After months of swirling uncertainty and fan speculation, NBC has finally confirmed the fate of several key One Chicago cast members, including Chicago Fire lead Taylor Kinney. The announcement comes on the heels of multiple contracts expiring across the franchise, which had left viewers wondering whether familiar faces would be returning for the next chapter of their favorite shows: Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.
One of the biggest questions leading into the new season was whether Taylor Kinney would resume his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide after taking a leave of absence last season. According to NBC, Kinney has officially re-signed and will return as a series regular in Chicago Fire’s upcoming season. Kinney’s absence last season, due to personal reasons, left fans speculating whether the show was preparing to write out one of its longest-running characters. But insiders confirm that the actor is not only returning, but that the writers are crafting a “redemptive, high-stakes arc” for Severide that explores the psychological toll of his job and his complicated sense of duty.
On Chicago P.D., Jason Beghe (Voight) and LaRoyce Hawkins (Atwater) are locked in for another season. However, as previously reported, Tracy Spiridakos (Upton) will exit early in the new season, concluding a multi-season arc that’s defined her character’s journey through trauma, resilience, and loyalty to the badge. Meanwhile, Chicago Med will retain key characters like Marlyne Barrett (Maggie) and S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin), while quietly phasing out a few recurring doctors whose contracts were not renewed. The move aligns with NBC’s new strategy of tighter storytelling and reduced cast sizes to better manage production costs.
According to sources close to production, several actors’ contracts had quietly expired earlier this year, and negotiations were tense due to cost-cutting measures. In some cases, actors agreed to return for fewer episodes at a higher emotional impact, giving writers the chance to craft more focused, character-driven arcs. A producer on Chicago P.D. explained, “We’re not losing actors just to save money—we’re telling tighter, more meaningful stories. We’ve shifted from procedural-heavy to character-rich, and that change means every scene matters.”
While these casting changes might sound dramatic, the overall message from NBC is clear: One Chicago is here to stay. The network remains committed to its flagship Wednesday lineup and views the franchise as a cornerstone of its scripted programming. In fact, this year may represent a new era for the shows—one focused less on maintaining the status quo and more on growth, change, and legacy. By allowing some characters to leave organically and introducing new blood, the franchise can evolve without losing its soul.
Moreover, Taylor Kinney’s renewed presence offers much-needed stability. Severide has long been a fan favorite, and his leadership at Firehouse 51 represents the heart of Chicago Fire. His return signals that the show is doubling down on its core identity—even as it pushes its characters into uncharted emotional territory.
