To answer the burning question currently running every Chicago Fire fan’s mind, that is, if Taylor Kinney ever comes back to play Lieutenant Kelly Severide, we simply do not know. Although prospects of his return in season 11 of the show have been confirmed to be negative, whether the actor has left the show permanently can neither be confirmed nor denied as of now.
However, there are a few indications that his return is a possibility. The manner in which the story has been structured in reference to the character ‘Severide’ tells us that not all hope is lost when it comes to Taylor’s comeback.
Fans continue to whip up theories and speculate regarding his future in the show as they can’t help but sit tight and watch out for news of his return. Keep reading for a more detailed commentary on Taylor Kinney and news of his potential departure from the show.
An integral part of the “Chicago” franchise, “Chicago Fire” is a show that revolves around “Chicago Firehouse 51” and the happenings in the lives of their brave personnel.
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The main characters are Lieutenant Matthew Casey, played by Jesse Spencer, Lieutenant Kelly Severide, played by Taylor Kinney, Gabby Dawson played by Monica Raymund, Sylvie Brett, played by Kara Killmer and Wallace Boden, played by Eamonn Walker, Chicago Fire is now airing its 11th season with its finale set to air on May 24. You can catch the show every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on NBC!
Taylor Kinney’s Hiatus
As fans have known for a while, Taylor Kinney, who plays Lieutenant Kelly Severide in the show, has been continuously absent from the part of the show that was produced after his hiatus from the show was announced back in January this year. Having been a major character on the show since its very first season, fans were saddened to see Kinney star in what is now considered to be his final episode for a long time on February 22.
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Stating that he had to step away from the show due to “personal matters,” Kinney abruptly went on a hiatus even though it had not been long since he had renewed his contract to play his character on Chicago Fire. Fans were taken aback due to the sudden statement but kept going, keeping an eye out for his return.
Kinney’s character, Severide, was written off the show on the March 1st episode called “Damage Control,” where he is said to have left to enroll in the “best arson investigation training program in the world” in Alabama.
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The specifics regarding Taylor’s reason for leaving are still wrapped up in mystery since all fans were told was that it regarded a personal issue he had to handle. The actor was also inactive on social media for a long while following the news of his temporary departure. However, the actor has made a few appearances with his girlfriend on her social media and in public and seems to be doing fine.
Season 11 of Chicago Fire was one where fans had their hopes up to see the return of their beloved character Severide. Leaving these fans in a bittersweet state of mind, it was announced that Lieutenant Kelly Severide would unfortunately not be making an appearance but that another actor who had left the show earlier would return to the show for a special appearance. Jesse Spencer, who had left the show in its tenth season and had come back for a single appearance at the end of it to play Matthew Casey attending Severide’s wedding, was announced to make a guest appearance for the eleventh season’s finale.
Some fans found solace in the thought of the small cameo they would be treated to by Jesse, but a lot of them still wonder what is to be the fate of Kinney.
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Will Taylor Ever Return?
All we can do is guess based on Severide’s current storyline, Season 12 details, and other possible evidence of Kinney’s return.
Right, let’s begin with Severide. Severide’s current position on the show points to a possibility of Kinney’s return because he is completely alright and has only simply gone away for training purposes. Fans initially thought he would at least make a cameo, and eagle-eyed fans even kept watch on the filming set to catch a glimpse of his presence there. Unfortunately, they were hit with disappointment as they found no trace of him at the sets and confirmed his absence by the release of photos of him on vacation in other locations. Of course, after the announcements, we know he will not be back during season 11.
But what about season 12? Surely, there must be concrete news about his position there. Well…not really, but sort of, yes.
Season 12 has indeed been announced to be in the process of production as of now, but that does not mean we can anticipate Severide’s comeback. In fact, fans are to expect even less of Severide next season if, in fact, he is to make a comeback. The reason is the big, bad budget cuts that are set to be made to the show. Agreements regarding the budget cuts mean that season 12 will see the main cast make fewer appearances in the episodes, and it is highly doubtful that we will get to see Severide much, even if he returns.
Surely, we cannot arrive at an answer set in stone with all of these observations, so all we can do is stay hopeful and merely wait for Kinney’s possible return!
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