Chicago Fire Showrunner Andrea Newman Explains Why Season 14 Began With Stellaride’s Miscarriage
Chicago Fire returned for Season 14 with one of its most emotional and unexpected storylines yet. The long-running NBC drama opened its new season with heartbreak for Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), as fans learned that the beloved Stellaride couple had suffered a miscarriage.
A Joyful Ending Turns to Heartbreak
Season 13 ended on a hopeful note, with Stella revealing to Kelly that she was pregnant — a moment that had fans celebrating after years of ups and downs between the pair. But when Chicago Fire returned on October 1, 2025, the story took a devastating turn. The premiere revealed that Stella had lost the baby, setting a somber tone for the couple’s next chapter.
Showrunner Andrea Newman addressed the decision in an interview with Deadline, explaining that the choice wasn’t made lightly:
“Kidd had so many hesitations, questions, and issues about getting pregnant and starting a family. But when she told Severide she was pregnant, his joy wiped away all her doubts. Still, underneath, she was struggling with the idea of it. So when the pregnancy didn’t last very long, there’s guilt on her part — guilt because she wasn’t sure it was something she wanted, even though he wanted it so badly.”
Newman added that this storyline offered a powerful emotional shift for the couple, forcing them to redefine what family means to them.
The Aftermath at Firehouse 51
In the premiere, Stella tries to focus on her duties at Firehouse 51, pushing through her grief to get back on the job. While Kelly remains supportive, both struggle with the unspoken weight of loss. The emotional distance between them feels palpable, yet there’s also a shared determination to move forward together.
Their doctor delivers one sliver of hope — confirming that Stella can still conceive in the future. However, that moment of reassurance only deepens her inner conflict, as she wrestles with guilt, confusion, and love for her husband.
A Glimmer of Hope: Adoption
By the end of the episode, the tone shifts toward something more hopeful. The couple receives a call from Terry, their adoption representative, who informs them about a teenager being removed from a group home. Terry reminds them that they previously attempted to adopt, asking if they’d consider giving the teen a new home.
In a quiet but emotional scene, Stella and Kelly exchange a glance — one filled with unspoken understanding. The episode ends without revealing their answer, leaving fans anxiously waiting to see what they’ll decide in Episode 2.
A Season of Healing and Change
Andrea Newman teased that Season 14 will explore the many forms of family across Firehouse 51. Some firefighters will start families, others will face career crossroads, and a few will rebuild after personal loss. Through it all, Chicago Fire promises to deliver the heart-pounding rescues and emotional depth that have defined the series for more than a decade.