Kelly Severide, a cornerstone of NBC’s Chicago Fire, was conspicuously absent from the season 13 fall finale, leaving fans curious and concerned. As one of Firehouse 51’s most prominent figures and the longtime leader of Rescue Squad 3, Severide’s absence in episode 8, titled “Quicksand,” was keenly felt. While his storyline is explained in the episode, the lack of on-screen presence from Taylor Kinney, who plays Severide, has raised questions about the future of his character.
Severide’s Season 13 Journey So Far
The season 13 premiere explored Severide’s complicated family dynamic, focusing on his relationship with Jack Damon, a newly discovered half-brother. After a tense confrontation over Damon’s insubordination to Stella Kidd, Severide chose to stand by his wife, ultimately resolving the conflict. Following this, his arc transitioned back to arson investigation, a recurring theme in recent seasons.
By episode 8, Severide is off-screen, tackling a fire inspection assignment in Michigan. His whereabouts are briefly mentioned twice: first by Joe Cruz, who refers to the assignment as a “boondoggle,” and later by Stella Kidd, who hints at his imminent return. Despite these references, Severide does not appear in the fall finale, which ends with fans anticipating his arrival the next day.
Why Was Severide Missing From the Fall Finale?
Severide’s absence is narratively justified by his Michigan assignment, aligning with his growing focus on arson investigations. However, the omission of a character as integral as Severide from a season finale is unusual, especially given his long-standing importance to the series.
Behind the scenes, budget constraints might explain Kinney’s limited presence. With networks like NBC looking to cut costs, reducing the number of episodes for key cast members is a common tactic. This financial strategy likely impacted Herrmann’s earlier absences in season 13 as well.
When Will Severide Return?
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Severide back in action. The trailer for the Chicago Fire winter premiere confirms Taylor Kinney’s return in season 13, episode 9, set to air in 2025. While the promo doesn’t reveal much about the episode’s plot, it teases a continuation of Severide’s involvement in arson investigations, potentially building on his collaboration with Chief Dom Pascal in earlier episodes.
Additionally, the premiere may revisit Severide and Stella’s family-planning discussions, hinted at in the season’s opening episodes. This personal storyline could bring fresh depth to his character while maintaining the high-stakes drama fans expect.
Is Taylor Kinney Leaving Chicago Fire?
Speculation about Taylor Kinney’s future on Chicago Fire has circulated due to his sporadic appearances in recent seasons. However, NBC has made no official announcements about Kinney’s departure. Unless confirmed otherwise, it seems the actor will remain a vital part of the series.
While budget considerations may have influenced Kinney’s absence in the fall finale, there’s no indication that it signals an impending exit. For now, Severide’s journey continues, promising more action and emotional depth when Chicago Fire returns in 2025.
