Season 13 of Chicago Fire has had its ups and downs, with its fall finale sparking mixed reactions from fans. While some appreciated the episode’s suspenseful buildup, others were frustrated by unanswered questions and an overstuffed plot. One glaring omission stood out, though: the absence of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), a fan-favorite character.
During the episode, it was explained that Severide was in Michigan, with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) assuring the firehouse that he’d be back soon. Sure enough, the promo for the upcoming winter premiere teased Severide’s return in dramatic fashion. So, why was he missing from such a pivotal episode?
Severide’s Absence: A Strategic Move?
Severide’s disappearance is not an isolated incident. In 2023, Chicago Fire and the broader One Chicago franchise began experimenting with reduced appearances for main cast members. This cost-cutting measure, first reported by Deadline, involves negotiating fewer episodes per season for regular cast members to keep production expenses manageable while ensuring the show’s longevity.
According to the report, the episodic fees for each series regular are being renegotiated to reflect this change. The idea is to balance budgets while still maintaining the star power that draws viewers to the show.
Though this policy hasn’t been widely discussed in 2024, the sporadic absences of key characters, including Severide, suggest that it’s quietly in effect.
Hints from Season 13
Severide isn’t the only character who has gone MIA. Earlier this season, Cruz (Joe Minoso) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) were notably absent from the episode “Birds of Prey,” with Herrmann missing the following episode as well. In both cases, the show used brief explanations to address their absence, signaling a potential pattern of rotating absences to accommodate fewer contracted episodes.
While Taylor Kinney’s personal leave during the last two seasons might explain some of his absences, his exclusion from the fall finale aligns with what appears to be a broader strategy.
Why This Approach Matters
Cost-cutting in television is nothing new, especially for long-running franchises like One Chicago. The practice allows networks to sustain high production values and retain a large ensemble cast without overextending budgets. However, it also comes with risks. Fans who are deeply invested in certain characters might feel alienated or frustrated if their favorites are missing during key moments.
Still, this approach does create opportunities for other characters to shine. Episodes that focus on secondary storylines or new dynamics could help diversify the storytelling and deepen the audience’s connection to the broader ensemble.
What to Expect in the Winter Premiere
The good news is that Severide is set to make a dramatic return in the upcoming winter premiere. The promo teases his involvement in a high-stakes rescue mission, bringing him back into the thick of the action and likely addressing his absence in the fall finale.
While this cost-saving measure might mean fewer episodes for individual characters, it’s clear that Severide’s presence remains integral to the heart of Chicago Fire. As the season unfolds, fans will likely see more creative ways the show handles cast rotations while continuing to deliver the drama and heroics that have kept it on the air for over a decade.
