9-1-1: Nashville Has One Saving Grace To Prevent From Being Just A Lone Star Knockoff

9-1-1: Nashville is still taking shape ahead of its fall 2025 premiere, but the Tennessee-based spinoff may have a secret weapon up its sleeve. The third 9-1-1 franchise title comes less than a year after its Texas installment— 9-1-1: Lone Star— was canceled by Fox after five seasons. Unsurprisingly, outrage over 9-1-1: Lone Star’s cancelation quickly became Nashville’s first obstacle.

Pessimists swarmed, claiming that 9-1-1: Nashville’s chance of success was already in jeopardy due to its setting. Since the franchise is essentially replacing Texas with Tennessee, non-Southerners were instantly skeptical of 9-1-1: Nashville, with many viewing the two states as indistinguishable. Nevertheless, early filming has revealed one distinctive feature that might prevent 9-1-1: Lone Star’s sabotage of the Nashville spinoff.

9-1-1 Nashville Was Seen Filming On Location At The Duck River

The Iconic Tennessee River Will Be A Memorable Setting

With the upcoming spinoff still shrouded in mystery, every update from 9-1-1: Nashville feels deeply important. From the first look at 9-1-1: Nashville’s Station 113 to behind-the-scenes shots of the central firehouse, pivotal sneak peeks have trickled in since filming began. In addition to classic highway and road closures, 9-1-1: Nashville’s crew was spotted at Tennessee’s famous Duck River.

Similar to 9-1-1: Nashville using “Ring of Fire” in its trailer, filming on location is the Tennessee spinoff's way of paying homage to its unique setting. The river is more than beautiful — it’s one of the most biodiverse rivers in all of North America. In short, Duck River is as rich in history as it is in scenic views.

Utilizing Nashville’s Natural Landscapes Would Set It Apart From 9-1-1: Lone Star

9-1-1: Lone Star Rarely Embraced The Land In Texas

Whether Duck River will be used simply for establishing shots or as a common setting, 9-1-1: Nashville’s wisest move would be to fully utilize Tennessee’s lush natural scenery. Given that it’s guaranteed to be compared to 9-1-1: Lone Star in perpetuity, any tactic 9-1-1: Nashville can use to stand out will offer a better chance at survival come renewal season.

Since it primarily took place in Austin, it’s not necessarily surprising that 9-1-1: Lone Star rarely traveled outside of major Texan cities. Everything about the first spinoff, including the premise of Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) using his New York roots to modernize the AFD, was geared towards delivering action set against an urban backdrop. While successful, it sacrificed diverse settings.

9-1-1’s second spinoff is in the perfect position to use sprawling Tennessee landscapes while maintaining high-octane emergencies in the heart of downtown Nashville. Furthermore, the music scene in 9-1-1: Nashville would keep a modern edge to juxtapose its scenic terrain. As such, if it plays its cards right, 9-1-1: Nashville could have the best of both beautiful worlds.

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