Anirudh Pisharody Addresses 9-1-1 The Possibility Of Ravi Officially Joining 118

9-1-1 star Anirudh Pisharody opens up about the chances of Ravi joining the 118 on a more permanent basis. Pisharody has recurred as Ravi Panikkar since season 4, first appearing in the episode "Jinx." But he's been a more regular fixture on the first-responder procedural during season 8, filling the void created when Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman) moved to Texas. It's led to speculation that Ravi could be joining the 118 more permanently when the new season of 9-1-1 rolls around.

In an interview with Screen Rant's Rachel Foertsch, Pisharody addressed the possibility of Ravi sticking around for season 9. The actor said that he loved the show, expressing enthusiasm about the possibility. In the quote below, Pisharody jokes about petitioning showrunner and co-creator Tim Minear to have Ravi board the show. Read the actor's quote below:

That's a good question. I should ask you that. I think it's just the nature of a show like this. There are so many characters, there are so many storylines. If it's a right fit, it's a right fit. I'll petition Tim. I'll send him a petition.org, a signature page to do it. I'm hoping it happens. I'm definitely hoping it happens. I love the show, I love the people, and it's a part of me in more ways than one.

What Pisharody Becoming A Main Cast Member Would Mean For 9-1-1

It'd Be A Great Addition

After the death of Captain Bobby Nash and the exit of lead actor Peter Krause, 9-1-1 is in a place where it can use some stability. That is what Ravi represents. He was there during the show's early years. But he was also present as the 118 bid farewell to their leader, which intensifies his ties to the rest of the main characters as the show moves into its ninth installment. But even taking Bobby's death out of the equation, Ravi went through an evolution in season 8 that makes him a natural fit for main character status.

Ravi starts as Eddie's replacement, being somewhat overlooked, but he starts to fit in more as the episodes go along. He has a heart-to-heart with Oliver Stark's Buck, and he even proves heroic during the 118's hour of need. The smaller moments, the quieter moments, have tended to happen off-screen. But that's precisely why it may well be worthwhile to have Pisharody around on a more full-time basis.

Our Take On Anirudh Pisharody's 9-1-1 Future

He's Gotta Stick Around

Pisharody has been a highlight as Ravi whenever he's meaningfully appeared. If he gets upgraded to main cast member status, after being a fan-favorite for so long, it may just do a lot to earn some goodwill back from the audience after Bobby's death was so shocking and disappointing. It'd also promise an exploration of a character that is still so heavily unknown, making for a more interesting and fresh outing of 9-1-1.