After a decade of captivating audiences as Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, Taylor Kinney’s recent departure from the show has left fans wondering if this is a temporary break or a permanent career change. Since its debut in 2012, Chicago Fire has become a staple of NBC’s lineup, largely due to the compelling characters that producer Dick Wolf and his team have developed over the years.
Wolf initially promised that the series would go beyond the typical “fire of the week” formula, emphasizing character-driven storytelling. He noted, “There are very few franchises or areas that give you the opportunity to really explore character… it’s a canvas for good writing.” Eleven years later, it’s evident that the show has successfully delivered on that promise, creating dynamic and relatable characters.
Kelly Severide, portrayed by Kinney, stands out as a prime example of this character development. Despite his tumultuous love life, Severide was dedicated to nurturing friendships and familial bonds, especially his unwavering camaraderie with Matt Casey, played by Jesse Spencer. Their relationship became one of the most cherished elements of the series. However, fans were recently informed that Kinney would not be returning for the remainder of Season 11.
The Reasons Behind Kinney’s Departure Remain Vague
In January, Deadline reported that Kinney was taking a leave of absence from Chicago Fire due to a personal matter. This announcement came just weeks before Season 11 premiered new episodes in February. Insiders revealed that the show’s writers learned of his departure mere days before the news broke, indicating that they would need to make significant script adjustments to account for Severide’s absence.
While Kinney has been missing from the latest episodes, the writers have addressed his character’s lack of screen time by having Severide pursue advanced training in arson investigation. Unfortunately, the specifics of the personal matter that led to his exit remain unclear, as does the timeline for his potential return. Nevertheless, Kinney has been seen in public since his departure. In April, he attended a charity event for MotoUp, a non-profit organization supporting veterans, alongside his girlfriend Ashley Cruger. However, Kinney did not publicly comment on the event.
Excitement for Season 11, but Challenges Ahead
Kinney’s abrupt exit raises questions about his priorities and future with the series. Even if he does return, it may not be under the same circumstances as before. Reports indicate that most series regulars on Dick Wolf’s shows will be featured in fewer episodes in upcoming seasons. For instance, Season 11 had 22 episodes, but new contracts may limit regulars to only 18-20 episodes. Kinney’s salary could also be affected; estimates suggest he earns around $24,000 per episode, meaning his annual income could drop by $48,000 to $96,000 under the new agreements.
However, there have been no indications that his departure is connected to these contract negotiations. In fact, Kinney expressed enthusiasm for Season 11 as recently as 2022. “It’s never lost on me how special it is to be a part of something with the longevity this has,” he shared with Us Weekly. “It’s a testament to Dick Wolf and the team he puts together. I’m excited for Season 11.” Yet, he also acknowledged, “I’m not privy to scripts or information on where they’re going with it.”
As fans await further developments, the future of Taylor Kinney and his character on Chicago Fire remains uncertain. Will he return, or is this the beginning of a new chapter for the actor? Only time will tell.
