They’ve survived explosions, near-death rescues, long-distance stints, and career-threatening decisions. But for Chicago Fire’s beloved power couple — Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide — the greatest challenge yet might not come from the flames, but from the crib.
As Chicago Fire gears up for Season 14, all eyes are on Stellaride following the bombshell revelation in the Season 13 finale: Stella is pregnant. While fans celebrated the news of a baby Severide with glee, behind that joy could lie the seeds of serious conflict — maybe even the end of Firehouse 51’s golden couple.
🔥 A Complicated Past, A Fragile Future
Since her first appearance in Season 4, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) has been fiercely independent and focused. From creating “Girls on Fire” to becoming lieutenant, she’s made it clear that her ambition is not on pause for anyone — even for love.
Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), while equally ambitious, has always leaned into the idea of family. His longing to have children has been a recurring theme, even as Stella remained hesitant about parenthood.
Now, with a baby on the way — unplanned and unexpected — all their old issues may rise again.
💬 “We may be soulmates,” Stella once told Kelly, “but we’re not always in sync.”
🍼 Time Jumps, Diapers & Decisions
Season 14 will likely open with a time jump, possibly after the baby is born — but with no roadmap for what life as working parents will look like. Their demanding, high-risk jobs at CFD don’t exactly allow for a typical parental leave setup.
Expect tension as the couple navigates:
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Who stays home vs. who stays in action?
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Whose career slows down (if any)?
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How they divide parenting roles — when both are natural leaders?
Given Stella’s previous fears around pregnancy and how it might limit her, she could face anxiety over maternity leave or how her body bounces back post-birth — issues that may trigger feelings of resentment, frustration, or isolation.
💔 Past Trauma, Present Tension
Severide’s own troubled relationship with his late father, Benny Severide, could cloud his parenting journey. With unresolved abandonment issues, Kelly might overcompensate — or, ironically, distance himself to avoid failing.
Stella, who was devastated after their adoption plans fell through in earlier seasons, may veer toward overprotection now that she has a child of her own. That emotional intensity could lead to disagreements over everything from daycare decisions to firefighting while parenting.
💬 “They’re both warriors,” says showrunner Andrea Newman. “But warriors sometimes don’t know how to lower their guard at home.”
🧨 Will Firehouse 51 Feel the Heat?
Let’s not forget: personal tensions often bleed into professional dynamics at 51. Both are leaders — Stella is a lieutenant, and Kelly is a respected veteran. The stress of parenting, especially if one of them steps back from duties, could shake the chemistry and hierarchy at the firehouse.
There’s also the danger of Severide retreating into work as a coping mechanism — something he’s done in the past when overwhelmed. If that happens again, Stella may be left feeling abandoned in the very moment she needs him most.
⚠️ A Breakup on the Horizon?
Though a full-blown split feels unlikely, Chicago Fire is no stranger to heartbreak. Just look at the slow-burn split of Casey and Brett, or Boden’s bittersweet farewell. A trial separation or temporary pullback between Stellaride isn’t off the table.
And while fans may cling to their status as soulmates, the pressure of parenting might finally reveal that love alone can’t fix every crack.
💬 What’s Next?
Will Season 14 be the ultimate test of Stellaride’s love, or the beginning of an even stronger family unit?
One thing’s for sure: this won’t be smooth sailing. Parenthood could either forge them into an unbreakable trio — or set the stage for the most emotional storyline the series has tackled yet.
