Taylor Kinney, beloved for his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, is stepping back temporarily from the hit NBC series to address personal matters. The news, confirmed by Us Weekly, has left fans curious about how this change will impact the show moving forward.
A Sudden Departure
The Pennsylvania native, 41, has been a cornerstone of Chicago Fire since its premiere in 2012, remaining one of the few original cast members to appear consistently across 11 seasons. According to Deadline, the cast and crew learned about Kinney’s decision on January 20. NBC has yet to release an official statement or reveal how the storyline will accommodate his absence.
Kinney’s departure marks a significant moment for the series, which has experienced its share of cast shakeups over the years. While the specifics of his leave remain private, fans are hopeful for his eventual return.
A Legacy of Memorable Moments
Since its debut, Chicago Fire has seen several key characters come and go. Some of the most emotional exits included the death of Leslie Shay (Lauren German) in season 3 and the tragic loss of Brian “Otis” Zvonecek (Yuriy Sardarov) in season 8.
Jesse Spencer, who portrayed Lieutenant Matthew Casey, also shocked fans with his departure in October 2021. After a remarkable 18 years on network television—spanning his time on both House and Chicago Fire—Spencer stepped away to pursue other opportunities and focus on family.
However, Spencer made a brief return for the season 10 finale to support Severide during his wedding to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). Speaking about the special episode, Kinney described it as a “family affair,” emphasizing the strong bonds among the cast and crew.
Navigating Change
Kinney’s temporary exit comes during a season of transition for Chicago Fire. The show is currently airing its 11th season, with no confirmation yet on a potential season 12 renewal. Additionally, longtime showrunner Derek Haas announced in November 2022 that he would be leaving Wolf Entertainment at the end of season 11 after a decade of contributing to the franchise’s success.
Kinney previously expressed his gratitude for being part of the Dick Wolf universe, highlighting the privilege of working on a show with such longevity. “It’s never lost on me how special it is to be a part of something with [the] longevity this has, and it’s a testament to Dick Wolf [and] the team of people that he puts together,” Kinney shared with Us Weekly.
Looking Ahead
As fans await updates on Kinney’s return, the storyline adjustments for Severide’s absence will be crucial to maintaining the series’ momentum. Kinney’s portrayal of the dedicated and heroic firefighter has been a central pillar of Chicago Fire, making his temporary departure a poignant moment for the show’s loyal audience.
Though Kinney is taking time away, his impact on Chicago Fire and its viewers remains undeniable. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his return, rooting for both the actor and the character they’ve come to love over the past decade.
