Chicago Fire boss shares how Taylor Kinney’s long absence has impacted a potential spinoff
Chicago Fire reveals the following.
Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman has opened up about how Taylor Kinney’s long absence has impacted a potential spinoff.
The actor left his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide last year due to a personal matter. He returned to Firehouse 51 in the season 12 premiere earlier this week (January 17), where he helped the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI) solve a case.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, Newman addressed whether a fourth spinoff to the One Chicago universe would see Severide take on a new role at OFI.
“We did [consider it], but after losing Severide for a while [in season 11], it was a reminder of how much of a big part of 51 he is,” she said.
The author went on to explain the character’s deep connection to the arson division, saying, “Part of it is because it’s in his blood, his dad was in OFI, but part of it is because there’s something about it that just taps into something deep inside of him when he gets involved in it.
“Then, in some ways, it becomes a dangerous zone for him—but he also enjoys it and obviously has the skills for it. So that struggle is going to be a big part of the first few episodes of the season.”
News of an unlikely Severide spinoff comes after Newman recently teased “tension” between the returning character and his wife Stella Kidd in the new season.
“There’s a whole new dynamic between them,” she told TVLine, explaining the impact Severide’s arson case had on his marriage.
“It’s pretty clear within a second of the show starting. They still can’t keep their hands off each other. You can see they still love each other, but there’s a new dimension to their relationship.”
Kinney returns to the show after Alberto Rosende and Kara Killmer departed as Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett.
Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD return January 17 on NBC and Peacock in the US. The series airs on Sky Witness in the UK.
