The return of Taylor Kinney as Lieutenant Kelly Severide to Chicago Fire was the most highly anticipated moment of Season 13, following the actor’s extended leave of absence. Since his emotional reunion with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and the rest of Firehouse 51, fans have been reassured that their beloved Squad 3 Lieutenant is firmly back in the fold.
However, recent news and episode previews for Season 14 suggest that Severide’s role is not just about his return to routine—it’s about setting the stage for a dramatic, permanent shift in his career trajectory that could be bigger than anyone anticipated.
The rumors circulating among the One Chicago fanbase point toward a significant professional advancement for Severide, moving beyond his Squad Lieutenant position and even his passion for OFI (Office of Fire Investigation). The key lies in his deepening, and surprisingly complex, relationship with Chief Dom Pascal.
🚨 The Chief Mentorship: A Major Clue
The most concrete evidence fueling these rumors comes directly from the official synopsis of Season 14, Episode 6, “Broken Things.”
The episode confirms the return of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), and, more importantly, reveals that he will be taking Severide further under his wing. The description explicitly states that Severide will shadow Pascal for a day, immersing him in the strategic, high-level decisions of the CFD district command.
Why This Is a Game-Changer
- Pascal’s Purpose: Chief Pascal was introduced as a tough, professional figure who eventually developed a deep respect for Severide, particularly after Kelly helped clear him of suspicions surrounding his wife’s death. Pascal, having been impressed by Severide’s instincts and leadership during crises, sees the potential for Severide to rise through the ranks.
- A Shift in Focus: Severide has always resisted promotion, famously preferring the hands-on action of Squad 3 and his intricate work with OFI. The idea of him shadowing an administrative Chief is a major narrative pivot. It signals that the showrunners are finally ready to challenge Severide’s long-held belief that the “politics” of higher command are not for him.
- The Power of Rumor: The common fan theory now is that Pascal is grooming Severide for a future Chief’s role, perhaps even preparing him to eventually take over command of a district or step into a high-ranking position within the CFD that allows him to merge his investigative skills with executive oversight. This would give Taylor Kinney a revitalized, challenging role that’s worthy of his main cast status.
This mentorship moves Severide’s story beyond the personal drama of his marriage to Stella and his half-brother, Jack Damon, and places him back at the center of the show’s professional and political core.
💔 Stellaride’s Future: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Any professional advancement for Kelly Severide carries massive implications for his marriage to Lieutenant Stella Kidd, affectionately known as Stellaride.
The Work-Life Balance Tension
The couple has navigated professional conflicts before, most notably when Severide’s temporary assignment with OFI turned into a prolonged absence, threatening their marriage. A promotion to a Chief’s position or an official transfer to the administrative ranks would involve a permanent change in their work-life balance.
- Commander Kidd: Stella Kidd has worked tirelessly to achieve her rank as Lieutenant and leader of Truck 81 and the Girls on Fire program. If Kelly steps into a Chief role, their relationship could shift from two Lieutenants who lead side-by-side to a dynamic where Kelly holds significant authority over Stella’s professional life.
- The Family Factor: The Season 13 finale ended with the surprise news that Stella is pregnant. A new baby, coupled with the ongoing complexities of fostering teenager Isaiah, means the stakes are higher than ever. If Severide takes a demanding, high-travel position—like a permanent promotion to Chief—it would be a massive test of their commitment and their ability to share domestic and professional responsibilities. The “bigger than expected” return may force Kelly to choose between the career growth Pascal is offering and the family stability Stella requires.
The narrative potential here is vast: the promotion wouldn’t be an easy victory but a deeply personal sacrifice that impacts the entire Firehouse 51 family.
📊 Contract and Commitment: Settling the Uncertainty
For the longest time, rumors about Taylor Kinney’s exit were tied to the renewal of his contract. His abrupt leave of absence only fueled the speculation that his time on Chicago Fire was winding down.
However, his return for Season 14 and the investment in a major, season-long arc with Chief Pascal strongly suggest that Kinney has committed to the show for the long haul—at least for the foreseeable future. A massive promotion storyline is not written for a character who is halfway out the door. It is a storyline reserved for a central figure whose journey is foundational to the series’ ongoing success.
- The Mainstay Status: Taylor Kinney is one of the last remaining original cast members. The showrunners know that with the departures of several other characters (including the confirmed exits of Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver and Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter), Severide’s stability is crucial to the show’s identity. Giving him a massive, career-redefining arc is a deliberate attempt to reward the actor’s commitment and reassure the fanbase.
- New Dynamics: A Severide promotion would open up a spot on Squad 3, creating an opportunity for the writers to introduce new characters or shift existing ones (like Joe Cruz) into new, higher-ranking roles. This refreshing of the ensemble is often necessary for long-running shows.
📈 Conclusion: Taylor Kinney’s Best Story Yet
The whispers about Taylor Kinney’s return being “bigger than expected” are rooted in solid narrative clues. The mentorship with Chief Pascal is no minor subplot; it’s a strategic move that sets up a path for Kelly Severide to reach the pinnacle of his career.
Fans should prepare for a Season 14 where Kelly Severide is constantly pulled between two worlds: the immediate, hands-on rescue work he loves and the strategic, political leadership being offered by his new mentor. His decision—whether he remains the Lieutenant of Squad 3, accepts an official role with OFI, or rises to the rank of Chief—will not only define his future but will shape the entire narrative of Chicago Fire for years to come. Taylor Kinney’s time on the show may be long-standing, but his best, most complex story arc is just beginning.
