A Longtime Couple in Firehouse 51

Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd have been central figures in Chicago Fire since their marriage in the Season 10 finale. Their relationship has weathered multiple crises, from life-threatening rescues to personal drama, most recently in the 2025 One Chicago crossover. However, while the couple remains beloved, their storyline has often stagnated, leaving fans longing for fresh developments.

Season 13 finally revisits the idea of starting a family, but rather than a pregnancy, Kidd suggests adoption. While this choice maintains her agency and avoids cliché pregnancy tropes, it has left some viewers feeling underwhelmed.

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The Adoption Trope: Overused in One Chicago

Over more than a decade on air, Chicago Fire has repeatedly explored adoption storylines. Matt Casey and Gabby Dawson, Sylvie Brett, and Joe Cruz all expanded their families through adoption. Even Chicago PD touched on a similar storyline with Kim Burgess and Makayla, successfully integrating mystery to keep viewers engaged.

Because of this repetition, the decision for Kidd and Severide to adopt risks feeling unoriginal. Fans who follow the One Chicago franchise closely may find the storyline predictable, lacking the emotional punch or narrative novelty that a new twist could provide.

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Why This Storyline Could Work

There’s still potential for the adoption storyline to resonate. Kidd’s desire to adopt is linked to her family background, giving context to her decision and grounding it in character development. The story avoids a sudden, dramatic pregnancy that could overshadow her agency, ensuring that Kidd drives the narrative rather than being swept along by it.

Furthermore, adoption could allow the writers to explore themes like family bonds, parental identity, and emotional challenges in a way that differs from standard pregnancy plots. Done right, it could add a meaningful layer to the series without resorting to repetitive tropes.

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Fans Want Fresh Storytelling

Despite the rationale behind the adoption choice, many viewers feel it misses an opportunity for creativity. A pregnancy storyline could offer entirely new storytelling avenues, from the practical challenges of parenthood to high-stakes drama affecting their careers at Firehouse 51.

Kidd getting pregnant would provide organic tension and growth, forcing both her and Severide to confront personal fears, career conflicts, and relationship dynamics. It could also reinvigorate the series by presenting obstacles the audience hasn’t fully explored with this couple.

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Keeping the One Chicago Universe Engaging

The One Chicago franchise has thrived because of strong character arcs and the emotional stakes of intertwined personal and professional lives. While adoption is a valid and respectful route, long-term fans are seeking innovation. Storylines that push characters into uncharted territory—whether through unexpected challenges, career dilemmas, or family expansion—help maintain audience interest and prevent fatigue.

Season 13 presents a pivotal moment for Kidd and Severide, offering a chance to redefine their journey. Writers have the opportunity to combine the familiarity of adoption with fresh, engaging plotlines that challenge the couple and the Firehouse community in unexpected ways.

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Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity or a Solid Choice?

Kidd and Severide remain fan favorites, but the adoption storyline already feels familiar before it fully begins. While it preserves character integrity and avoids tired tropes, it lacks the narrative punch of a more daring choice like pregnancy.

Ultimately, the success of Season 13’s family story will depend on execution. Strong writing, emotional stakes, and character-driven storytelling can make adoption compelling—but fans’ desire for originality highlights a key challenge for Chicago Fire: keeping the One Chicago universe exciting after more than a decade on air.