Chicago, IL – Kelly Severide, the fan-favorite firefighter on NBC’s hit procedural “Chicago Fire,” has made a comeback on the show. However, fans are left wondering if this return is permanent or if Severide will eventually leave for his own spinoff series.
“Chicago Fire” is part of the One Chicago franchise, which includes spinoffs like “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med.” The show, produced by Dick Wolf, first premiered in 2012 and is currently in its 12th season. It follows the lives of firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics at the fictional Firehouse 51 of the Chicago Fire Department.
Severide, portrayed by Taylor Kinney, has been a mainstay on the show since its first season. However, halfway through Season 11, Kinney took a mysterious leave of absence to deal with a personal matter. He made a comeback during the Season 12 premiere, airing on Jan. 18, 2024. However, his character’s focus seems to be elsewhere, leading to concerns among fans that he might leave the show for good. Many viewers would be interested in a spinoff centered around Severide and his newfound passion for arson investigation.
While there are no concrete plans for a Severide-centered spinoff just yet, “Chicago Fire” showrunner Andrea Newman revealed in an interview with “Hello! Magazine” in January 2024 that they have considered the idea. Severide’s storyline involves his decision to undergo training at the best arson investigation program in the world, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a former captain in Chicago’s Office of Fire Investigations (OFI). This sets up the dynamic of Severide’s ambition conflicting with his relationship with his wife, Stella Kidd.
Newman explains that they discussed the possibility of a spinoff where Severide works for OFI, but ultimately decided against it. She emphasizes the importance of Severide’s character in “Chicago Fire” and how losing him temporarily in Season 11 served as a reminder of his crucial role in Firehouse 51. Although Severide’s interest in arson investigations creates internal struggle for him, it also adds depth to his character and other storylines on “Chicago Fire.”
The struggle between Severide’s passion for arson investigations and the dangers it poses will be a significant focus in the early episodes of Season 12. Newman highlights the addictive nature of this pursuit and the inherent skills Severide possesses for it. She suggests that his deep connection to this work taps into something within him, making it both dangerous and irresistible. Fans can expect this internal conflict to play out in compelling ways as the season progresses.