Chicago Fire’s Severide Spinoff Not Happening Is A Relief For Season 12 & The Show’s Future
It was recently revealed that the showrunners at Chicago Fire were considering making a Severide spinoff but have since decided not to move forward with it, and although this may seem like bad news for some, it is actually the best decision for the franchise. Chicago Fire is a drama series that has been on the air since 2012. It follows the firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics of Station 51 in Chicago, Illinois. The series is currently airing its 12th season on NBC.
While the news of a potential Kelly Severide spinoff may seem surprising, it actually comes at a very integral time. In 2023, Chicago Fire was in the midst of airing their eleventh season when Taylor Kinney, who has portrayed Severide since the very first season, left the series for a brief personal leave. It was only recently, with the premiere of Chicago Fire season 12, that Kinney returned to his role. Therefore, it was at this time that Chicago Fire showrunners likely considered a Severide spinoff, then promptly realized that it would not work.
Chicago Fire’s Severide Spinoff Not Happening Suggests He’ll Be Vital In Season 12
Since a Severide spinoff isn’t happening, this most likely means that Taylor Kinney is back on Chicago Fire for good. During his leave of absence, it was very unclear whether Severide would ever come back to the series. If he didn’t, it would have been a massive blow to the series, which has followed Severide since the very beginning. Worse, his departure was so sudden that his story would have remained open-ended. However, now that Kinney is back and the Severide spinoff is not happening, it seems that Chicago Fire is likely his main gig for now.
Furthermore, because of Kinney’s absence in Chicago Fire season 11, the series will have to give him an important role in season 12. While Severide has always been a vital part of the 51 crew, his departure left a massive hole and many unanswered questions. In particular, it left some unresolved issues between him and his wife Stella. Therefore, Chicago Fire season 12 must fix the problems that were left in Severide’s wake by giving Severide plenty to do during the season.
Why A Chicago Fire Severide Spinoff Wouldn’t Work
Ultimately, it is a good thing that a Chicago Fire Severide spinoff isn’t happening because it likely would not work. After Taylor Kinney’s absence last year, it was clear that Chicago Fire is not the same without Severide. Therefore, if he was to get his own spinoff, it would hurt Chicago Fire and likely the spinoff as well. There are too many logistical questions to be answered. Furthermore, the One Chicago franchise has yet to do a spinoff based on a single character. In the end, it would have been a major risk that likely would not have paid off.
