Taylor Kinney is officially staying on board Chicago Fire as the beloved Kelly Severide returns for Season 14, putting to rest any speculation about his future with the series. Despite Kinney’s contract having expired at the end of Season 13, NBC has secured new deals with the leads across the entire One Chicago franchise, ensuring that Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. will continue with their core casts intact this fall.
Deadline’s recent report confirms that Taylor Kinney, along with Chicago Fire co-stars Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd) and Dermot Mulroney (Dom Pascal), have all signed contracts to return for the upcoming season. On the other side of the One Chicago universe, Jason Beghe will reprise his role on Chicago P.D., while Chicago Med stars S. Epatha Merkerson and Oliver Platt continue their multi-season commitments.
The renewal news brings reassurance to fans who feared potential cast shake-ups following Kinney’s contract expiration and the recent budget-conscious shifts by NBC. Although the network will reduce some actors’ episode appearances as part of cost-saving measures, the overall ensemble remains strong, promising the continuation of the interwoven stories that have captivated viewers since Chicago Fire first premiered in 2012.
Strong Ratings and Growing Streaming Success
The three One Chicago shows continue to draw impressive audiences, with nearly 46 million total viewers combined across NBC and Peacock this season alone. Streaming numbers have risen year-over-year, reflecting a growing digital fan base alongside traditional TV viewership. This success likely contributed to NBC’s confidence in renewing the entire franchise with key cast members.
All three shows will return to their regular Wednesday night slots this fall, delivering a total of 21 episodes each. This lineup will include Chicago Fire Season 14, which left audiences on a cliffhanger at the close of Season 13 with Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd discovering they are expecting a child.
Behind the Scenes: Taylor Kinney’s Personal Life
Off-screen, Taylor Kinney’s life has seen joyful milestones. Last year, he surprised fans by marrying Ashley Cruger after two years of dating. The couple’s relationship first surfaced on social media in early 2022, with Taylor sharing candid moments that showcased their chemistry. Ashley made her own debut by posting couple photos at high-profile events like the Circuit of the Americas race in Austin and the charity Operation Smile’s Park City Ski Challenge in Utah.
Kinney’s personal life once captured public attention during his high-profile engagement to pop icon Lady Gaga. The couple met in 2011 on the set of Gaga’s "Yoü and I" music video and became engaged in early 2015. However, they amicably ended their relationship in 2016. Gaga later confirmed her engagement to Michael Polansky in April 2023.
What’s Next for Chicago Fire and the One Chicago Universe?
With the leads secured for upcoming seasons, fans can expect Season 14 to continue exploring deep character developments and the intense action that defines Chicago Fire. Severide and Kidd’s expanding family storyline will remain a focal point, alongside evolving leadership dynamics and fresh challenges for Firehouse 51.
The cast’s renewed commitment underlines the franchise’s stability despite industry-wide budget challenges, and the fan-favorite characters are poised to return stronger than ever. As Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. gear up for another season, viewers can look forward to the continuation of this tightly knit Chicago universe that balances thrilling procedural drama with heartfelt personal stories.
The countdown to the fall premiere is underway, and with Taylor Kinney leading the charge, Chicago Fire fans have plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.
