Unveiling the Exciting New Dynamic Between Severide and Kidd on 'Chicago Fire' following Taylor Kinney's Absence

Taylor Kinney. Art Streiber/NBC

Taylor Kinney's highly anticipated return to Chicago Fire is set to shake things up for his character, Kelly Severide, and his TV wife, Stella Kidd. Showrunner Andrea Newman revealed to TVLine on January 11 that there will be a new dynamic between the pair in season 12, evident from the very beginning of the show.

Newman teased, “They still can’t keep their hands off each other. You can tell they’re still in love, but there’s this new edge to their relationship.”

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Season 11 of Chicago Fire, which aired in 2023, saw some changes after Kinney, 42, took a leave of absence in January of that year. The actor was dealing with a personal matter at the time. As a result of the casting shakeup, Kinney’s character left Chicago to assist with an ATF investigation. Meanwhile, Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) was feeling the effects of not seeing him and in the season 11 finale, she made a vow to go to Alabama and bring him back home.

Miranda Rae Mayo. Chris Haston/NBC

The new season, according to Newman, will take place six months after the previous season, with Severide assisting in an arson case for OFI in Chicago. This will bring to light the tension between Kidd and Severide. The investigation will also delve into their personal struggles and the aftermath of Severide's departure for ATF in the previous season.

Severide's comeback to Firehouse 51 will stir up drama within Squad 3, which he entrusted to Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso).

“Kidd isn’t the only one impacted by Severide's extended absence. Cruz was affected as well,” Newman mentioned, suggesting that Cruz may not be ready to relinquish his role as temporary lieutenant.

Severide's return will bring new changes and tension that Cruz and Severide will need to work through in order to continue working together," Newman stated.

In October 2023, Us confirmed that Kinney would be returning for the beginning of season 12, but his status as a regular on the show was uncertain. Newman hinted that Kinney's role on the show will be significant.

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“Severide is definitely front and center this season, that’s what I’ll say,” Newman told TVLine.

Season 12 of Chicago Fire premieres on NBC Wednesday, January 17, at 9 p.m. ET.