As Chicago Fire gears up for its much-anticipated fourteenth season, one lingering question continues to dominate fan discussion: Will Lieutenant Kelly Severide return for good?
Played by Taylor Kinney, Severide has been a cornerstone of the series since its very first episode in 2012. But after a surprise leave of absence in Season 11, and a reduced role in Season 13, fans are increasingly unsure whether Kinney—and his brooding, fiercely loyal, and battle-scarred character—will remain a part of Firehouse 51’s future. The show’s silence on the matter has only added fuel to the speculation.
Severide’s uncertain fate isn’t just about one character. His presence—or lack thereof—will define the emotional tone, leadership dynamic, and storyline trajectory of Season 14. And if Kinney truly does step away, the series will have to confront what that means for the legacy it’s spent over a decade building.
The Real-Life Leave That Shook the Show
Taylor Kinney’s sudden departure from Chicago Fire in early 2023 was announced mid-season, with NBC citing “personal matters” as the reason for his absence. There were no interviews, no social media statements, no press tour explanations. Fans were left guessing, and the show had to quickly write Severide out of key storylines.
The exit felt abrupt—and for many, incomplete. One episode he was front and center in Firehouse 51; the next, he was suddenly attending an off-screen ATF training program. While the narrative cover made sense within the firefighter universe, it never gave fans closure or clarity. When Kinney finally reappeared late in Season 13, the reaction was a mixture of excitement and confusion.
Was it a brief return? A full-time comeback? Or just a final bow?
NBC has yet to confirm Kinney’s status for Season 14, and Kinney himself has avoided interviews since his return. This silence suggests that even the production team may not know whether Severide is sticking around long term.
Why Severide Matters So Much
Kelly Severide isn’t just a fan-favorite—he’s the soul of Chicago Fire’s action-driven identity. As the Squad 3 lieutenant, Severide has led some of the most intense and technically demanding rescues in the show’s history. His skills, intuition, and instincts make him the firefighter others turn to in life-or-death situations.
But Severide is more than a tough guy. His complicated emotional history—including the death of best friend Shay, numerous relationship struggles, and career crises—has added layers of depth to a character who might otherwise have been reduced to a procedural archetype. Over the years, Kinney has carefully evolved Severide into a man haunted by loss, driven by loyalty, and often at odds with his own vulnerability.
If Severide were to leave permanently, Chicago Fire would lose one of its few remaining original characters—and arguably its most complex one. His absence would leave a dramatic and emotional hole not easily filled by any newcomer.
What Happens to Stella Kidd?
Perhaps no character would be more affected by Severide’s departure than his wife, Lieutenant Stella Kidd. Their relationship has been the emotional anchor of the show in recent seasons, especially after the departure of Casey and Brett. The two have grown from romantic tension to married partners who support one another in the field and at home.
Severide’s absence during Season 11 and parts of Season 13 caused friction in their marriage—and with good reason. Kidd was left to handle emotional and professional burdens on her own, while Severide continued to throw himself into specialized arson investigation assignments.
If Kinney does not return for Season 14 in a full-time capacity, the writers will have to decide whether to separate the couple on-screen, kill off Severide, or allow their marriage to continue long-distance—something many fans would find unsatisfying.
Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays Kidd, has become a leading force on the show, but her storyline is inevitably tied to Severide’s. Without his presence, Kidd’s arc may need to be restructured—possibly giving her new challenges as a solo leader or bringing her personal life into focus in an entirely new way.
If He Stays: Possible Storylines
If Taylor Kinney returns to Chicago Fire for a full Season 14, there are multiple directions the writers could take his character:
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Redemption Arc: Severide could face consequences for his prolonged absences and confront how his actions affected his marriage and his team.
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Leadership Tensions: With Boden potentially stepping back, Severide might be asked to take on more administrative responsibilities—something he’s never wanted but may be forced to accept.
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Legacy Training: Severide could begin mentoring a younger firefighter, possibly setting up a storyline that shows him preparing for the next generation.
Such storylines would allow Severide to evolve and mature while still keeping his action-hero persona intact.
If He Leaves: Can the Show Survive?
There’s no question that Chicago Fire has already proven its resilience. The departures of major characters like Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund), Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer), and Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) didn’t derail the show. But those exits were each offset by the strong presence of Severide and Boden.
Losing Severide now, especially if it coincides with Boden’s retirement or reduced screen time, would leave Firehouse 51 in unfamiliar territory. The emotional continuity the show has relied on for over a decade would be disrupted.
That said, it could also be an opportunity.
If written with care, Severide’s exit could serve as a powerful narrative moment—especially if it involves passing the torch, reconciling with Kidd, or making a selfless choice that reaffirms his heroism. But such an exit would need to be earned. A silent fadeout or off-screen departure would feel like a betrayal of the character’s depth.
Fan Reactions and The Future
Social media sentiment around Taylor Kinney’s possible exit is deeply divided. Some fans argue that his time has run its course, and the show needs to evolve. Others insist that Chicago Fire wouldn’t be the same without Severide—and they’re not wrong.
The emotional investment viewers have made in his journey is immense. He’s been a protector, a risk-taker, a lover, and a leader. For many fans, Severide is Chicago Fire.
Season 14 is shaping up to be a defining moment—not just for the show’s narrative, but for its identity. Whether Severide walks back into the firehouse or says goodbye for good, the decision will echo through every storyline and character.
