Over the course of its 14-season run, Chicago Fire has had countless fan-favorite characters, some of which aren't even on the show anymore. Some rose to new positions of power within Firehouse 51 due to promotions and replacing their fellow firefighters. But could that be something that's been covertly put into motion right under our noses in Chicago Fire season 14?
Severide (Taylor Kinney) changed a lot since we first met him back in season 1, and he's grown into the level-headed leader we know and love today. But he's seemingly still climbing the ranks at the firehouse, or at least that's what we're picking up from what season 14 has been putting down. Maybe the lieutenant could soon take the next step and become the chief.
After the death of his wife at the end of season 13, Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) has taken a noticeable step back from his role. He has called on Severide to both shadow him and to take over for him when he can't be at the station and on calls. Needless to say, Severide has excelled (not that we ever doubted him), so is Chicago Fire hinting at what's to come?
It's hard to say whether Severide will actually, formally take over for Pascal and replace him as chief, but we have clearly seen that the series has been ever so quietly setting that trajectory up. Pascal puts a lot of confidence in Severide, and that's no surprise.
Even though they haven't worked together for very long, Severide has proven time and time again his devotion, passion, and loyalty to the station. Who else would be better suited to naturally rise into a leadership position? (Okay, maybe Kidd, but that's why Stellaride is a powercouple!)
The Chicago Fire season 14 fall finale also left us with a shocking cliffhanger that we know all too well after over 10 years of plot twists from this show. Severide was one of three people trapped inside an apartment building that's on fire and rapidly gaining traction.
While it's unlikely that anything will happen to Severide, he's once again in harm's way and fans are saddled with worrying about the possibility that something could happen to him. If we had a nickel, right?
No doubt what we will take away from the latest life-or-death situation Severide has gotten himself into, and what Pascal will notice as well, is how he was a leader and knew exactly what to do. That's an importantly quality to have, one of the many that Pascal has been imparting on him all season.
Personally, I would love to see Severide have an even bigger presence in Chicago Fire, and becoming Pascal's replacement, or simply just taking on a bigger role at the firehouse, would accomplish that. When season 14 resumes in January 2026, we'll have to see if Severide continues to shadow Pascal and if the series is truly pursuing a new leadership role for him.