Stella Kidd’s absence from the Chicago Fire Season 13 midseason premiere left fans and Firehouse 51 wondering where one of the show’s most beloved characters had gone.
Lieutenant Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo, has been a fan favorite since her debut in Season 4. Her fearless leadership, unwavering dedication, and quick wit have cemented her place as an integral part of Firehouse 51. Add to that her enduring romance with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), and it’s no wonder viewers noticed her missing presence during the latest episode, titled “A Favor.”
Here’s where Stella Kidd was and why she wasn’t with her crew in the midseason premiere.
Where Was Stella Kidd in Episode 9?
The episode opened with Firehouse 51 gathering for their morning briefing, where Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) revealed that Stella was away in Maryland. She was busy spearheading an expansion of her Girls on Fire program, a mentorship initiative designed to inspire young women to join the fire service.
Her absence came at a significant moment for the firehouse. During the fall finale, Mouch (Christian Stolte) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) had taken their promotional exams, and the midseason premiere revealed their results. Chief Pascal announced that Mouch had earned a promotion, making him a lieutenant for the shift. The news was met with cheers, and even Herrmann passed his test, making it a celebratory day at Firehouse 51.
Despite missing the festivities, Severide later reported that Stella was enjoying her work in Baltimore and making a big impact with her program.
Will Stella Be Gone for Long?
Fans can rest assured that Stella Kidd’s absence is only temporary. While she missed out on celebrating Herrmann and Mouch’s promotions at Molly’s, there’s no indication that she plans to leave Firehouse 51—or Chicago—permanently.
In an October 2024 interview, Miranda Rae Mayo expressed her excitement for the season:
“[Things are] looking good this season,” Mayo said. “There’s a lot to be excited about. And, again, I’m just so grateful, so proud, and fortunate to be on the ride. Thank you forever to [the Chicago Fire writers] for creating Stella, to Dick [Wolf] for having me. Forever grateful to be a part of this crew.”
It seems that Stella’s trip is merely a brief detour in what promises to be an exciting arc for the character. Fans can expect her return to Firehouse 51 soon, where her leadership and energy will undoubtedly continue to shine.
Don’t Miss Chicago Fire
Season 13 of Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Fans can catch up on all the drama by streaming episodes on Peacock. Whether it’s firefighting heroics or personal growth, Stella Kidd’s journey is far from over.
