NBC Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
NBC Insider One Chicago

Stella & Severide's Chicago Fire Reunion Is "Uncomfortable" & "Emotionally-Charged"

Miranda Rae Mayo reveals Stella and Severide's path forward will be far from simple ahead of the Season 12 premiere of Chicago Fire

By Jessica White

One of the most jaw-dropping moments from Chicago Fire Season 11 was when Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) left Firehouse 51 to pursue his passion for arson investigation in Alabama. 

How to Watch

Watch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

His wife, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), fully supported his decision to leave, but the distance certainly took a toll on their marriage. So imagine her shock, dismay, and anger when she found out Severide had actually finished the program and left to work on an ATF investigation at an undisclosed location — without giving her or anyone in Chicago a heads up. The Season 11 finale ended with Stella taking matters into her own hands, taking a leave of absence from 51 to find her man. 

RELATED: A Look at Stellaride's Epic Love Story on Chicago Fire

Fans are dying to find out what will happen when Stella finally comes face to face with Severide again. Ahead of Chicago Fire's Season 12 premiere on January 17 at 9/8c, NBC Insider chatted with Mayo to get her thoughts on the future of Severide and Stella's relationship. 

Chicago Fire's Miranda Rae Mayo talks Stella and Severide's reunion in Season 12

Chicago Fire Stellaride Intruder

Mayo tells NBC Insider fans won't actually see Stella and Severide's initial reunion. The premiere episode has a time jump and picks up with the couple back at 51. That said, Mayo has thoughts about what their first conversation after finding each other was like.  

"I imagine that it was quite tenuous. It definitely was, I think, one of the hardest conversations and one of the most emotionally-charged conversations that they've had as a couple," Mayo explains. "Yeah, I think she has a lot of feelings about him just kind of leaving her in the dark, and he feels really passionately about something, so we'll see what happens."

Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide's (Taylor Kinney) wedding, Chicago Fire)

RELATED: Taylor Kinney Didn't See Miranda Rae Mayo's Dress Before Filming the Stellaride Wedding

For those who have rooted for Stella and Severide for years, it seems all will ultimately be fine. When asked how Severide and Stella will navigate their relationship in light of his recent actions, Mayo said, "Ultimately, these two characters are crazy about each other, they love each other. I think that they both are committed to doing everything they can to make it work."

That said, Mayo teases the two "both have to compromise in ways that are highly uncomfortable in order to have what they want, which is each other." So it seems like there's still drama for Stellaride on the horizon. 

Chicago Fire Season 12 premieres on Wednesday, January 17 at 9/8c on NBC and next day on Peacock. 

— Reporting by Tara Bennett