9-1-1 Season 9 Production Start Confirmed As Main Cast Member Teases Life After Bobby

9‑1‑1's Oliver Stark reveals when season 9 will start production. A lot has changed in the world of the first-responder drama since 9-1-1 season 9 was renewed in May. The biggest change, of course, is the death of Captain Bobby Nash. It marks the exit of original cast member Peter Krause, as well as the first time that a main character was killed off. The controversial storytelling decision hangs over the upcoming season, which will enter production soon.

In an interview with Principle Magazine, Stark was asked to share what he knows about the upcoming season. The actor, who plays Evan Buckley, revealed that the cast and crew are due to begin filming in one month. In the quote below, Stark also touches on how Bobby's death will impact the 118 moving forward:

We’ll start shooting season 9 in about a month. I have read nothing yet. It’s gonna be interesting in the sense that at the end of season 8, we lost Peter Krause’s character, [Bobby]. I think season 9 is gonna be about rebuilding and growing from that, seeing how it’s possible to grow from that, and restructuring of the 118, which is the firehouse in the show, and seeing how everybody can kinda come together and try and move forward.

What Stark's Update Means For 9-1-1 Season 9

Expect Updates In The Next Few Months

The fact that production is slated to begin in late July is in keeping with the show's schedule for the last few cycles. It means that we are likely to get more detailed updates on what the show will look like after that somber 9-1-1 season 8 ending, with Kenneth Choi's Howard Han seemingly embracing the role of the 118's leader in the aftermath of Bobby's death. We could also get some photos and videos from the set, which paint a fuller picture of where the story is going.

One of the bonuses of production starting is that we may get more interviews with the cast and press releases. For example, the latter could offer more insight into whether Anirudh Pisharody will have an increased presence as Ravi, potentially joining the show as a main cast member. In a more immediate sense, it puts the show on track for a traditional September premiere.

Our Take On 9-1-1's Return

It's An Uphill Battle

The death of Bobby has understandably soured the show's loyal viewership, even dampening excitement for the spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville. But with the right focus and the delivery of storylines that fans have long wanted, there's a chance that showrunner and co-creator Tim Minear can better steer the ship and make 9-1-1 season 9 truly one to remember.