After months of swirling rumours and nervous speculation, the flames at Firehouse 51 are roaring back to life — and at the centre of the blaze is none other than Taylor Kinney. In a major announcement that has fans exhaling a collective sigh of relief, Chicago Fire’s original leading man has officially signed on for Season 14. Yes, Lieutenant Kelly Severide is back — and not just in name.
NBC’s flagship drama, which has anchored the One Chicago franchise since 2012, is heading into its 14th season with some significant changes, but the return of Kinney ensures that the heart of the series continues to beat strong. He’s not coming back alone either. Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays Severide’s on-screen partner and fellow lieutenant Stella Kidd, has also inked a new deal. Their on-screen chemistry — the emotional cornerstone of many recent seasons — remains intact, much to the joy of “Stellaride” fans.
Joining them is Dermot Mulroney, who made waves in Season 13 as the newly appointed Battalion Chief, Dom Pascal. Though his contract was initially just for one season, Mulroney’s return confirms that his presence at Firehouse 51 has made a lasting impression. His character brought a fresh, complex leadership style to the team, and his dynamic with veterans like Herrmann and Kidd promises to evolve further.
But as with any fire, there’s light — and there’s loss. The return of these key players comes with the confirmed exit of two beloved characters: Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) and Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter). Fans were blindsided, particularly by Kyri’s departure, as Ritter’s storyline wasn’t given closure in the Season 13 finale. Whether the show will provide that resolution in early Season 14 episodes or leave it to imagination remains unclear.
Adding to the shifting landscape is NBC’s decision to trim the upcoming season to 21 episodes — one less than usual. While it may seem minor, it reflects larger cost-cutting trends across network TV. Fewer episodes likely mean tighter storytelling, fewer filler plots, and possibly even rotating cast appearances, a practice the show has employed before during actor absences.
Yet for all the structural and personnel changes, the spirit of Chicago Fire remains unshaken. The return of Kinney feels symbolic — a steadying force in a show built on chaos, teamwork, and family. After taking a personal hiatus in Season 11, his full-time return is a statement: Severide’s journey is far from over.
Season 14 promises to be both a reset and a reinvention. With its new balance of legacy characters and fresh leadership, and a renewed focus on tight, emotional storytelling, Chicago Fire looks ready to embrace a new era.
The trucks are refueled. The sirens are ready. And Firehouse 51? They’re not backing down.
