Taylor Kinney Breaks Silence on Future with ‘Chicago Fire’: “I Need a Change”
After more than a decade as the face of Firehouse 51, Taylor Kinney is opening up about his evolving journey on NBC’s hit procedural Chicago Fire. In a candid new interview, the actor, who has portrayed Lt. Kelly Severide since the show’s pilot in 2012, shared a reflective look at his tenure and his growing desire for a “shift” in his professional life.
A Decade in the Uniform Kinney has been the backbone of the series for 14 seasons, leading Squad 3 through countless harrowing rescues and deeply personal storylines. However, during the show’s current midseason hiatus, Kinney admitted that the sheer longevity of the role has sparked a period of introspection.
“There comes a point where you look at the calendar and realize you’ve spent more than a decade in the same firehouse,” Kinney remarked. While he expressed immense gratitude for the character of Severide—a man he described as “flawed, loyal, and always trying to be better”—he didn’t shy away from the reality of creative fatigue. “Personally, I need a change,” he stated. “Not an end, but a shift. New challenges, new stories to tell.”
Navigating the Current Season The timing of these comments follows a series of narrative shifts in Season 14. Fans recently saw Severide sidelined in episodes like “Coming in Hot,” where Joe Minoso’s Joe Cruz took the reins as acting lieutenant. This absence, coupled with the high-stakes “The Reckoning” crossover event earlier this month, has kept viewers on the edge of their seats regarding the leader’s future.
Despite his desire for something new, Kinney was quick to reassure the “One Chicago” faithful that he isn’t walking away forever. He emphasized that the cast, crew, and creator Dick Wolf are “family” and that Chicago has truly become his home. “I’m not closing the door on Firehouse 51,” he clarified, though he hinted at wanting to explore film or projects “outside the uniform” during the off-season.
The Future of Kelly Severide As Chicago Fire prepares to return to NBC on March 18 with the episode “Do Not Resuscitate,” the question remains: what does “change” look like for Kelly Severide? Some speculate the character may pivot more toward Arson Investigation (OFI), a recurring passion for the character, which could allow Kinney a different pace without leaving the franchise entirely.
Kinney’s honesty mirrors a broader trend among long-running TV stars who seek to balance their loyalty to a beloved brand with their personal growth as artists. Having previously taken a leave of absence in 2023 for personal reasons, Kinney has proven that he can step away and return with renewed energy.
For now, the actor remains committed to the community that supported him, including a scheduled appearance at the “RescueVerse” salute to first responders in Chicago later this month. As the fire at 51 continues to burn, Kinney’s message is clear: he’s ready for the next chapter, but his heart remains with the squad. “I’ve given everything to this character,” Kinney said. “Right now, I just need a little change of scenery to keep the fire burning.”