If you’re a die-hard Chicago Fire fan, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Wait, where the heck did Severide and Mullins go?” The recent episodes had fans buzzing with theories, concerns, and even a little panic. Are the actors leaving? Is this the end of the road?
Well, let’s take a breath — and dig into the truth.
🔥 Are Taylor Kinney and Dermot Mulroney Leaving Chicago Fire?
✅ Short Answer: No, They’re Not.
Despite online rumors and speculation, neither actor is making a permanent exit from the One Chicago universe. Both Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) and Dermot Mulroney (Paramedic Chief Mullins) are simply taking time away from the series — and not in a “say goodbye forever” kind of way.
🎬 Why Taylor Kinney Temporarily Stepped Away
🧠 A Break for Personal Reasons
Back in 2023, it was revealed that Taylor Kinney stepped away from filming for personal matters. While the show kept things private (as they should), sources confirmed this was a voluntary, temporary leave, not a sign of anything more permanent.
📺 How the Show Wrote Him Out (For Now)
Writers quickly adjusted the storyline, placing Severide in specialized training out of town — which makes sense considering his elite firefighter skills. It wasn’t dramatic, just practical.
🚨 What About Dermot Mulroney’s Sudden Disappearance?
🎭 Mullins Was Meant to Be Brief
Unlike Kinney, Mulroney’s character wasn’t always intended as a long-term addition. Paramedic Chief Mullins was introduced for a specific arc, one that shook up EMS leadership and brought fresh tension to Firehouse 51.
🎬 He Could Still Return
Mulroney’s character hasn’t been killed off or written out conclusively. Translation? There’s plenty of room for a comeback — and it wouldn’t be surprising if he popped back in during a pivotal future storyline.
📅 Will Severide Be Back in Season 13?
Yes, and fans are already getting hyped.
🧯 Kinney Is Confirmed to Return
NBC insiders and cast members have subtly confirmed that Kinney will return in the upcoming season. His absence was felt, but that just proves how iconic Severide really is.
🌟 How Fans Reacted To Their Absence
📣 Confusion and Concern on Social Media
Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook exploded with fan theories. Some thought Severide died offscreen. Others believed a feud with producers pushed him out.
But thankfully, it’s all just speculation.
💬 The Showrunners Responded
The producers reassured fans that these absences were temporary and story-driven, not due to behind-the-scenes drama.
🧩 How Their Absence Affected the Storyline
👨🚒 Firehouse 51 Faced New Challenges
Without Severide’s cool-headed leadership and Mullins’ authoritative presence, the rest of the squad had to step up. This added tension, created fresh drama, and opened the door for new characters to shine.
🎞️ What This Means for Future Episodes
🔄 Expect a Big Return
When Severide returns, it’s going to be big. His absence has been a slow burn setup — and you know Chicago Fire loves a dramatic homecoming.
💡 The Bigger Picture — Why Temporary Exits Happen
🌍 Actors Need Breathing Room
These shows run for years. A break now and then is completely normal — even necessary — to avoid burnout.
📝 It Keeps the Plot Fresh
Temporary absences allow writers to shift focus, try new angles, and build suspense.
🔥 Could This Happen Again in Future Seasons?
Sure. And that’s okay.
📅 One Chicago Has a Rotating Cast
Like its sister shows Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire embraces organic cast shifts. People come and go — and sometimes come back even better than before.
🎯 Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Severide or Mullins
Because they’re not gone — they’re just on a break. Like your favorite coffee shop closing for a deep clean.
🔎 Debunking Common Myths About Their Exit
❌ Myth 1: Taylor Kinney Was Fired
Wrong. He took a personal leave and remains on good terms with producers.
❌ Myth 2: Dermot Mulroney’s Role Was Canceled
Nope. His arc concluded for now, but the door’s wide open.
📽️ What to Watch for When They Return
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Big stunts
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Emotional reunions
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Tense leadership clashes
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And possibly, a plot twist no one sees coming
📌 Conclusion: It’s Not Goodbye — Just See You Later
Let’s wrap this up — Taylor Kinney and Dermot Mulroney aren’t leaving Chicago Fire. Their absence? Temporary. Their impact? Lasting. Whether you’re team Severide or team Mullins, the show knows what it’s doing. And the best part? Their return will be worth the wait.
