It’s a rare feat in network television: a character not only surviving but thriving for over a decade. For Taylor Kinney, who has embodied the charismatic and complex Lieutenant Kelly Severide for 13 years on NBC’s flagship drama, Chicago Fire, that longevity is a testament to the show’s enduring appeal and his own dedication to the role.
As Chicago Fire moves into its highly anticipated Season 14, Kinney has shared reflections on the show’s incredible journey and teased a season ahead that he assures fans will be the most potent mix of high-stakes drama and deep emotional turmoil yet. This year, the focus is squarely on the personal lives of Firehouse 51’s leaders, with Severide facing a devastating loss and a new, complicated path to fatherhood.
💔 The Emotional Inferno: Stellaride’s Heartbreak and New Beginnings
While Chicago Fire is known for its spectacular rescues, Kinney confirms that the true fireworks of Season 14 will be rooted in the intense emotional arcs of its characters, particularly the beloved couple, Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo).
The Season 14 premiere delivered a powerful, heartbreaking twist that set the tone for the entire year:
The Pain of Loss
After the Season 13 finale revealed Stella was pregnant, the Season 14 premiere opened with the devastating news that Stella had suffered a miscarriage. This immediate tragedy redefined the couple’s journey to becoming parents.
- Kinney’s Insight: Showrunner Andrea Newman, reflecting on the twist that Kinney helped navigate, explained that the narrative was designed to explore the reality of family planning and loss. Severide, who was overjoyed at the news of the pregnancy, is forced to process his grief while supporting Stella, who wrestles with a mix of guilt and sorrow stemming from her previous hesitations about carrying a child.
- Testing the Pillars: The heartbreak tests the very foundation of the Stellaride marriage. Kinney’s performance is focused on showing Severide’s unwavering support, proving that their bond is strong enough to weather any storm. This is the “emotion and drama” that Kinney teased—a storyline that requires the utmost vulnerability and maturity from his character.
The New Path to Parenthood
Crucially, the loss did not derail their plan to expand their family. Instead, the couple was quickly presented with a new opportunity: fostering the troubled teenager, Isaiah.
- A Different Family: The arc immediately shifts Severide and Kidd into a “different paradigm of family,” as teased by the showrunners. Severide, who grew up with a troubled father figure, is now navigating the complexities of becoming a mentor and quasi-parent to a boy who reminds him of his own complicated past.
- Found Family: This storyline allows Kinney to continue exploring themes of family and loyalty, which have been central to Severide’s character since day one. His interactions with Isaiah are less about traditional parenting and more about offering stability and guidance—skills he has honed for years as a Squad Lieutenant.
⚓ The Professional Shake-Up: Severide’s Uncharted Waters
The dramatic intensity of Severide’s personal life is mirrored by significant shifts in his professional sphere, adding layers to Kinney’s expanded Season 14 role.
The Chief’s Influence
The most compelling professional development involves the return and influence of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). The two leaders have developed a mutual respect, and previews suggest Pascal is actively working to push Severide out of his comfort zone.
- Beyond Squad 3: Severide has always been defined by his role as Lieutenant of Rescue Squad 3 and his elite work with the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI). However, Pascal’s mentorship—including asking Severide to shadow him for a day in the Chief’s administrative office—hints at a major professional advancement.
- The Power and the Politics: This move positions Severide at a crossroads, forcing him to consider a higher-ranking, more political role within the CFD. Kinney’s involvement in these high-level plotlines proves that Severide is viewed as one of the few characters capable of anchoring the professional side of the show, especially amid budget cuts and departmental shake-ups that are driving the main Season 14 political arc.
The Lingering Shadow of Past Exits
Kinney’s prominence is further amplified by the significant cast exodus in Season 14. With the confirmed departures of characters like Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and the initial uncertainty surrounding others, the weight of the show’s stability rests firmly on the shoulders of the original stars. Kinney, along with the other veterans, provides the essential continuity and tone that reassures the audience the show’s identity is secure.
🏆 A 13-Year Legacy: Kinney’s Love for the City
Reflecting on 13 years with the series, Taylor Kinney’s sentiments often revolve around his gratitude for the show’s longevity and his deep connection to the city of Chicago.
- Enduring Appeal: Kinney has often cited the realism of the storylines and the “testament to Dick Wolf’s vision” as the reasons for the show’s sustained success. The show’s focus on the found family of Firehouse 51, where professional bonds quickly become personal, resonates deeply with viewers.
- The Chicago Connection: For Kinney, portraying Kelly Severide has meant an education in the life and culture of the Windy City. He has often spoken about how shooting on location allows him to see Chicago through the eyes of a real first responder, fostering a deep respect for the men and women of the CFD. As he once said, “The city has been good to me. I love the city.”
As Chicago Fire enters its 14th season, Taylor Kinney is embracing what may be Severide’s most dramatically challenging arc yet. From tackling the devastation of personal loss to contemplating a permanent career shift, his character is set for a transformation. Kinney’s long-standing commitment to the role ensures that even through the heartbreak and the professional turmoil, Lieutenant Kelly Severide will remain the magnetic, steady presence that has defined the series for well over a decade.
