Where Is Stella Kidd In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9 (& When Is Miranda Rae Mayo Returning)?

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, "A Favor."

After almost a two-month hiatus, Chicago Fire season 13 returns with new episodes in early 2025, but its midseason premiere is missing one of the show's main characters — Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo. Stella joined Firehouse 51 in season 4 and has been one of its most integral firefighters ever since. Now, in Chicago Fire season 13, Stella is the lieutenant in charge of Truck 81. Despite her importance, she is mysteriously absent in episode 9, "A Favor."

Before Chicago Fire season 13's winter 2025 return, the previous episode ended with Cruz coming face-to-face with Flaco's cousin, Junior, who had just gotten out of prison. Flaco was the leader of a gang Cruz's brother was associated with in season 1, and he's also the man Cruz left to die in a fire. So, during season 13, episode 9, Junior blackmails Cruz. Elsewhere in the hour, Herrmann and Mouch learn they passed their respective CFD exams, and Novak's scheming results in Violet and Carver easing the tension between them. Through it all, though, Stella is nowhere to be found.

Stella Kidd Is In Baltimore For Girls On Fire

Pascal Explains Kidd's Absence In The Chicago Fire Season 13 Midseason Premiere

At the beginning of Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, Firehouse 51 briefly celebrates Herrmann and Mouch for passing their tests before getting down to business. During the morning meeting, Chief Pascal explains how Stella is in Baltimore, Maryland, working on her Girls on Fire program. Since she's gone, the chief brings in a floater firefighter (Chippy) and appoints Mouch as Truck 81's temporary lieutenant. Just as Severide was missing during the Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale, Stella is absent in the midseason premiere. The couple can't seem to catch a break.

Speaking of Severide, Kinney's Chicago Fire season 13 character also addresses Stella's whereabouts in episode 9. Captain Van Meter visits Severide in his office, who has just received texts from his wife. Severide explains to the captain that Stella sent him pictures of the new Girls of Fire camp in Baltimore, which both men compliment. However, after that, it's assumed Stella remains in Baltimore for the duration of the episode.

When Is Mayo's Kidd Coming Back To Chicago Fire?

Kidd Returns In Episode 10

Chicago Fire Season 11 Stella Kidd

The good news is that Stella's absence is temporary as Miranda Rae Mayo is expected to reprise her role in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 10, "Chaos Theory." The actress is listed in the credits for "Chaos Theory" on IMDb. Plus, the episode's synopsis spoils Stella's return as she seemingly has an important story in the upcoming hour.

The Real Reason Mayo's Kidd Is Absent In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9

Other Actors Have Also Been Missing This Season

NBC hasn't revealed the behind-the-scenes reason Stella is missing from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9. However, one can infer why the character is absent. Per Deadline, FBI and FBI: Most Wanted are lowering the minimum episode guarantees for their respective main cast members, and Chicago Fire is undoubtedly following suit. Herrmann was the first Chicago Fire season 13 character to be absent in an episode or two, followed by Severide in the fall finale and Stella in the midseason premiere.

All three One Chicago TV shows are seemingly following this protocol to reduce their budgets. For example, Burgess was missing during the Chicago PD season 12 premiere, later returning in episode 3. Stella's absence in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9 is Mayo simply taking her turn to sit on the sidelines as part of the cast-rotating initiative. As the season goes on, more main characters will likely be missing in specific episodes, but it's unclear who is a part of the rotation and when their turn will come in Chicago Fire season 13.

Sources: IMDb, Deadline