The Chicago Fire Season 13 fall finale aired with its signature mix of heart-pounding drama and heartfelt moments. However, one noticeable absence left fans uneasy: Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), a central character since the show’s debut. While Severide’s departure in Season 11 caused waves, this time, there’s no need to sound the alarm. Here’s why fans can rest assured that Severide will be back—and soon.
How Chicago Fire Addressed Severide’s Absence
Season 13, Episode 8, titled “Quicksand,” had plenty of action, including Joe Cruz confronting his past and Ritter exploring his next steps with his boyfriend. Amid the chaos, the show briefly explained Severide’s whereabouts. According to Cruz, “Severide’s got some fire inspection boondoggle in Michigan.”
While “boondoggle” may sound like a casual dismissal, Stella Kidd (Severide’s wife, played by Miranda Rae Mayo) later offered an update that calmed nerves. When Violet asked how Severide was doing, Stella replied:
“Good, but he’s decided to come back a little early. Which, of course, I’m happy about.”
This reassurance sets the stage for his imminent return, confirmed in the promo for the winter premiere on January 8, 2025. This temporary absence is a far cry from the prolonged, story-driven departure in Season 11, when Severide left for training without communicating with Stella.
The Real Reason Behind Taylor Kinney’s Absence
Kinney’s absence from this pivotal episode likely stems from behind-the-scenes production decisions rather than story arcs. In 2023, NBC renewed its One Chicago and Law & Order franchises with a significant caveat: cast members would appear in fewer episodes to manage costs while maintaining their full series regular status.
This approach, first reported by Deadline, meant that actors like Taylor Kinney could take time off without impacting their status as main cast members. Since then, this strategy has become standard across the One Chicago universe, with other actors also stepping away temporarily.
For instance, David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) missed several episodes earlier this season after snapping his Achilles tendon. He later explained to CinemaBlend:
“I was out for a couple [episodes]. I snapped my Achilles tendon, so I got knocked out for a bit. It’s been weird.”
Taylor Kinney’s absence seems to align with this production strategy rather than signaling another major storyline like his Season 11 departure.
Fan Reactions to Severide’s Missing Finale
As expected, fans were quick to discuss Severide’s absence online. Some expressed disappointment, with one Reddit user writing:
“How could they leave out a core character like Kelly Severide in the midseason finale?”
Others noted that the jam-packed storyline didn’t leave much room for Severide, and his absence likely had little impact on the episode’s narrative.
“There were so many storylines this episode, I don’t know what they would have done with him,” another fan pointed out.
What’s Next for Severide?
With the winter premiere confirmed for January 8, fans won’t have to wait long to see Severide back in action. His early return to Firehouse 51 suggests that his absence was simply logistical, allowing the character to remain central to the series without dominating every storyline.
For those who can’t wait, earlier episodes of Chicago Fire are streaming on Peacock, providing plenty of opportunities to revisit Severide’s most iconic moments. As the series continues its 2024–2025 run, viewers can expect more twists, turns, and the dynamic presence of Kelly Severide that has anchored the show for over a decade.
