Taylor Kinney, the beloved actor known for his role as Kelly Severide on NBC’s Chicago Fire, is set to make a return in the show’s upcoming 12th season.
The actor took a leave of absence in the latter part of the 2022-23 season due to personal reasons. Now, with the resolution of the writers’ strike, sources reveal that Kinney’s character, Kelly Severide, will be written back into the series for early episodes. It remains uncertain whether the character’s return will be permanent or limited to a few episodes.
On-screen, Severide’s absence was explained by his enrollment in an arson investigation program. The series hinted at his eventual return, suggesting that he would share his newfound expertise with Firehouse 51. The character’s return is highly anticipated by fans who have followed Severide’s journey since the show’s beginning in 2012.
Kinney is not only known for his role in Chicago Fire but he has appeared as Severide in more than 20 episodes of other NBC One Chicago series, including Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and the short-lived Chicago Justice.
Production for Chicago Fire and other series under producer Dick Wolf won’t begin until the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, resolves its strike against studios and streaming platforms. The strike, which began in July, has led to ongoing negotiations, with the latest statement from the union on October 30 indicating that significant differences remain on key issues.
The writers have returned to work, as have the essential staff in the production offices. Set construction is delayed.
Fans of Chicago Fire eagerly await the return of Taylor Kinney and Kelly Severide, looking forward to his continued adventures at Firehouse 51.
ALSO READ: One Chicago writers are back to work
ALSO READ: Illinois scripted TV productions saw increase in 2022
