Season 13’s Hopeful Ending

Chicago Fire Season 13 wrapped with what looked like a long-awaited breakthrough for Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide. After years of rocky patches — from Severide’s unexplained absences to an interrupted honeymoon — the couple seemed ready for their next chapter. In the finale, it was revealed they were expecting their first child, a huge moment for the fan-favorite pair known as Stellaride.

The reveal left fans buzzing with excitement. Finally, after seasons of heartbreak, the couple would have something joyous to celebrate.

Season 14’s Crushing Reveal

But in true Chicago Fire fashion, the joy didn’t last. In Season 14, Episode 1 (“Kicking Doors Down”), the pregnancy twist was reversed almost immediately. Kidd’s test turned out to be a false positive.

The scene played out quietly: Kidd was visibly devastated, while Severide appeared calmer, though he had been the one more eager to start a family. Still, the overall effect was a gut-punch — not just for the characters, but for viewers who had invested in their journey.

Fans Call Out “Unnecessary” Storytelling

Many fans feel the pregnancy fake-out was pointless. Why set up such an emotional cliffhanger if the writers had no intention of following through? After everything the couple has endured, this bait-and-switch only left audiences frustrated.

Showrunner Andrea Newman defended the decision in TV Insider, saying the goal was to “keep it real” and reflect how unpredictable family planning can be. But fans argue that Chicago Fire leans too heavily on tragedy when it comes to Stellaride, and that they’ve earned a storyline rooted in happiness rather than heartbreak.

Adoption Revisited — Again

By the end of the premiere, Severide and Kidd were offered the chance to foster a child, signaling that the adoption storyline is back in play. But this has left some viewers unimpressed, as adoption has already been explored in both Chicago Fire (with Sylvie Brett) and Chicago PD (with Kim Burgess).

Instead of recycling familiar ground, fans believe the show missed an opportunity to dive into Kidd’s internal conflict about balancing motherhood with her demanding leadership role in the CFD — a far more unique and compelling storyline.

Why a Pregnancy Could Have Worked

Ironically, committing to the pregnancy plot might have revitalized Stellaride’s relationship. Watching them navigate the challenges of impending parenthood, while balancing careers that constantly put them in danger, would have been fresh and emotionally rich.

Instead, the writers chose another detour, leaving fans wondering if Chicago Fire truly knows what to do with its longest-running love story.

What’s Next for Stellaride?

For now, it seems fostering will be their new path. But after repeated setbacks and recycled storylines, the question remains: will NBC finally allow Stellaride a storyline that lets them grow together — instead of tearing them down?