The relationship between Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo)—known affectionately to fans as Stellaride—has long been the emotional anchor of Firehouse 51 on Chicago Fire. They’ve survived dangerous calls, long-distance relationships, and the usual high-stakes drama that comes with being an elite first responder couple. Yet, their journey to parenthood has proven to be their most gut-wrenching and ultimately, most defining challenge.
The beginning of the latest season delivered a stunning blow: the devastating news of a lost pregnancy, a tragedy immediately following a celebratory surprise in the previous season finale. This abrupt emotional whiplash, however, wasn’t an arbitrary piece of drama. It served as a powerful catalyst, propelling Stella and Severide toward an unexpected, and arguably more meaningful, second chance at becoming a family.
The Emotional Whammy: Losing the Pregnancy
The end of the previous season left fans rejoicing as Stella surprised Kelly with a positive pregnancy test. It was a moment of pure euphoria, made even sweeter by the fact that it followed a heartbreaking failed attempt at adoption. The couple had rushed to the hospital to adopt a newborn, only for the birth mother to change her mind at the last minute—a common, yet devastating, reality of the adoption process. The pregnancy felt like destiny stepping in.
That makes the start of the new season all the more shocking. In a quiet, emotionally raw scene, Stella and Severide receive the news from the doctor: the early-stage pregnancy was lost, a common occurrence that happens before many women even realize they’re expecting. Stella, in particular, is visibly shattered, immediately apologizing to Kelly.
This moment highlights the core strength of their marriage: unwavering mutual support. Severide, while processing his own grief, immediately shifts his focus to Stella. He assures her that the loss is not her fault and that their bond remains the priority. The scene is a masterclass in realistic grief, showing that the road to starting a family is often fraught with unexpected challenges.
The Weight of Stella’s Hesitations
The devastating loss also subtly addresses Stella’s complex feelings about pregnancy and motherhood that had been a recurring theme. Unlike Kelly, who has been ready for fatherhood, Stella has always harbored deep-seated reservations about getting pregnant, primarily due to her desire to remain an active firefighter and the traumatic experience of her aunt suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) after childbirth. Stella essentially took on a parental role for her cousins due to her aunt’s struggle, imbuing the idea of biological motherhood with immense pressure and fear.
As showrunners have discussed, Stella’s initial hesitation and subsequent guilt after the loss add a layer of authenticity to her character arc. Her journey hasn’t been about whether she wants to be a mother, but what kind of parent she wants to be, and how that fits with her identity as a fearless Lieutenant. The loss closes the door on the traditional route, but in a way that respects Stella’s past and her professional dedication.
An Unforeseen Path: The Teenage Foster Arc
Just as the couple begins to process their grief and decide to put their family plans on hold, fate—in the form of their adoption agency representative, Terry—intervenes. Terry reminds them of their previous interest in fostering an at-risk teenager and presents them with a high-priority case: a “great kid” who needs a home immediately after being removed from a group facility.
This moment is the true second chance for Stellaride, one that aligns perfectly with Stella’s character history and her work with Girls on Fire.
- A Familiar Role for Stella: Stella’s history of stepping up for her younger cousins and her tireless dedication to mentoring young women through Girls on Fire make her an ideal candidate to foster a teenager. Her strength, leadership, and emotional intelligence are uniquely suited to guide an older child who has already experienced hardship.
- A Different Kind of Love: Adopting or fostering a teenager presents a unique and compelling storyline for Chicago Fire. It moves away from the typical newborn baby story that has played out across the One Chicago universe (e.g., with Casey and Dawson, and Cruz) and allows the show to explore complex issues of trust, trauma, and chosen family, which are central to the spirit of Firehouse 51.
- Stakes Without Sacrifices: This path to parenthood allows Stella to balance her career and her desire for a family. Unlike the physical demands of pregnancy, fostering a teenager allows both her and Kelly to remain active first responders, demonstrating that family and career don’t have to be mutually exclusive for a modern power couple.
Stellaride’s Evolving Legacy
Stella and Severide’s journey is evolving from a simple love story into a profound exploration of what it means to build a family in the face of chaos. The devastating baby news wasn’t just a plot twist; it was the crucible that forced them to redefine their goals.
Their willingness to meet the teenager, despite their recent emotional exhaustion, demonstrates a selfless desire to open their home to a child who truly needs them. This is the ultimate expression of the Firehouse 51 spirit: rushing in when others run out, extending help and hope not just at the scene of a fire, but into the deepest, most personal parts of their lives.
By embracing this unexpected path, Stella and Severide solidify their legacy as one of television’s most resilient and genuinely good-hearted couples. They prove that a family isn’t defined by biology or by a perfect plan, but by the love, commitment, and willingness to show up for each other, and for those who need a light in the darkness.
What new challenges do you predict Stella and Severide will face as they transition from a couple to parents of a teenager at Firehouse 51?
