In the high-octane world of network television, few stars are as synonymous with “toughness” as Taylor Kinney. For over a decade, his portrayal of Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire has anchored the One Chicago franchise, making him a household name. However, as the production of Season 13 reaches its peak in early 2026, a wave of concern has swept through the fandom. Sensationalist headlines suggesting that Kinney has been “hospitalized due to extreme overwork” have begun to circulate on social media, leading many to ask: Is Severide heading for another sudden hiatus?
To understand the truth, one must first separate internet clickbait from reality. As of January 2026, there have been no official reports from NBC, Wolf Entertainment, or Taylor Kinney’s representatives confirming a medical emergency or a hospitalization. These rumors often originate from the grueling nature of the show itself. Filming a 22-episode season in the middle of a Chicago winter involves 14-hour days and intense physical stunts. When fans see a character looking exhausted on screen, or if an actor misses a single promotional event, the “overwork” narrative often spirals out of control.
The anxiety among fans is also fueled by the memory of Kinney’s unexpected “leave of absence” in 2023. At that time, the actor stepped away to deal with a private personal matter, leaving a void in the show that lasted for several months. Because of that history, the audience remains on high alert for any sign that the star might be reaching a breaking point. However, current production insiders suggest that the reality is much more stable. Rather than facing a crisis, the show has moved toward a “rotating” schedule that allows lead actors more frequent breaks to specifically prevent the kind of burnout that these rumors describe.
In fact, Taylor Kinney’s role in Season 13 has never been more vital. With Eamonn Walker (Wallace Boden) only appearing in a recurring capacity, Severide has become the primary emotional and professional anchor of Firehouse 51. Recent storylines have seen him navigating a high-stakes investigation into a city-wide arson ring and managing the complex arrival of new Chief Dom Pascal. Far from taking a hiatus, Kinney appears to be leaning into the most demanding and rewarding material he has had in years.
Ultimately, while the physical toll of playing a firefighter is undeniable, the claims of a forced hiatus due to hospitalization appear to be “digital smoke” with no real fire behind them. Taylor Kinney remains active on set, currently filming the latter half of the season. For now, fans can rest easy knowing that Kelly Severide is still leading the charge at 26 Fed, and the only thing Kinney is currently “suffering” from is the intense schedule of a hit television show.
