Chicago Fire Boss Previews Taylor Kinney's Return: Severide's Got Tension With More Than Just Stella

Chicago Fire fans will no doubt be happy to finally see Taylor Kinney back in next Wednesday's Season 12 premiere (NBC, 9/8c), but Severide's homecoming won't be a smooth one.

After Kinney took a leave of absence last January to deal with a personal matter, his character departed for an arson investigation training program in Alabama, which led to him being recruited to help with an ATF investigation — something which he failed to mention to his wife Stella! In the Season 11 finale, Severide's other half went to go bring her husband back home, and while it seems she was successful in her mission — he is back in the Windy City — work will continue to cause problems for the couple.

When the new season picks up, it's six months later, and Severide is dealing with an arson case for OFI "that's going to trigger all this tension that's been sitting between Kidd and Severide," showrunner Andrea Newman tells TVLine.

With that kind of tautness often comes a lot of intensity, so "Stellaride" 'shippers can still expect passion and heat from the pair, but their marriage will have a different feeling to it.

"There's a whole new dynamic between them. It's kind of obvious within, like, one second of the show starting," Newman says with a laugh. "They still can't keep their hands off each other. You can tell they're still in love, but there's this new edge to their relationship."

The OFI investigation "is going to bring a lot to the fore," Newman continues, "and we'll get to explore what they're going through and what the issues are coming off him taking off for ATF last season."

Severide's return will also come with complications for another member of Firehouse 51 who stepped up in the lieutenant's absence.

"Kidd isn't the only one who's affected by Severide taking off for as long as he did. Cruz was affected, too," Newman points out.

The firefighter took over as rescue squad's leader while Severide was away, even though the role often challenged him to his breaking point. So Severide being back in the picture will "bring some new change and tension that will have to be worked out for Cruz and Severide to keep working together."

As for whether Kinney will be sticking around for the whole of Fire's strike-shortened 12th season, Newman replies, "Severide is definitely front and center this season, that's what I'll say."

Fire fans, hit the comments with your thoughts on Severide's tension-filled return!