'9-1-1' Fans, We Just Got Major News About the New 'Nashville' Spinoff
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Back in 2018, fans were introduced to the world of 9-1-1. Exploring the lives of the first responders working in a firehouse and dispatch center in Los Angeles, people couldn't get enough of the drama — and danger — the show provided. With more and more people tuning in every week, it was clear that co-creators Ryan Murphy and Tim Minear had hit the procedural drama jackpot.
Fast-forward, and the original series turned into a popular TV franchise with the addition of 9-1-1: Lone Star. While folks were ecstatic about a new spinoff, both shows came with their own ups and downs. 9-1-1 eventually moved to ABC from Fox, while 9-1-1: Lone Star ended in February 2025 after five seasons on the air. But as many know, this is far from the end for new additions to the franchise.
Thanks to an announcement made by Deadline in February 2025, 9-1-1 is once again adding a new TV show to its on-screen empire. Titled 9-1-1: Nashville, the show already has the green light to film episodes for ABC. And even though things are being kept on the down-low about it, we did find out more about what's in store for the brand-new series.
Christopher Willard - ABC
What is 9-1-1: Nashville about?
At the moment, Ryan and Tim are keeping mum about the premise of 9-1-1: Nashville. But given how both 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star followed the lives of the first responders working in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, it's highly likely the new spinoff will follow suit in Nashville.
Despite not knowing the full details behind 9-1-1: Nashville, Tim did tell TVLine that music will play a big role in the show. Given how Nashville is considered "Music City" and it has a wealth of artists making music there, it's also likely one of the first responders may know a thing or two about music as well.
And if that wasn't enough, fans may have thoughts about one other detail in 9-1-1: Nashville. While fans of both 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star hoped some characters could eventually move over to the new spinoff, Tim revealed it's not necessarily part of the new show's equation.
"I have no current plans for that," 9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear recently told TVLine. "But it’s not impossible!"
Christopher Willard - ABC
When will 9-1-1: Nashville premiere on ABC?
As of right now, there is no official date for when 9-1-1: Nashville will premiere on ABC. But when Ryan spoke out about the new spinoff, he told Variety in October 2024 that he and Tim "hope to get on the air next fall."
If that timeframe holds up, there's a chance 9-1-1: Nashville could air on TV as early as fall 2025. But since it's a brand-new series, there's also the possibility that it could be held until midseason, so that it can gain traction from audiences without all the pressure that comes with a fall premiere.
We'll just have to wait and see!
Christopher Willard - ABC
Who is in the cast of 9-1-1: Nashville?
It's time to meet the first actor joining 9-1-1: Nashville — and fans of the NCIS TV franchise may recognize him.
On March 17, ABC announced Chris O'Donnell as the first cast member joining the upcoming TV spinoff. What's more, TV Insider writes he's set to portray Captain Don Sharpe, "a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville's busiest firehouse with his beloved son. Don's a devoted husband and family man but he has his secrets."As some folks may know, Chris is most famous for portraying Special Agent G. Callen on NCIS: Los Angeles from 2009 until 2023. He also made a name for himself in the world of superhero movies, portraying Dick Grayson/Robin in 1995's Batman Forever and Batman & Robin in 1997.But wait — there's more! In an exciting turn of events, Grey's Anatomy fans will definitely be familiar with the first actress joining the show.
In an announcement made on April 15, folks learned Jessica Capshaw was joining the spinoff series as one of the series regulars. According to Deadline, she is set to play Don's wife, who currently has no name and will be the mother to the couple's child, Ryan. And if that wasn't enough, Jessica confirmed the news herself with a heartfelt note on Instagram.
"I had to swear on my new cowgirl boots I wouldn’t tell anyone about this role until it was the right time," she wrote. "And now I FINALLY I get to share my excitement with you all (y’all 😉)!!! Looks like @chrisodonnell and I (and so many exciting others 🤫) are heading to Nashville and we get to tell allllllll the stories... Who’s coming with me?!?"As fans know, Jessica famously portrayed Dr. Arizona Robbins on Grey's Anatomy from 2009 to 2018. She has returned to the ABC medical drama over the years, with her last appearance being in April 2024.
Now, did you think Chris and Jessica were the only folks joining 9-1-1: Nashville? Well, the show decided to tap into Nashville's country music roots when announcing two more stars joining the spinoff this fall. Thanks to an announcement made by Variety on May 8, singer LeAnn Rimes and actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley are both set to star in as-yet-revealed roles for the show.
Fans know LeAnn best for her contributions to the country music genre, with songs like "How Do I Live" and "Can't Fight the Moonlight." She also made history as the youngest solo artist to win a Grammy award back in 1997. As far as her acting credits go, she has been in projects like Moesha, Days of Our Lives and Logan Lucky.
As far as Kimberly's acting career, she's famous for starring in the Father of the Bride movies and for appearing on shows like Nashville, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings and According to Jim. She also has surprise country music roots, being married to singer Brad Paisley since 2003.
Now, are there any other stars we should be aware of who are joining the cast of 9-1-1: Nashville? You bet! Posting a screenshot of a Variety announcement on Instagram on June 3, fans learned Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz and Hunter McVey are all set to play first responders on the drama.Hailey is set to portray Taylor, described as a "firefighter and incredible singer." Michael's role will be playing Ryan, both a cowboy and firefighter. Juani will play Roxie, a woman who is both "an adrenaline junkie and a former trauma surgeon. As for Hunter, he's playing Blue, a "haunted bad boy" who became a first responder.While we don't know how this quartet will fit into the series as a whole, we're surely intrigued by it all!
