In the world of television drama, few names carry as much weight as Taylor Kinney. As the face of Kelly Severide for over a decade, Kinney

has become the backbone of Chicago Fire.1 However, as we move through December 2025, a cloud of speculation has gathered over

Firehouse 51. Rumors regarding Kinney’s health and a potential permanent exit have resurfaced, leaving the “Chi-Hard” fandom in a state of high anxiety. But what is actually happening behind the scenes?

 

 

To understand the current concern, we have to look back at Kinney’s history with the show. In early 2023, the actor took an unexpected leave of absence to deal with a “personal matter.”2 This led to a year-long gap where Severide was written off-screen to pursue arson investigation training in Texas.3

The Current Speculation in December 2025
As of late 2025, social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have been buzzing with fan theories. Some viewers have pointed to what they perceive as changes in Kinney’s “energy” and “speech patterns” in recent episodes of Season 13 and 14. While these are largely subjective fan observations, they have fueled a narrative that the actor may be struggling with undisclosed health issues that could hinder his long-term participation in the grueling filming schedule of a procedural drama.

 

 

Despite the whispers, it is important to look at the official record. In June 2025, major outlets reported that Taylor Kinney had officially inked a new deal to return for the 2025-2026 season (Season 14).4 This suggests that, at least from a professional standpoint, both Kinney and NBC are committed to keeping Kelly Severide in the mix.

The Physical Toll of Firehouse 51
Playing a firefighter isn’t just about acting; it’s a physically demanding job. The heavy gear, the smoke machines, and the long outdoor shoots in the brutal Chicago winter take a toll on any performer.

Kinney has been with the franchise since 2012.5 After 13 years of performing stunts and maintaining the peak physical condition required for a Squad leader, it wouldn’t be surprising if an actor sought a lighter workload. This is often the primary reason long-term stars move toward “recurring” status or take sabbaticals.

Mental Health and Personal Privacy
When Kinney took his leave in 2023, he asked for privacy, and both the network and his castmates respected that boundary. If there are health issues currently at play, Kinney has chosen to keep them private, which is his right. The “health issues” being cited in recent viral posts haven’t been confirmed by his representatives or the show’s producers.