9-1-1 killing off its first main character was a series-defining moment, but it may have consequences beyond the first-responder drama. Peter Krause's Bobby Nash was indispensable in the main cast, acting as LAFD Station 118's fire captain during 9-1-1's most over-the-top emergencies. Furthermore, he bridges the gap between the firefighters and police through his wife, Athena Grant (Angela Bassett).
Peter Krause Has Had A Main Role On Television Since 1998
Very Few Actors Can Boast Similar Streaks
Peter Krause had a lengthy career prior to 9-1-1. The actor joined the industry in the late '80s and quickly found his footing on television, culminating in his starring role in Sports Night. Playing Casey McCall, Krause acted opposite Josh Charles' Dan Rydell as best friends and co-anchors on the titular sports news broadcast.
Immediately following the end of Sports Night, Krause joined Six Feet Under as Nate Fisher, a lead role he retained from 2001 to 2005. After leaving this drama, Krause starred in The Lost Room, which aired as a miniseries in 2006. Despite its limited run, Krause quickly moved on to his leading role of Nick George in Dirty Sexy Money, premiering in 2007.From there, Krause landed some of his most memorable roles, starting with Adam Braverman in Parenthood, whom he portrayed from 2010 to 2015. Krause also made his directorial debut with three episodes of this series (season 3's "Politics," season 4's "Small Victories," and season 6's "A Potpourri of Freaks"). Though he's been a producer on many projects, Parenthood remains Krause's only directing credit.
In 2016's The Catch, Krause played against type as a con artist named Benjamin Jones until 2017. The unlikely character makes the underrated Shondaland series a good alternative show to 9-1-1, which he started a year later in 2018. Due to constantly bouncing back from canceled titles, Krause has been a series regular since 1998, or 27 consecutive years.
9-1-1 Killing Off Bobby Jeopardizes Krause's Hot Streak
The Beloved Fire Captain Never Got Closure
While many assumed Krause would continue his streak by playing Bobby Nash for the foreseeable future, 9-1-1 abruptly cut his character off with a death that has been heavily criticized. The consensus suggests that Bobby's death in 9-1-1 was merely for shock value, an emotionally-charged move to upset the show's balance and ensure the audience never gets too comfortable.
Explanations were offered to justify the twist, ranging from claiming the death makes 9-1-1 more realistic to arguing that it was a natural conclusion to the main character's life story. Regardless of why Bobby was killed off, 9-1-1 has potentially robbed Krause of making history as the actor with the longest consecutive streak of starring roles on primetime television.
Even if 9-1-1 season 9 pays tribute to Bobby Nash by featuring Krause in flashbacks, hallucinations, and/or dream sequences, there's no way for the actor to be credited as a lead, when he'll still be absent for the majority of the season. Beyond writing off his character, though, 9-1-1 may have given Krause another obstacle to overcome.
...it'll be almost impossible for Krause to move on to a new project.
For seven years, Peter Krause has been synonymous with Bobby Nash. Now that the captain's gone, it'll be almost impossible for Krause to move on to a new project. Furthermore, since 9-1-1 failed to give Bobby a satisfying send-off, Krause will be forced into a position where most people may stubbornly refuse to see him as anyone other than Bobby.
How Peter Krause Can Preserve His Impressive TV Run
Krause Has A Bit Of Padding Room
Custom image by Milica Djordjevic
In order to continue his 27-year streak, Krause has to separate himself from Bobby Nash — and fast. It would be impossible for his many fans to accept the change so quickly, but Krause has to make a drastic shift for the sake of his career. Of course, moving on from such an iconic role is easier said than done.
It's simply what he deserves — both a potential record and a new role to call his own.
Conversely, Bobby's untimely demise in 9-1-1 season 8 may help Krause in whatever role he lands next. There's no chance of the ABC procedural bringing the fire captain back to life — despite a wild 9-1-1 fan theory — but viewers can support Krause in his next project and take comfort in Bobby's actor finding success, even if Bobby is dead.
Thankfully, 9-1-1 killing Bobby off so late into season 8 provides Krause a small safety net. To keep his streak alive, Krause has to land a main role in a network TV series that premieres before the end of 2026. Even if the series started on December 31, 2026, it would keep Krause's impressive run going.
Peter Krause has already paid his dues, and if he takes a break from acting now that he's done with 9-1-1, I would understand. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope he continues his legacy-defining streak and shows up on my screen again next year. It's simply what he deserves — both a potential record and a new role to call his own.
-(1)-1750686362-q80.webp "Balancing nostalgia and new beginnings on Chicago PD")
