In a landscape of intense network dramas and shifting casting news, the transition from late 2025 into 2026 is proving to be a whirlwind for fans of the “One Chicago” and FBI universes. From debunked tragedies to strategic hiatuses, here is a comprehensive look at the state of your favorite procedural shows.
The Resilience of Firehouse 51: Severide’s Survival and the Road to 2026
The biggest shock to hit the Chicago Fire fandom recently wasn’t a plot twist, but a wave of misinformation. Despite “death hoaxes” circulating online, Taylor Kinney is alive and well. The 44-year-old actor remains the heart of the series, even as his character, Kelly Severide, faces a perilous cliffhanger. In real life, Kinney has been busy with festive projects, including a clever 2025 holiday campaign for Google alongside Donna Kelce, proving he’s still very much a leading man in every sense.
While the real Kinney is thriving, his on-screen marriage to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is entering a high-stakes era. Following the Season 13 finale’s surprise pregnancy announcement, Season 14 has leaned into the “Stellaride” evolution. The couple is now navigating the profound shift from reckless firefighting to preparing for parenthood—all while the threat of Firehouse 51 being decommissioned looms over them. Fans will have to wait until Wednesday, January 7, 2026, for the show’s return to NBC to see if Severide escapes the arson fire that left his fate hanging in the balance.
The FBI Universe: Health, Rotations, and Global Mysteries
Across the dial at CBS, the FBI franchise is navigating its own set of challenges. Missy Peregrym, who portrays Maggie Bell, has become a symbol of “Strength in Silence.” By being transparent about her real-life health struggles with insomnia and physical exhaustion, she has sparked a conversation about wellness in the industry. Her transparency coincides with a new “cast rotation” policy used to manage budgets, explaining her periodic on-screen absences.
Meanwhile, the mystery of “Edgewater” continues to expand. While Fire Country remains rooted in Vancouver, its new spinoff Sheriff Country has established a different home. To accommodate lead actress Morena Baccarin, the production for Sheriff Country is based in Ontario, Canada, primarily in the Greater Toronto Area. This geographic split creates a unique challenge for crossovers, yet the production team has masterfully used the Canadian landscape to double for the rugged hills of Northern California.
Honoring a Legend: Sela Ward’s Enduring Legacy
As we look toward the 2026 premieres, the television world also pauses to honor the legacy of Sela Ward. While recent rumors of her passing in late 2025 have stirred the community, the actress—now 69—remains a legendary figure whose work in FBI as Dana Mosier set the standard for the series’ authoritative tone. Her influence is still felt in the “Wolf Pack” universe, serving as a blueprint for the strong, complex female leaders who now anchor these shows.
