For any long-running television series, the cast is its lifeblood. And for fans of Chicago Fire, the past few years have been a rollercoaster of emotional goodbyes, temporary absences, and anxious speculation about the future of Firehouse 51. The show has navigated the departure of key players, and the beginning of the 2025-2026 season has been no different, with a major storyline centering on the absence of a beloved character. But in a move that has sent a collective wave of relief through the fanbase, NBC has confirmed some truly sensational news: Taylor Kinney, Miranda Rae Mayo, and Brandon Larracuente have all signed new contracts and will be back for the new season.
This announcement is more than just a casting update; it is a promise to the fans. It signals that the show’s most powerful emotional anchors—the romance between Severide and Kidd, and the dynamic of the firehouse family—will not only endure but will be a central focus of the upcoming season. It’s the news that every viewer has been waiting for, and here’s a breakdown of what it means for each character.
The Return of a Legend: Taylor Kinney is Back for Good
The initial news of Taylor Kinney’s return for Season 12 after his long leave of absence was a cause for celebration. But the question that lingered in the minds of fans and critics alike was simple: was he back for a full run, or was this a temporary return? The emotional storyline involving his character, Lieutenant Kelly Severide, and the arson investigation unit was a compelling one, but it left the door open for another potential departure.
The news that Kinney has signed a new, long-term contract puts all of those fears to rest. It confirms that he is committed to the show and that his character will once again be a central, long-term figure at Firehouse 51. This is a monumental relief for the series, which has relied on Severide’s character as a stable and compelling presence since its inception. His new contract ensures that the heart and soul of Rescue Squad 3 will remain a driving force for the future of the show.
A Stellaride Reunion: Miranda Rae Mayo’s Triumphant Return
Perhaps the most significant and emotionally charged news of all is the return of Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays Lieutenant Stella Kidd. At the end of Season 13, the show’s narrative was set up to explain Kidd’s long-term absence. Her character’s decision to pursue other professional endeavors away from Firehouse 51 left fans heartbroken and fearing for the future of the show’s most beloved couple, “Stellaride.” The show’s key art for the new season even reflected her absence, fueling the speculation that she was gone for good.
The news of her new contract is a complete game-changer. It means that the show’s narrative will have to bring her character back into the fold, providing a happy resolution to the emotional cliffhanger that left fans on the edge of their seats. The upcoming season will likely feature a storyline where Stella returns to Chicago, ready to rebuild her life and her marriage to Severide.
This is more than just a casting announcement; it is a promise of a reunion. Fans have been through the wringer with the Stellaride romance—from their “will they, won’t they” days to their perfect wedding—and the thought of their marriage ending off-screen was simply too much to bear. The news of Mayo’s return is a reassurance that the show’s creators are listening to the fans and are committed to giving them the emotional payoff they have been waiting for.
The New Guy Stays: Brandon Larracuente’s Contract
The news of Brandon Larracuente’s new contract is an equally important piece of the puzzle. His character, Pascal, was introduced as a new firefighter in the firehouse, and his presence helped to fill the void left by other departures. While he quickly became a popular character, there was always a sense that his role might be temporary, a new face to help with the transition.
The new contract confirms that Pascal is not just a fill-in; he is a long-term part of the firehouse family. This is crucial for the show’s stability. As the series moves forward, it needs new, compelling characters for fans to invest in. Larracuente’s new deal ensures that his storyline will expand and that he will be a key player in the future. His character has a compelling backstory, and his new contract means that the writers have a chance to fully explore it.
What This Means for the Future of Chicago Fire
The announcement that Kinney, Mayo, and Larracuente have all signed new contracts is a massive vote of confidence in the future of Chicago Fire. It signals to the fans that the show’s creators are committed to its longevity and are willing to make the necessary deals to keep the talent that makes the show so compelling.
The upcoming season will now have a sense of hope and resolution that fans were craving. The focus will shift from the heartbreaking absence of key characters to the joyous and emotional reunion of the firehouse family. We can expect to see the on-screen reunion of Severide and Kidd, a long-awaited moment that will be a central theme of the season.
The return of these three actors, combined with the new stories and new faces that the show is introducing, creates a powerful combination of nostalgia and new beginnings. It promises a season that is both a tribute to the show’s past and an exciting look at its future. For a fanbase that has been through so much, this is not just good news; it is the best news they could have asked for.
