For over a decade, Chicago Fire has thrived on its ensemble cast, but let’s be honest—Kelly Severide has always been one of the show’s most magnetic forces. Played by Taylor Kinney, the brooding lieutenant is equal parts fearless firefighter, complicated son, and passionate husband. Yet in the past two seasons, Severide’s future on the series has been clouded by uncertainty.
When Kinney abruptly stepped away in season 11 for personal reasons, fans feared the worst. Severide disappeared from the screen, his absence explained by an OFI training program in Alabama and later an ATF assignment that left even his wife, Stella Kidd, in the dark. Rumors swirled that Kinney might not return, especially as other longtime cast members—including Kara Killmer and Eamonn Walker—exited in season 12. Losing yet another original would have been devastating.
But now, all signs point to good news: Taylor Kinney is back, and Severide is front and center in Chicago Fire season 13.
A Poster Worth a Thousand Words
If there was ever a moment to silence lingering doubts, NBC delivered it in bold fashion. The network released the first season 13 promotional poster, and who’s leading the charge up the firetruck’s ladder? None other than Kelly Severide. Behind him are Stella Kidd, Joe Cruz, and Christopher Herrmann, while Violet Mikami and newcomer Lyla Novak look on from the ground.
This is no accident. After months of speculation about his future, the poster positions Severide as the focal point of the upcoming season. NBC wouldn’t put Kinney front and center if his days on the series were numbered. For fans who have been holding their breath, this image alone is the reassurance they’ve been waiting for.
Why Severide’s Absence Sparked Fears
Kinney’s leave of absence during season 11 was both abrupt and deeply felt. His last appearance came in episode 14, after which the show wrote him out by having Severide attend advanced arson training. As the weeks passed, it became increasingly difficult for the writers to justify why Stella’s husband hadn’t returned home.
The distance also created cracks in Stella and Severide’s marriage, fueling speculation that the show was preparing to split them up and quietly phase Severide out. Given how much emotional weight Severide carries in Chicago Fire—and how many characters have already left—fans braced for the possibility that Kinney might never return.
Season 12 put some of those fears to rest when Kinney did reappear, but the storyline kept Severide at arm’s length. His growing obsession with arson investigations hinted at a possible exit strategy. For longtime viewers, it felt like the show was testing how it might continue without him.
Season 13: Severide Steps Forward Again
The tide has turned. With season 13 premiering this fall, Taylor Kinney isn’t just back—he’s poised to take center stage in multiple major storylines.
A New Chief, A New Clash
The teaser trailer reveals that Severide will be one of the first to push back against Firehouse 51’s new chief, Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). When Pascal lays out his sweeping changes, Severide warns an unseen colleague, “There’s something about the new chief that is a little off.” It’s classic Severide—never one to blindly follow orders, especially when lives are on the line.
Haunted by His Father’s Legacy
Perhaps the most emotionally charged arc comes from a shocking twist in the season 12 finale: Severide discovered that Jack Damon, a new firefighter, is actually his half-brother. The revelation forces Severide to confront the legacy of his father, Benny, a man he’s long tried to distance himself from.
Showrunner Andrea Newman teased that season 13 will be “haunted” by past ghosts, particularly for Severide:
“He’s worked really hard to put his father in the rearview mirror and become his own firefighter. So to suddenly have Benny’s son appear in his life makes him have to re-explore all of that. The relationship is complicated and juicy, and there’s lots of stuff that will play out between them early on.”
This promises to add layers of vulnerability to a character who has often hidden behind stoicism and bravado.
A Family Question Still Unanswered
Finally, there’s Stella. In the season 12 finale, Severide told his wife he was ready to start a family. Fans never got to see her reaction, leaving the question dangling like a live wire. Season 13 will need to address whether Stella shares Severide’s dream—or if they’re headed toward another storm in their marriage.
Why Severide Matters More Than Ever
With Brett and Boden gone, Severide’s presence is critical to the identity of Chicago Fire. He’s the bridge between the show’s early years and its new era, the rare character who embodies both the action-heavy firefighting stories and the deeply personal drama that keeps fans invested.
Placing him at the forefront in season 13 feels like a deliberate move to steady the ship after a year of major departures. Severide isn’t just back—he’s being repositioned as the heart of Firehouse 51 again.
The Bottom Line: Severide Is Here to Stay
For nearly two years, fans lived in limbo, wondering if Taylor Kinney’s time on Chicago Fire was quietly winding down. Now, season 13 promises the opposite: Severide is not only returning, but his storylines—from clashing with the new chief to navigating family revelations and marriage decisions—will anchor the show moving forward.
After all the uncertainty, it’s safe to say that Severide’s future in Chicago Fire is brighter, bolder, and more central than ever.
