leaves 'Chicago Fire' in 200th episode