'Chicago Fire' Fans, We Figured Out If Taylor Kinney Is Actually Leaving the Show

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It's been over a decade since Chicago Fire first aired on NBC, and viewers still tune in to follow the lives of those working in Firehouse 51. While many have come and gone over the years, there are still staple characters (and by extension, actors) who folks are excited to see every Wednesday night. So, when lieutenant and Truck Company 81 officer in charge Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) left after 200 episodes in season 10, it caused some to become concerned that other pivotal roles will exit the drama as well.

As the series continues airing new season 11 episodes, fans have questions about the status of Lieutenant Kelly Severide, portrayed by Taylor Kinney. Back in January, Taylor stepped away from Chicago Fire in order to "deal with a personal matter," according to Variety. This development meant Severide would go M.I.A. while he went to do "arson investigation training." But as the latest season finale quickly approaches, many haven't forgotten about him.

While it's hard to say what is next for the character, we did do some digging into whether the actor plans to come back to Chicago Fire anytime soon. Keep reading to find out if Taylor Kinney is leaving Chicago Fire.

Is Taylor Kinney leaving Chicago Fire?

At the moment, there is no word about whether Taylor will be coming back to Chicago Fire. In a report from Deadline, the show announced that Severide — and by extension, Taylor — will not be featured in the season 11 finale on May 24. But NBC did clue fans into a reprieve, sharing that actor Jesse Spencer will reprise his role as Casey after leaving in October 2021.

As NBC Insider notes, not much information is out on how Casey will return to Firehouse 51. The outlet wrote that his storyline may have something to do with his ex-girlfriend Brett (Kara Killmer), whom he lied to about being in a relationship when he was actually single. The publication theorized that it would be plausible for him to want to return to Chicago, especially since viewers need someone to take the place of Severide for the moment.

What's more, Jesse seemed opened to the idea as well. "The storyline [in episode 18] does allude to Casey sort of eyeing whether he could actually move back to 51," he said to the site. "Can he potentially, in the future, rekindle his relationship with Brett and start that fire again? We’re gonna have to see. Casey’s looking at it; it’s a potential thing, but we just don’t know right now. We’ll leave that to the future. We’ll throw it to the gods and see what they say."

As far as Taylor returning to Chicago Fire, there could be some hope for him in the future. While he isn't currently on the series, there also hasn't been written word that he's officially leaving. What's more, he appears to be doing OK away from the TV cameras, as he attended an event in April alongside girlfriend Ashley Cruger.

Until everything is said and done, we'll just be here rooting for Taylor to come back whenever he's ready to do so.

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