Fans of Chicago Fire were surprised to notice Stella Kidd absent from the show’s Season 13 winter premiere on January 8. While her absence sparked plenty of curiosity, the writers didn’t leave viewers completely in the dark, offering a quick explanation early in the episode. However, if you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed the reason behind Kidd’s temporary exit.
Where is Stella Kidd?
The episode quickly explains Kidd’s absence through a brief line of dialogue. As the Firehouse 51 crew celebrated Herrmann and Mouch passing their exams, Chief Pascal revealed that Kidd was out of town, working on her Girls on Fire program in Maryland. This program, which has been a significant part of Kidd’s storyline, is designed to empower young women and encourage them to pursue careers in firefighting.
Additionally, a short update from Severide mentioned that Kidd had sent him texts from Baltimore, confirming that she was busy establishing the program there. With Kidd away, Chief Pascal temporarily assigned Mouch to lead Truck 81, giving him his first taste of leadership since passing his lieutenant exam.
Why Was Kidd Missing from the Premiere?
Kidd’s absence from the winter premiere likely stems from behind-the-scenes production considerations. It’s common for series regulars to miss an episode here and there due to budget constraints. In such cases, characters are often written out temporarily, with brief explanations for their absence—like business trips or off-screen projects.
While it’s unusual for a central character like Kidd to be absent at such a pivotal point in the season, there’s no cause for alarm. Her absence is not tied to any major changes in the storyline or cast, and fans can rest assured that Kidd will return soon.
What’s Next for Kidd?
When Kidd does return, viewers can expect her to dive into a significant new chapter of her story. The show has teased plans to explore Kidd’s family, a storyline that has been brewing since the beginning of the season. Fans will also see her and Severide revisiting discussions about starting a family of their own, a topic that has added emotional depth to their relationship.
Additionally, Kidd’s return to Truck 81 may bring some tension, as she’ll need to adjust to Mouch’s newfound leadership role. Now that he has passed his lieutenant exam, the dynamics within the team could shift, adding another layer of complexity to the firehouse relationships.
Stay Tuned
Despite her absence from the winter premiere, Kidd’s upcoming storylines promise to be worth the wait. With emotional revelations and professional challenges on the horizon, fans won’t want to miss what’s next for her.
Catch new episodes of Chicago Fire every Wednesday at 9/8c on NBC, or stream them on Peacock.
