Taylor Kinney’s departure from Chicago Fire after over a decade portraying Kelly Severide left fans wondering whether this is a temporary break or a more permanent goodbye. Kinney’s exit marks a significant shift for the long-running NBC drama, where his character has been a cornerstone since its debut in 2012.
When Chicago Fire first premiered, producer Dick Wolf promised a show centered on its characters rather than formulaic “fire of the week” storylines. “You can’t pay people to run into burning buildings,” Wolf explained during a panel discussion (via Deadline). “It’s a canvas for good writing.” Eleven years later, the show’s success is a testament to this vision, and Kelly Severide’s dynamic character exemplifies that effort. Known for his loyalty, flawed but heartfelt relationships, and a steadfast bond with Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer), Severide has become one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Unfortunately, in early 2023, fans learned that Kinney would step away from the series, leaving questions about the future of his iconic role unanswered.
The Mystery Behind Taylor Kinney’s Departure
In January, Deadline revealed that Taylor Kinney was taking a break from Chicago Fire to address a personal matter. The announcement came just weeks before new episodes of Season 11 aired in February. Reportedly, the show’s writers learned of Kinney’s departure only days before the news broke, forcing them to rewrite scripts to account for Kelly Severide’s absence.
By March, viewers noticed Kinney’s character missing from the latest episodes. The writers offered a brief explanation: Severide was off attending an elite arson investigation training program. The vagueness of this storyline fueled speculation, as no additional details about Kinney’s personal matter or his potential return have been shared.
Despite stepping away from the screen, Kinney hasn’t entirely disappeared from public life. In April, he attended a charity event for MotoUp, a Texas-based nonprofit supporting veterans. Though the organization shared Kinney’s involvement on social media, the actor himself has remained silent, distancing himself from public platforms.
Kinney’s Future on Chicago Fire
Taylor Kinney’s sudden departure suggests that personal priorities took precedence over his acting commitments. However, his return to Chicago Fire—if it happens—may come with reduced screen time. According to Deadline, most series regulars in Dick Wolf’s shows will appear in fewer guaranteed episodes in upcoming seasons due to contract adjustments. While Season 11 featured 22 episodes, future contracts may reduce this number to 18–20 episodes per actor.
Financial implications could also play a role. Kinney reportedly earns around $24,000 per episode, meaning fewer guaranteed episodes could reduce his annual income by $48,000 to $96,000. However, there’s no indication that his absence is tied to contract disputes.
Interestingly, Kinney expressed enthusiasm for the show’s future just months before his exit. In a 2022 interview with US Weekly, he reflected on the series’ longevity and his gratitude for being part of it. “It’s never lost on me how special it is to be a part of something with the longevity this has,” Kinney said. “I’m excited for Season 11.” However, he admitted he wasn’t privy to upcoming scripts or storylines, leaving fans to wonder how his character’s journey will unfold.
A Waiting Game for Fans
Taylor Kinney’s departure has left a noticeable gap in Chicago Fire. For now, fans are left speculating whether the beloved actor will return and, if so, what his role will look like in the evolving One Chicago universe. Until then, Kelly Severide’s absence is keenly felt, both on-screen and in the hearts of viewers.
