Chicago Fire Fans Are Still Rooting for Severide and Kidd After Everything They’ve Been Through

For over a decade, NBC’s flagship drama Chicago Fire has kept audiences on the edge of their seats with high-stakes rescues, intense procedural drama, and heartbreaking losses. Yet, amidst the smoke and ash of Firehouse 51, it’s the burning romance between Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo)—affectionately dubbed “stellaride” by the fandom—that truly holds the show’s emotional core.

From casual viewers to die-hard fans, the consensus remains absolute: Chicago Fire fans are still rooting for Severide and Kidd after everything they’ve been through.

But what is it about this particular One Chicago couple that makes them so resilient in the hearts of viewers? Why, despite writing choices, behind-the-scenes absences, and near-constant emotional turmoil, does the Stellaride ship refuse to sink?

Let’s dive deep into the history, the hurdles, and the undeniable chemistry that keeps fans fiercely loyal to Firehouse 51’s ultimate power couple.

The Origin of Stellaride: From Friends to Firehouse Fire

To understand why fans are still rooting for Severide and Kidd today, we have to look back at how their story began. Stella Kidd arrived at Firehouse 51 in Season 4, bringing a fresh, fiercely independent energy that immediately caught Kelly Severide’s eye. Crucially, they weren’t strangers; they shared a complicated history involving a reckless past and Kidd’s unstable ex-husband, Grant.

Unlike Severide’s previous relationships, which often felt fleeting or marred by tragedy (such as the heartbreaking loss of Anna Turner), his dynamic with Stella was built on a foundation of mutual professional respect and genuine friendship.

The Slow-Burn Chemistry

The writers didn’t rush them into a relationship. Instead, they treated audiences to a classic “slow-burn” romance. We watched as they transitioned from:

Competitive colleagues pulling pranks in the bullpen
Supportive roommates navigating platonic boundaries
Confidants dealing with deep-seated emotional baggage

When they finally crossed the line into a romantic relationship, it felt earned. Fans weren’t just invested in a flashy TV romance; they were invested in two deeply flawed individuals who made each other better.

Weathering the Storms: What They’ve Been Through

The phrase “after everything they’ve been through” is an understatement when it comes to Stellaride. The writers of Chicago Fire have thrown nearly every conceivable obstacle at this couple.

The Obstacle	The Impact on Severide and Kidd	How They Overcame It
The Ghost of Exes	Grant’s unstable behavior and Stella’s past trauma threatened her safety and Kelly’s patience.	Severide stepped up as a protector without suffocating Stella’s independence.
Professional Rivalry & Ranks	Both climbing the ladder to become Lieutenants caused friction regarding authority and chain of command.	They established strict boundaries between “Firehouse business” and “home life.”
Communication Breakdowns	Severide’s tendency to shut down emotionally when grieving or stressed (especially after his father Benny’s death).	Stella refused to let him slip away, forcing him to communicate and heal.
The OFI Absences	Severide’s passion for Arson Investigation pulled him away from Chicago, creating physical and emotional distance.	A painful period of reckoning that ultimately forced them to redefine their marital trust.

The “Ghosting” Arc: The Ultimate Test of Fan Loyalty

Perhaps the darkest period for Stellaride fans occurred when Taylor Kinney took a temporary leave of absence from the show. In the storyline, Severide left Chicago to pursue an elite Arson Investigation (OFI) training program. What was supposed to be a short trip turned into a prolonged absence, during which Severide essentially “ghosted” his new wife.

For many fandoms, a storyline involving lack of communication and hidden agendas would be the death knell for a couple. Fans were frustrated—not just with Severide, but with the narrative. Yet, instead of turning on the couple, the audience rallied behind them.

When Stella took matters into her own hands, leaving Chicago to track down her husband and bring him home, fans cheered. It proved that Stella wasn’t a victim of circumstance; she was a fighter willing to fight for her marriage, and Severide’s eventual realization of what he almost lost made their reunion incredibly poignant.

Why Fans Refuse to Give Up on Stellaride

In modern television, audiences are notorious for abandoning “ships” the moment the drama becomes too toxic or repetitive. So, why do Chicago Fire fans remain so fiercely dedicated to Severide and Kidd?

1. Authentic Emotional Growth

Neither Kelly nor Stella is the same person they were when they met.

Kelly Severide started the series as Firehouse 51’s resident playboy—emotionally guarded, reckless, and terrified of vulnerability. Through Stella’s love, he learned how to stay, how to communicate, and how to be a husband.
Stella Kidd entered the firehouse carrying the heavy emotional baggage of an abusive relationship. With Kelly, she found a partner who respected her ambition, supported her “Girls on Fire” initiative, and viewed her as an equal, both in the bullpen and in bed.

Fans are rooting for them because their relationship represents healing. To break them up permanently would feel like undoing years of profound character development.

2. The Power Couple Dynamic

There is something undeniably satisfying about watching two highly competent, badass individuals dominate their workspace. As Lieutenants of Squad 3 and Truck 81, Severide and Kidd are leaders. They save lives daily. When they come together at the end of a shift, it’s a meeting of minds and hearts. They are a true partnership, balancing the intense pressure of Firehouse 51 together.

3. Miranda Rae Mayo and Taylor Kinney’s Chemistry

You cannot talk about the success of Stellaride without praising the actors. The palpable, natural chemistry between Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo is electric. Whether it’s a subtle glance across the briefing room, a playful smirk in the locker room, or an intense, emotionally charged confrontation, the actors bring a raw vulnerability to their roles that makes the relationship feel entirely real to the viewer.

Fan Sentiment across Social Media:

“If Stellaride breaks up, I’m done with Chicago Fire. They are the heart of the show. They’ve survived explosions, stabbings, and long distance. They can survive anything.”

The Significance of the Stellaride Marriage

When Severide and Kidd finally tied the knot in the Season 10 finale—a beautiful, chaotic wedding on a water taxi—it felt like a triumph for the audience. In a universe where relationships are constantly torn apart by tragedy (think Casey and Dawson, or the tragic death of Otis), the Stellaride wedding was a beacon of hope.

[ Season 4: The Spark ] ──> [ Season 6: First Kiss ] ──> [ Season 9: The Proposal ] ──> [ Season 10: The Wedding ] ──> [ Present: The Resilient Marriage ]

Marriage hasn’t dulled their edge. Instead, it has raised the stakes. Now, when they face danger on a call, they aren’t just worried about their coworker or their boyfriend/girlfriend; they are worried about their spouse. This added layer of stakes keeps the narrative gripping and ensures that fans remain deeply invested in their mutual survival.

What the Future Holds: What Fans Want to See Next

As Chicago Fire continues to evolve, fans have a clear wishlist for what’s next for Lieutenant Severide and Lieutenant Kidd. The consensus among the fandom points toward stability, growth, and perhaps a new chapter.

A Focus on Stability and Joint Investigations

Fans are eager to see the couple operate as a united front without the looming threat of long-distance separation. Seeing them tackle complex cases together—combining Stella’s sharp firefighting instincts with Kelly’s brilliant arson investigation skills—presents an exciting avenue for the show that keeps them on screen together.

The Family Question

The topic of children has hovered over Stellaride for some time. While both are highly career-driven, watching how these two deeply passionate characters navigate the prospect of parenthood—given their own complicated family histories—would provide rich, emotional storytelling that fans are dying to see.

Conclusion: The Undying Flame of Firehouse 51

Television shows thrive on conflict, and procedural dramas like Chicago Fire require constant obstacles to keep the plot moving forward. However, the writers have tapped into something rare and special with Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd. They have created a relationship that is resilient enough to bend without breaking.

Chicago Fire fans are still rooting for Severide and Kidd because they represent the ultimate television ideal: a love that is tested by fire, but emerges stronger every single time. No matter what explosions, administrative drama, or personal demons the writers throw at them next, the global One Chicago family will be right there, cheering them on from the sidelines. Because after everything they’ve been through, Stellaride isn’t just a relationship—it’s an institution.