Season 10 of Chicago Fire has delivered plenty of twists, from Matt Casey’s emotional departure to Sylvie Brett grappling with a long-distance relationship. But few storylines have sparked as much debate as Stella Kidd’s mysterious absence and its impact on her engagement to Kelly Severide. Fans rejoiced when Stella returned during the winter finale, but her time away has left lingering questions—and significant tension.
Here’s what Chicago Fire showrunner Derek Haas had to say about the challenges facing Stella and Severide, affectionately dubbed “Stellaride” by fans.
Stella Kidd’s Absence Sparks Concern
Early in Season 10, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) took an extended furlough to focus on the Girls on Fire program, an initiative that empowers young women to pursue careers in firefighting. While her absence was explained within the storyline, her extended time away—and lack of communication—left Severide (Taylor Kinney) and fans alike feeling abandoned.
Derek Haas addressed the situation in an interview with Entertainment Tonight: “The timing of her leaving wasn’t ideal—professionally or personally. The lieutenant position was open, and then there’s Severide, who has a history of not handling these kinds of situations well. But she’s never really been the one to pull away from him like this.”
Haas explained that Stella’s decision to ghost Severide, despite noble intentions, adds an unfamiliar dynamic to their relationship. “He doesn’t know how to react to being ignored or, in his eyes, abandoned. It’s uncharted territory for him, and it’s definitely going to be a concern moving forward.”
Trouble on the Horizon for Stellaride
Fans hoping for a seamless reunion between Stella and Severide may be disappointed. According to Haas, the couple’s communication issues will take center stage in the second half of Season 10.
“Unfortunately, communication isn’t Severide’s strong suit,” Haas admitted. “When Stella returns, there’s going to be some major tension—not just about their relationship but also her place in the firehouse. They’ll need some serious work to get back on the same page. It’s a renovation, not a demolition, but it won’t be easy.”
While the couple’s bond has survived plenty of challenges in the past, from Severide’s emotional baggage to Stella’s career ambitions, Haas hinted that this time may feel different. When asked if fans should be worried about Stellaride, Haas didn’t sugarcoat his answer: “Yeah, you should be for sure.”
Fans React to the Winter Finale
The winter finale, which aired on December 8, saw Stella’s return, but it left fans divided. Some were thrilled to see her back, while others questioned the impact of her absence on her relationship with Severide and her standing in Firehouse 51.
On social media, viewers expressed mixed emotions:
- “I love Stella, but ghosting Severide like that? Not cool.”
- “Stellaride can weather anything. This is just another bump in the road.”
- “Can’t wait to see how they repair this. They’re one of my favorite TV couples.”
When Will We Learn Stellaride’s Fate?
Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait long to see what happens next. Chicago Fire returns from its winter break on January 5, 2022. With so much at stake—both professionally and personally—Season 10 promises plenty of drama for Stellaride and the rest of Firehouse 51.
As Haas noted, “There’s a lot to talk about. Stella’s place at the firehouse and in her relationship with Severide needs major attention. It’ll take time, but it’s going to be worth it.”
