A Surprising Pause for Severide
For over a decade, Taylor Kinney has been the face of Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, captivating fans with his fierce loyalty, quiet leadership, and undeniable charm. But in early 2023, fans were left stunned when Severide suddenly disappeared from the storyline mid-season — and Kinney from the show itself.
An Unannounced Hiatus Shakes Fans
In January 2023, news broke that Taylor Kinney would be stepping away from the series to deal with a “personal matter.” The vague nature of the announcement only intensified speculation, as no further details were released — not even to the cast.
“It was sudden. We didn’t have time to craft a proper exit,” said showrunner Andrea Newman.
How Chicago Fire Wrote Severide Out
With little warning, the writers had to pivot. In Season 11, Episode 15, it’s revealed that Severide is attending an out-of-state arson investigation training program. Though logical for his character, the exit felt abrupt.
Stella Left in the Dark — And So Were Fans
Miranda Rae Mayo’s character Stella Kidd was shown grappling with her husband’s sudden departure — reflecting what the audience was experiencing. The emotional distance and lack of communication became a key tension point in her arc.
“He didn’t even say goodbye,” Kidd tells Boden, echoing fans’ concerns.
Why Did Taylor Kinney Leave the Show?
To this day, Kinney has not publicly disclosed the personal matter that prompted his hiatus — a testament to his desire for privacy. What is known is that the cast and crew supported his decision fully.
Cast Members Rally Around Him
“We miss him,” co-star David Eigenberg (Herrmann) told reporters. “But we want what’s best for Taylor. He’s family.”
NBC and Wolf Entertainment also remained silent on specifics, but emphasized their respect for Kinney’s privacy and long-standing commitment to the show.
When Did Taylor Kinney Return?
After nearly a full season away, Taylor Kinney returned to Chicago Fire in the final episode of Season 12 — just in time for a major twist. His comeback was quiet but impactful, reminding fans what had been missing in his absence.
No Words, Just Firefighting
Rather than a dramatic return, Severide simply walked back into Firehouse 51 like he never left. It was a subtle but powerful statement: Severide belongs here.
What’s Next for Severide in Season 13?
With the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 behind us, production on Season 13 has begun. Early signs suggest Kinney will be back full-time, though the showrunners remain cautious.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Andrea Newman said. “But having Taylor back is a blessing.”
Taylor Kinney’s Legacy on Chicago Fire
Few characters have carried as much emotional weight as Kelly Severide. From his rocky relationship with his father to the highs and lows of his romance with Stella, Severide has been the show’s quiet emotional anchor.
“He’s a leader, but he’s also human,” Kinney once said in an interview. “That’s what I love about him.”
A Hopeful Return
While fans were shocked by his disappearance, most remained hopeful he’d come back. And now that he has, Chicago Fire feels whole again. Still, the mystery of his leave lingers — but maybe that’s the point. Some fires are best left unexplained.
