The Evolution of a Fan-Favorite Couple
Few Chicago Fire romances have captured viewers’ hearts like Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). From their first spark back in Season 4 to their passionate, often turbulent journey to marriage, “Stellaride” has become one of television’s most beloved firefighter pairings.
Now, in Season 13, their relationship is evolving once again. As the couple discusses adoption, the show finally acknowledges a long-standing piece of Chicago Fire fan culture—making a fan-created nickname officially part of the show’s canon.
“Stellaride” Becomes Official in Season 13, Episode 13
In the episode titled “Born of Fire,” Kidd confides in Violet Mikami about her and Severide’s plans to adopt. Violet’s ecstatic response says it all: “Wow, a Stellaride baby.”
Kidd looks puzzled, asking what she means. Violet explains that everyone at Firehouse 51 calls them “Stellaride.”
For years, fans have used the portmanteau—combining Stella and Severide—as a shorthand for the couple. It’s a common fandom tradition for popular on-screen pairings, but until now, Chicago Fire had never used the term on-screen. With Violet’s playful line, the show has officially made the nickname canon—much to the delight of the One Chicago fandom.
A Sign the Writers Are Listening
By acknowledging the fan nickname, the Chicago Fire writers have shown they’re tuned in to their audience. Fans have long celebrated “Stellaride” as one of the show’s emotional anchors, even as Severide and Kidd endured separations, career challenges, and near-tragedies.
Now that the writers have embraced this fan-inspired detail, it signals a more hopeful direction for the couple’s story. With adoption on the horizon, viewers are crossing their fingers that the series allows the pair some long-overdue happiness—and perhaps a “Stellaride baby” to complete their family.
