The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale delivered a massive “Stellaride” surprise, and showrunner Andrea Newman has shed light on what’s next for Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) now that they’re on the path to parenthood.
The Big Surprise:
After a season-long journey exploring adoption, which included a heartbreaking near-adoption that fell through, the finale revealed that Stella Kidd is pregnant! This was a twist that surprised many viewers, especially since Stella had previously expressed reservations about getting pregnant.
What the Showrunner Says is Next for Stellaride:
Andrea Newman, the showrunner, explained the shift from adoption to pregnancy and teased what fans can expect in Season 14:
- Stella’s Evolution: Newman stated that Stella’s pregnancy was a natural evolution for her character. Throughout Season 13, Stella grew significantly, particularly through her experiences helping a troubled teen and a young mother in the hospital. These events made her realize her own strength and confidence, making her more open to the idea of a biological child. It was about “her taking the leap” and being less afraid to “let the fates take over.”
- Strengthened Relationship: The adoption storyline, despite its heartbreak, actually brought Stella and Severide closer. They deepened their communication and bonded in new ways, which ultimately led to Stella feeling more empowered and ready for this next step in their relationship.
- Higher Stakes: While being firefighters carries inherent risks, Newman emphasized that having a baby will “send the stakes through the roof” for Stellaride. The show will explore how being parents impacts their dangerous jobs and their dynamic as a couple. Questions will arise about who might step back, how they manage the responsibilities, and the emotional weight of their profession with a child at home.
- Firehouse 51’s Reaction: The show will also delve into how the rest of Firehouse 51 reacts to the news. As a “family,” everyone will have advice and opinions, adding fun and emotional layers to the story.
- Not About Seeing the Baby (Primarily): Newman clarified that the focus won’t necessarily be on the baby itself,but rather on how Stella and Kelly navigate this new chapter as a couple and as firefighters.
- Potential Time Jump: There could be a time jump when Season 14 kicks off, meaning Stella might already be past her first trimester.
In essence, the showrunner confirmed that Stella’s pregnancy was a deliberate choice to propel Stellaride’s storyline forward in a fresh and impactful way, exploring the unique challenges and joys of being first responders and new parents.The stakes for the beloved couple are about to get much, much higher.
