Taylor Kinney’s Absence Continues: No Return for Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire Season 11 — And Beyond
By TV Fanatic Staff | Photo Credit: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC
It’s official — Taylor Kinney’s unexpected departure from Chicago Fire isn’t just a temporary absence. Sources confirm the fan-favorite actor, known for his long-running role as Kelly Severide, will not be returning for the remainder of Season 11, and his time away is now expected to extend into Season 12.
The news comes after Kinney took a leave of absence earlier this year to handle a personal matter, a development first reported back in January. While details remain private out of respect for the actor, fans have been left wondering about Severide’s fate ever since his sudden exit from the screen.
Severide’s Final Scenes — For Now
Though Kinney’s leave was announced in January, he continued to appear on-screen until late February. The series officially wrote Severide out in Season 11, Episode 14, when it was revealed that the elite firefighter had left town to attend a prestigious arson investigation training program in Alabama. The exit was abrupt, and while the storyline offered a logical explanation, the absence has left a noticeable void at Firehouse 51.
For longtime fans who’ve followed Severide’s journey since the pilot episode, the character’s low-key departure feels like the end of an era — even if it’s not officially being called a goodbye.
A Familiar Face Returns for the Finale
In a twist that might help ease the sting, Chicago Fire is bringing back original cast member Jesse Spencer for the upcoming season finale. Spencer, who played Matt Casey, last appeared earlier this season for a special episode, marking a rare return since his exit as a series regular in October 2021.
Spencer has been open about his decision to leave the show, telling reporters at the time:
“I realized I’ve been doing TV for a long time… I think this year is my 18th year of network television. It was a difficult decision because I’ve loved the show from the start, but there are other things I’d like to do, and family I need to take care of.”
Despite his departure, Casey’s presence continues to loom large — and with Kinney still out, his return in the finale could carry even more weight for fans craving some familiar leadership at the firehouse.
Looking Ahead: Season 12 and Production Delays
NBC officially renewed Chicago Fire for Season 12 earlier this year, securing the show’s place in the network’s future. However, viewers may have to wait longer than usual for new episodes. Like many scripted series, production is currently at a standstill due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, which has halted the creation of new scripts and delayed filming across the board.
With no episodes currently banked and the creative process on pause, it’s unclear when Chicago Fire will be back — or when fans will finally see Severide walk through the doors of Firehouse 51 again.
Until then, the flames at 51 burn a little differently… and the question on everyone’s mind is simple:
When — or if — will Kelly Severide return?
