For years, Kelly Severide was the ultimate “cool” firefighter—the fearless leader of Squad 3, a legend in arson investigation, and one-half of the beloved “Stellaride” power couple. But as we move toward 2026, the cracks in the character’s narrative armor are showing. Fans on Reddit and social media are increasingly vocal, arguing that the show’s inability to evolve beyond Severide is holding the entire series back.
1. The “Ghost Character” syndrome
One of the loudest complaints in 2025 is Severide’s frequent disappearances. Following Taylor Kinney’s real-life leaves of absence in previous years, the writers have fallen into a predictable pattern: Severide gets “lured away” by an out-of-state arson case, leaving Firehouse 51 behind.
The lack of commitment: Critics argue this makes the character look flaky. For a leader who preaches loyalty, his propensity to pack up and leave for months at a time (as seen in the Season 13 fall finale) feels like a betrayal of the character’s roots.
Storytelling gaps: When Severide is gone, the show often feels like it’s “treading water” until he returns, stalling other characters’ development just to keep a spot warm for Kinney.
2. The “Stellaride” bubble
While many fans still adore the marriage between Severide and Stella Kidd, others feel it has become a “black hole” for storytelling.
Isolating the leads: In Season 14, viewers have noted that Severide rarely has meaningful interactions with anyone other than Stella. His deep friendships—like the legendary brotherhood he shared with Matt Casey—have been replaced by a dynamic that often feels repetitive.
The pregnancy plotline: The late 2025 reveal of a surprise pregnancy has split the fandom. Some see it as natural growth; others see it as a “cliché” used to fix a relationship that has run out of drama.
3. Stagnation: A Lieutenant forever?
In 2025, fans are questioning why Severide is still a Lieutenant. While his peers have moved up or moved on, Severide’s career trajectory has felt stagnant.
The Pascal dynamic: The introduction of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) in Season 13 was meant to shake things up, but fans were frustrated by how quickly Severide went from being “insubordinate” to “shadowing” the new chief like a devoted pupil.
Lost “Fire”: A popular sentiment online is that Severide has become “numb.” The brash, reckless, and fun-loving hero of the early seasons has been replaced by a character who often looks “depressed” or “constipated,” as one Reddit user bluntly put it.
4. The “Invincibility” problem
The Season 14 fall finale (November 2025) left Severide trapped in a burning apartment building—yet another cliffhanger where his life hangs in the balance. The problem? No one actually believes he’s in danger.
Because Kinney is a “marquee” star, the stakes often feel fake. Fans argue that Chicago Fire has lost its “anyone can die” edge by repeatedly putting Severide in life-or-death situations that everyone knows he will survive with barely a scratch.
5. Sucking the oxygen out of the room
Finally, critics argue that the show’s obsession with Severide prevents “new blood” from truly shining. Every time a promising new character arrives (like Jack Damon in Season 13), the storyline eventually pivots back to how it affects Severide. By centering the universe so heavily on one man, the show risks becoming a “one-trick pony” in an ensemble-driven world.
