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5 Shocking Twists About Kelly Severide's Status On Chicago Fire: Is Taylor Kinney Really Leaving?

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The question that has haunted Chicago Fire fans for over a year finally has a definitive answer. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the fate of Lieutenant Kelly Severide has been the hottest topic in the One Chicago universe, following actor Taylor Kinney’s sudden and unexpected leave of absence. Fans were left reeling, fearing that one of the show’s original and most beloved characters was gone for good. The good news? The current status of the squad leader confirms that the worries can be put to rest, for now. The intense speculation surrounding his departure has been replaced by a clear picture of his current and future role at Firehouse 51.

The journey of Kelly Severide, from a carefree ladies' man to a committed husband and a respected leader, is central to the show's DNA. His absence created a massive void, particularly for his wife, Stella Kidd, and the entire Truck 81 crew. However, the most recent information confirms Taylor Kinney is back in the fold, but the dramatic storyline surrounding his return and the reasons for his hiatus are critical to understanding the character's long-term future in the series.

Taylor Kinney: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

Taylor Kinney has been an anchor of the Chicago Fire drama since its debut, playing the passionate and often reckless Lieutenant Kelly Severide. His career, however, spans beyond the Dick Wolf universe.

  • Full Name: Taylor Jackson Kinney
  • Date of Birth: July 15, 1981
  • Age (as of 2025): 43
  • Birthplace: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Role on Chicago Fire: Lieutenant Kelly Severide, Squad 3 Leader (formerly Rescue Squad 3)
  • Years Active in Chicago Fire: 2012–Present (with a brief hiatus)
  • Notable Film/TV Roles: Mason Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries, Jared in Zero Dark Thirty, Phil in The Other Woman, and Glenn in Trauma.
  • Personal Life Note: Kinney was famously in a high-profile relationship with pop superstar Lady Gaga from 2011 to 2016.
  • Education: Studied Business Management at West Virginia University before moving to Hawaii and then New York to pursue acting.

Kinney's portrayal of Severide has made him one of the most recognizable faces in the One Chicago franchise, a cornerstone of the show's success alongside characters like Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker).

The Shocking Hiatus: Why Kelly Severide Disappeared from Firehouse 51

The biggest scare for fans came in the middle of Season 11. In January 2023, news broke that Taylor Kinney was taking a sudden leave of absence from the show.

The Official Reason for the Exit

The official word from the production team and NBC was that Kinney was taking a temporary leave to deal with a "personal matter." This was a private matter, and no further details were publicly disclosed by the actor or the show's representatives. This lack of concrete information fueled months of intense speculation about whether the character would ever return, leading to the "is Kelly Severide leaving Chicago Fire" panic.

The Narrative Explanation: ATF Training

To write the character out of the show quickly, the writers created a storyline where Severide left Chicago to attend an elite Arson Investigation training program for the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) in Alabama. This narrative move was a clever way to keep the door open for his eventual return, as it was a professional opportunity, not a permanent relocation or a tragic exit.

This storyline, however, caused friction with his wife, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). Severide’s extended stay and his shift in focus toward arson investigation—a passion he shares with Captain Tom Van Meter—created a palpable distance in their relationship, known to fans as 'Severide and Kidd' or 'Stellaride.' The emotional toll on Stella Kidd became a major plot point for the remainder of Season 11 and into Season 12.

The Definitive Answer: Severide's Status in Season 13 and Beyond

The good news is resounding: No, Kelly Severide is not leaving Chicago Fire. Taylor Kinney returned to the set, and his character is firmly back as a main cast member for the most recent seasons.

1. Confirmed Return in Season 12

Kinney officially returned to filming and his character, Lieutenant Severide, was a major part of Season 12. His return marked a pivotal moment for the show, resolving the uncertainty that had plagued Firehouse 51. The focus shifted from his absence to the complex emotional fallout of his time away and the necessary repair of his marriage with Stella Kidd.

2. Contract Status for Season 13 (2025)

The most current updates confirm that Taylor Kinney is part of the main cast returning for Chicago Fire Season 13. This is the strongest evidence that the hiatus was temporary and that the network and showrunners view him as an essential, long-term fixture of the drama. The narrative for Season 13 is even focusing on bringing back the "classic, daring Kelly Severide" that fans originally fell in love with, suggesting a renewed commitment to the character's core personality.

3. The Future: Season 14 and Beyond

While official renewals for Season 14 (likely airing in 2025-2026) are always announced later, Taylor Kinney's name is consistently mentioned in discussions about the future core cast of the show. His current involvement is a huge reassurance for the longevity of the character. The show is continuing to invest in the 'Stellaride' relationship and Severide’s role as the leader of Squad 3, indicating a long-term plan for the character.

3 Major Entities Affected by Severide's Storyline

Severide's journey is not just about him; it's a central pillar holding up the entire Firehouse 51 family. His hiatus and return have had massive ripple effects on key characters and the overall narrative.

1. Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo)

Stella Kidd was arguably the most affected character. Her husband’s extended absence and his focus on the ATF assignment led to a crisis in their marriage. She felt abandoned and struggled to understand his new, seemingly secretive passion for arson investigation. Her arc during his absence focused on her professional growth as a Lieutenant and her personal turmoil, which provides rich, ongoing drama now that he has returned.

2. Firehouse 51 and Squad 3

Severide’s departure left a significant gap in the leadership structure of Firehouse 51. The role of Squad 3 leader is crucial, as they handle the most technical and dangerous rescues. His temporary replacement, while competent, highlighted how integral Severide is to the team's dynamic. His return restores the natural order and the familiar chemistry within the firehouse, which is a key element of the show's success.

3. The Arson Subplot and ATF

The ATF training wasn't just a convenient excuse; it introduced a major new element to Severide's professional life: arson investigation. This interest has continued to be a recurring subplot, allowing the writers to explore different types of emergencies beyond standard rescues. It gives Severide a new layer of complexity and a specific expertise that connects Chicago Fire more closely with the broader crime-solving elements of the One Chicago universe.

In conclusion, the fears of Kelly Severide leaving Chicago Fire are definitively over. Taylor Kinney is back, and the show is actively investing in his character's future, ensuring that Lieutenant Severide remains a vital part of Firehouse 51 for Season 13 and the foreseeable future.

5 Shocking Twists About Kelly Severide's Status on Chicago Fire: Is Taylor Kinney Really Leaving?
is kelly severide leaving chicago fire
is kelly severide leaving chicago fire

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