The “One Chicago” rollercoaster continues to take fans on an emotional ride as Chicago Fire prepares for a season finale that promises both devastating absences and nostalgic homecomings. In a series of updates that have left the fandom in a frenzy, the production has confirmed that while the show’s leading man, Taylor Kinney, will remain off-screen for the remainder of the season, a foundational “OG” star is officially set to return for the final hour.
The Severide Void: Why Taylor Kinney Isn’t Returning
Following the shocking news of Miranda Rae Mayo’s departure, fans held onto the hope that Kelly Severide would return to help anchor Firehouse 51 during the transition. However, sources close to the production have confirmed that Kinney’s current leave of absence will extend through the end of the 2025-2026 season.
While the “official” reason remains tied to Severide’s ongoing undercover work with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), the real-world absence has left a massive hole in the show’s tactical leadership.
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Narrative Impact: Without Severide or Kidd, the leadership of Squad 3 and Truck 81 is in total disarray.
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The “Distance” Strain: The writers have used Severide’s absence to explain the growing rift in his marriage, leading up to the “Stellaride” conclusion that saw Stella Kidd move on to new horizons.
The Silver Lining: An Original Star Returns
To balance the loss of its current leads, NBC has pulled off a major casting coup for the season finale. While the network is keeping the specific plot under wraps, it has been confirmed that an original cast member—someone who hasn’t been a series regular for years—is “locked in” for a pivotal role in the final episode.
The Leading Theories:
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Jesse Spencer (Matt Casey): With 51 in a leadership crisis, the return of “Captain Casey” would be the ultimate morale boost for a grieving house. Fans are speculating that Casey might return to help pick up the pieces after Stella’s exit.
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Monica Raymund (Gabby Dawson): Given the heavy focus on the firehouse’s legacy this season, a surprise appearance by Dawson for a memorial or a significant rescue would bring the show’s history full circle.
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Charlie Barnett (Peter Mills): As one of the most beloved original characters, a surprise return for Mills—now a seasoned veteran elsewhere—could signal a “passing of the torch” to a new generation.
A Firehouse at a Crossroads
The finale, titled “The Last Alarm,” is being described as a “reset” for the entire franchise. With Taylor Kinney absent and the original star returning, the episode serves as a bridge between the show’s legendary past and an uncertain future.
“We wanted the finale to feel like a love letter to the fans who have been with us since day one,” a show insider shared. “Even if the faces change, the heart of 51 remains. Bringing back a familiar face helps us honor that history while we prepare for a very different-looking Season 15.”
As Chicago Fire enters its most transformative era yet, the message to fans is clear: the fire is still burning, but the house will never be the same.
