In the midst of the high-stakes drama surrounding Chicago Fire Season 14, a rare moment of lighthearted joy has captured the hearts of the “One Chicago” fandom. Leading man Taylor Kinney recently went festive, taking a break from the gritty streets of Chicago to celebrate the season—and he wasn’t alone.
The surprise co-star joining him wasn’t a fellow firefighter from the CFD, but rather his beloved canine companion, Mabel.
A Holiday Tradition for the “Squad” Leader
Known for his private nature off-screen, Taylor Kinney delighted fans by sharing a glimpse of his festive spirit. In a series of photos that quickly went viral across social media, Kinney was seen decked out in holiday attire, but it was Mabel who stole the spotlight. The adorable goldendoodle was captured wearing a matching festive bandana, standing proudly alongside the man who plays Kelly Severide.
For longtime followers of the actor, Mabel is a familiar face. She has become something of an “unofficial mascot” for the Chicago Fire set, often seen lounging in Kinney’s trailer or greeting cast members like Miranda Rae Mayo and Hanako Greensmith during long night shoots.
Why This “Co-Star” Matters to Fans
This festive appearance serves as a much-needed breath of fresh air for fans who are currently watching Severide navigate a grueling professional landscape. In the show’s current 2026 arc, Severide is facing:
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The “Post-Mortem” Investigation: A rigorous inquiry led by the returning Wallace Boden.
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The Pressure of Leadership: Stepping up as the primary support for Chief Dom Pascal.
Seeing Kinney in such a relaxed, joyful setting with Mabel provides a stark contrast to the intense, smoke-filled scenes of Squad 3. It reinforces the “gentle giant” persona that fans have come to love about the actor behind the hero.
Looking Ahead to January 14, 2026
While the photos of Kinney and Mabel are warming hearts, the actor is already back in “work mode” preparing for the explosive January return. Sources from the set indicate that the chemistry between the cast remains at an all-time high, despite the heavy storylines.
The 2026 winter premiere, “The Rising Smoke,” will see Kinney’s Severide back in the thick of the action. However, for a brief moment during the hiatus, the only “rescue” Taylor Kinney was worried about was making sure Mabel got enough holiday treats.
