"We've had eight years of building a really close-knit family, and we've lost our kind of patriarchal figure."
As 9-1-1 wraps up season 8 with its finale on May 15, we have to acknowledge possibly the biggest shakeup the show's ever had. While it's been a month since Peter Krause (who portrayed Bobby Nash) abruptly left the hit drama, the cast is sill feeling its effects weeks later.
Actor Oliver Stark (who plays Evan "Buck" Buckley) appeared on Good Morning America on May 12 to talk about the 9-1-1 season 8 finale, and naturally, the conversation turned to how he felt about his former cast member exiting the show. As Oliver shared with Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Lara Spencer, his reaction was one that came with very few words. After telling George it went down in a "very sad way," he went on to reveal what happened when he received the news.
"I received the call and honestly, I went silent when I got it," he revealed in a clip posted on YouTube. "Tim Minear, who's our showrunner, he said, 'You still there?' I said, 'Yeah. I don't know what to say.'"
"It was shocking and stunning and it's sad, you know?" he added. "We've had eight years of building a really close-knit family and we've lost our kind of patriarchal figure."
When fans saw Oliver's words on Peter leaving 9-1-1 circulate on Instagram, they immediately had thoughts about it in the comments."The show will never be the same without him!!! 😢," one person cried out. "Bring Bobby back ❤️🔥," another exclaimed. "If Dallas can bring back Bobby Ewing, then 9-1-1 can bring back Bobby Nash," a different viewer added.
Now, fans of the show remember Peter's exit consisted of Bobby saving members of Station 118 amid being trapped in a hazardous biolab. While 9-1-1 continues to play out the aftermath of Bobby's demise, viewers would be surprised to learn this wasn't the only time Oliver commented on his co-star leaving the series.
Fans may remember Oliver penned a heartfelt tribute to Peter in a since-deleted Instagram post back in April 2025. Per Deadline, he noted how much Peter's presence will continue to be felt long after his storyline ends.
"My Dear Friend Peter, we miss you at work with us every day," he wrote at the time. "You were, and still will be, our leader always."
