Taylor Kinney, the charismatic actor behind Lieutenant Kelly Severide on “Chicago Fire,” has been a fan favorite since the show’s inception. His character’s dedication to Firehouse 51 and his passionate relationship with Stella Kidd have made him a central figure. However, a temporary absence in Season 11 sent ripples of concern and speculation through the “One Chicago” fandom.
A Look Back at Taylor Kinney’s Temporary Withdrawal from Season 11
Towards the end of “Chicago Fire” Season 11, specifically from episode 15 onwards, Taylor Kinney’s character, Kelly Severide, was noticeably absent. His last appearance in that season was in episode 14, “Run Like Hell,” which aired in February 2023. This abrupt disappearance left fans questioning Severide’s fate and Kinney’s future on the show.
The Personal Reason Behind the Absence and How Writers Handled It
In January 2023, news broke that Taylor Kinney was taking a “leave of absence” from “Chicago Fire” to address a “personal matter.” While no further details were publicly disclosed, the production team and cast were informed, and scripts were rewritten to account for his absence.
To explain Severide’s sudden departure on-screen, the writers crafted a storyline that leveraged his existing passion for arson investigation. His character was said to have been invited to a last-minute, exclusive arson investigation training program in Alabama. This provided a plausible reason for his sudden move without a dramatic, character-altering event.
However, as the season progressed and Severide didn’t immediately return, the explanation became more complex. It was revealed that after finishing the OFI training, Severide had joined an ATF investigation without fully informing his wife, Stella Kidd. This caused tension in their relationship, as Stella felt left in the dark and worried about his commitment to their life together. This further prolonged his absence and fueled fan speculation about whether he would return at all, and if his “Stellaride” marriage was in jeopardy.
His Return and Fan Reactions
Taylor Kinney eventually made his highly anticipated return to “Chicago Fire” in the Season 12 premiere, titled “Barely Gone,” which aired in January 2024. His return was met with a mix of relief and concern from fans. While many were thrilled to see Severide back at Firehouse 51, the storyline addressing his absence highlighted the strain it had put on his relationship with Stella.
The initial episodes of Season 12 showed the repercussions of his extended leave, with Stella expressing her hurt and frustration. Severide’s continued interest in arson investigation also created new friction, as Stella worried it would pull him away again. Fans reacted strongly to this storyline, debating the impact of his absence on “Stellaride” and whether Severide’s focus on arson was a sign of a deeper underlying issue or a possible setup for another departure.
Despite the initial tension, Kinney’s return reassured many fans that Severide was back to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. The positive fan response to his return, coupled with his strong presence in promotional materials for Season 13, has largely alleviated worries about his permanent departure, suggesting that Lieutenant Severide remains a cornerstone of “Chicago Fire.”
