Fans of NBC’s long-running drama Chicago Fire were met with surprising news this week as it was confirmed that series star Taylor Kinney will be stepping away from the show to deal with a personal matter.
Kinney, who has portrayed Lieutenant Kelly Severide since the show’s premiere in 2012, has been a central figure in the One Chicago universe. Over the years, his character has become a fan favorite for his bravery, leadership, and emotional depth. However, sources close to the production have confirmed that the actor will be taking a leave of absence and will not appear in upcoming episodes.
NBC released a brief statement acknowledging Kinney’s departure, saying:
“Taylor Kinney will be temporarily stepping away from Chicago Fire to attend to a personal matter. We support his decision and respect his privacy during this time.”
Details regarding the nature of the personal matter have not been disclosed, and Kinney himself has not yet made a public comment. It is also unclear how long his absence will last or how the show will address his character’s storyline moving forward.
Showrunners are reportedly adjusting future scripts to accommodate his exit, and the upcoming episodes will reflect the changes. While some fans are hopeful that this is only a short break, others have expressed concern about the future of Severide on the show.
This is not the first time Kinney has taken time away from the series. In early 2023, the actor also stepped back temporarily, and returned several months later. His departure at that time was also attributed to personal reasons.
As the Chicago Fire team navigates this unexpected shift, viewers can expect a temporary change in the dynamics at Firehouse 51. NBC has not announced any plans to replace Kinney’s character or bring in a long-term substitute.
Despite this development, Chicago Fire remains one of NBC’s highest-rated dramas and continues to have a strong following. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Fans have taken to social media to send well-wishes and support to Kinney, hoping for his swift return and emphasizing the importance of personal well-being above all.
