9-1-1: Nashville - Cast, Story & Everything We Know

The 9-1-1 franchise is set to expand with a new spinoff, and there's already a ton of exciting details about the debut season of 9-1-1: Nashville. Initially developed for Fox by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, the original 9-1-1 has run for nearly a decade and even survived a switch to ABC. The concept of the franchise is rather simple, and follows the police, firefighters, and medical personnel who respond to major emergencies that rock their city. The original series is set in Los Angeles; the first spinoff went to Texas, and now Nashville takes on Tennessee's capital.

The addition of Nashville is something of a lateral move for the franchise, as its appearance comes on the heels of the ending of 9-1-1: Lone Star. The original spinoff went off the air in 2025, though the original show seems to be going strong as it approaches its 10th season soon. Nashville is a new and somewhat unusual destination for the procedural genre, as most first responder shows take place in major metropolises like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. 9-1-1: Nashville's first season is coming soon, and it opens an exciting new chapter for the franchise.

9-1-1: Nashville Latest News

Nashville Finds Its First Cast Member

Months after development on the spinoff was confirmed, the latest news reveals the first cast member has joined 9-1-1: Nashville. No stranger to leading a procedural spinoff, NCIS: Los Angeles star Chris O'Donnell has been tapped to carry the latest installment in the franchise. O'Donnell will play the role of Don Sharpe, the captain of his fire department and a rodeo rider outside work hours. He is described as a family man, but Sharpe apparently harbors some secrets that will haunt him. Though the role is uncast, O'Donnell's Sharpe will be joined by his son, who is also a firefighter.

9-1-1: Nashville Is Confirmed

ABC Has Ordered Season 1 For 2025

Even as the first 9-1-1 spinoff rides off into the sunset, another has risen to take its place almost immediately. ABC announced development on 9-1-1: Nashville in February 2025, and it's clear that the network hopes to bring it to the small screen as soon as possible. Nashville is going to be part of ABC's 2025-2026 season, though it's unclear if it will debut in the fall or be a midseason addition.

A lot of the new show's behind-the-scenes personnel are carrying over from previous 9-1-1 shows, with Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and 9-1-1: Lone Star showrunner Rashad Raisani serving as writers and executive producers. Franchise co-creator Brad Falchuk and 9-1-1 star Angela Bassett will also serve as executive producers. Production details are expected to arrive soon, especially if ABC hopes to premiere the show in the upcoming season.

9-1-1: Nashville Cast Details

Chris O'Donnell Will Lead The Firehouse

So far, the only name attached to 9-1-1: Nashville is NCIS: Los Angeles star Chris O'Donnell, but he probably won't be the only recognizable name who joins the spinoff. O'Donnell will lead the cast as Captain Don Sharpe, who is in charge of the busiest firehouse in Nashville. The character is described as an ardent family man and rodeo rider who harbors some secrets that will cause him trouble throughout the series. One interesting detail about the cast is that Sharpe's son will also work at the firehouse, and that opens the door for gripping drama as his work and home lives collide.

9-1-1: Nashville Story Details

Tennessee's State Capital Sees Plenty Of Major Emergencies

Little is known about the plot of 9-1-1: Nashville for now, but it's not difficult to guess what sort of things will happen when the show finally arrives on ABC. Like its predecessors, the bulk of the show's stories will have to do with deadly emergencies that push the first responders to their limits. However, the 9-1-1 franchise is unique because these emergencies are often over-the-top and outrageously exaggerated. Nashville itself offers some hints about what could happen, and the city is known for its raucous party scene and country music roots.

With so many tourists coming to Music City to get wild, the firefighters and paramedics will have their hands full trying to keep them from danger. On top of that, Nashville is particularly prone to major weather events like tornadoes, and the city's history is littered with major disasters caused by severe storms. On a more personal level, 9-1-1: Nashville is already setting itself up for success by introducing Captain Sharpe and his strong family ties which might conflict with his work.