Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide have weathered countless storms during their time on Chicago Fire, but in Season 13, their storyline had lost much of its spark—until the final episode delivered a major twist that breathed new life into their relationship. As one of Firehouse 51’s most beloved and enduring couples, “Stellaride” has gone through their fair share of ups and downs, but by Season 13, they were happily married and ready to take on the next chapter of their lives. Unfortunately, what began as an exciting journey toward parenthood quickly turned into a lackluster plot. That all changed with the season finale.
In the closing episode, Severide races against time to clear Chief Dom Pascal’s name in a shocking attempted murder investigation, while Kidd embarks on a personal mission to help reunite Natalie—a young woman she once rescued—with her long-lost sister. Both accomplish their respective goals, and as they return home to share in their victories, Kidd surprises Severide with life-altering news that completely reframes their Season 13 arc.
Kidd & Severide’s Big Moment: A Baby on the Way
A Pregnancy Reveal Turns Everything Around
Throughout Season 13, Kidd and Severide have been working toward expanding their family. They originally chose to pursue adoption and were nearly matched with a newborn baby, only for the birth mother to back out at the last moment—leaving the couple devastated. While the show later hinted at the possibility of them fostering or adopting Natalie, the finale took a different turn. Natalie is reunited with her sibling, and Kidd discovers she’s pregnant.
In the final moments of the episode, Kidd reveals a positive pregnancy test to Severide. The two embrace, overcome with emotion, as the screen fades to black—ending Season 13 on an unexpectedly heartwarming note. The reveal is a surprise, especially after so much focus on adoption, but it marks a refreshing and deeply personal development in their story.
Why a Pregnancy Storyline Is the Right Move
Adoption Arcs Have Been Overdone in the One Chicago Universe
While adoption is a meaningful and important topic, Chicago Fire—along with the broader One Chicago franchise—has leaned heavily into that narrative over the years. With so many characters exploring the adoption route (including Gabby Dawson, Matt Casey, and Sylvie Brett), the storylines have started to feel formulaic and repetitive. This is part of why Kidd and Severide’s adoption journey began to lose momentum and emotional impact.
The pregnancy reveal in the finale shifts their arc in an entirely new direction. Not only does it offer a fresh take on their journey to parenthood, but it also revitalizes their dynamic as a couple. It opens the door to explore new challenges—such as balancing high-risk careers with family life—while adding emotional depth and complexity to both characters.
Chicago Fire Season 13 might have stumbled through parts of Stellaride’s story, but in its final moments, it managed to turn everything around. With a baby on the way, Season 14 is now set up to explore a more intimate, grounded, and compelling chapter in Kidd and Severide’s ongoing journey.
