Taylor Kinney, best known for his role as Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, is reportedly facing tension behind the scenes with NBC regarding his filming schedule, sparking speculation that he may be stepping away from the show. Sources close to the production suggest that disagreements over timing and workload have reached a point where Kinney is considering—or has been asked—to leave the series temporarily or even permanently.
Industry insiders indicate that Kinney’s busy personal and professional commitments may have collided with the rigorous production calendar required for NBC’s One Chicago franchise. While Kinney has remained tight-lipped publicly, reports suggest the actor has expressed frustration over long days, overlapping shoots, and conflicts with personal plans. “Taylor is committed to his role and fans, but he also values balance,” a source explained. “There’s only so much anyone can give before it becomes untenable.”
Fans of Chicago Fire quickly noticed changes in social media interactions and behind-the-scenes photos, fueling further speculation. Some worry that his potential departure could affect ongoing storylines, particularly for Severide, one of the show’s central characters whose relationships and arcs are integral to the series’ drama. “If Kelly Severide leaves, the show won’t feel the same,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “His chemistry with the rest of the team is unmatched.”
NBC has not confirmed the rumors, maintaining its usual policy of discretion regarding casting negotiations and production challenges. However, insiders emphasize that the network may be negotiating accommodations, from adjusted schedules to temporary leave arrangements, to retain Kinney while respecting his needs. “Studios always try to find a compromise,” one industry observer noted. “Taylor’s role is too significant to risk losing entirely, but they also have to keep the production moving.”
Whether Kinney ultimately steps away, adjusts his schedule, or remains fully on board, the speculation has reignited fan attention on the complexities of long-running series and the pressures actors face behind the camera. For now, audiences are left wondering: will Kelly Severide continue to blaze through Chicago Fire, or is a temporary—or permanent—exit looming for one of NBC’s most beloved characters?
