Could 9-1-1: Nashville See the Return of Owen Strand?

Rob Lowe is stoking the idea of reprising his role as Owen Strand, this time on 9-1-1: Nashville. Lowe, who led all five seasons of Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star, recently spoke with Decider about his chances of guest-starring on ABC‘s upcoming Nashville-set installment of the first responder franchise, basically saying that he’d jump at the opportunity to make it happen.

“I’ll have to ask Chad Lowe, my brother,” Lowe said. “Chad Lowe is the executive producer, director of 9-1-1 Nashville. So I’m just waiting for my phone to ring. I mean, you know, I hired him on Lone Star. I think turnabout is fair play.” (He was referring to Chad Lowe’s arc as Owen’s tragically ill-fated brother Robert.) For what it’s worth, TVLine recently spoke with 9-1-1 showrunner and 9-1-1: Nashville executive producer Tim Minear about the likelihood of a character from Lone Star appearing in the new offshoot. “It’s not impossible,” he said, but he also added that there are “no current plans for that.”

That could change now that Lowe has thrown Owen’s cowboy hat into the ring, although he is the same guy who pushed for Owen’s death in the 9-1-1: Lone Star series finale, which absolutely did not pan out. Instead, the show ended with Owen moving back to New York and becoming the city’s new fire chief. What we do know about 9-1-1: Nashville is that it will be led by Chris O’Donnell as Captain Don Sharpe, with Jessica Capshaw as Don’s horse-whispering wife Blythe and Michael Provost as their son Ryan. The cast also includes Hailey Kilgore as singing firefighter Taylor, Juani Feliz as trauma surgeon-turned-firefighter Roxie, Hunter McVey as bad-boy firefighter Blue, and LeAnn Rimes and Kimberly Williams-Paisley is yet-undisclosed roles.

ABC has not yet announced a premiere date for 9-1-1: Nashville, but it’s set to air Thursdays at 9/8c this fall, sandwiched between new episodes of 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy. We also haven’t gotten an official trailer, but ABC did release this fiery teaser:

The 9-1-1 universe has always been a hub for intense drama, heart-pounding rescues, and unforgettable characters. One such character is Captain Owen Strand, portrayed by Rob Lowe in 9-1-1: Lone Star. With the recent announcement of the new spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Could Owen Strand make a surprise appearance in Music City? Rob Lowe himself has hinted at the possibility, stating, “I’m just waiting for my phone to ring.”

A Heroic Journey from New York to Austin

Owen Strand’s character is deeply rooted in resilience and leadership. Having been the sole survivor of his New York firehouse during the 9/11 attacks, Owen’s journey to Austin was driven by a desire to rebuild and lead a new team at the 126 Firehouse. His story resonated with many, showcasing the strength and determination of first responders.

A Pivotal Role in 9-1-1: Lone Star

Throughout the five seasons of 9-1-1: Lone Star, Owen Strand faced numerous challenges, from personal battles to life-threatening situations. His leadership was tested time and again, but he remained a steadfast figure for his team. The series finale left fans on edge, with Owen’s fate hanging in the balance after a heroic act to prevent a nuclear meltdown.

9-1-1: Nashville – A New Chapter

Setting the Stage in Music City

9-1-1: Nashville is set to introduce viewers to the high-stakes world of first responders in Tennessee’s capital. The series promises to blend the unique culture of Nashville with the intense drama the franchise is known for. With a cast featuring Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, and LeAnn Rimes, the show is poised to make a significant impact.

Potential Crossovers and Guest Appearances

Given the interconnected nature of the 9-1-1 universe, fans are hopeful for crossovers and guest appearances from familiar faces. Rob Lowe’s openness to reprise his role as Owen Strand adds fuel to these speculations. His brother, Chad Lowe, serves as an executive producer on 9-1-1: Nashville, which could facilitate a seamless integration of Owen into the new series.

Rob Lowe’s Perspective on Reprising His Role

An Open Invitation

Rob Lowe has expressed a willingness to return to the 9-1-1 universe, emphasizing that the character of Owen Strand holds significant meaning for him. He mentioned, “I never say never,” indicating openness to future opportunities. However, Lowe also made it clear that any return would need to respect the legacy of the character and the high standards set by the previous series.

The Influence of Family

With his brother Chad Lowe involved in the production of 9-1-1: Nashville, Rob’s potential return could be influenced by family dynamics. Chad’s role as an executive producer and director on the spinoff series could pave the way for Owen Strand’s introduction to Nashville.

Fan Reactions and Speculations

A Warm Reception

Fans of 9-1-1: Lone Star have shown enthusiasm at the prospect of Owen Strand’s return. Social media platforms are abuzz with theories and excitement, with many expressing their desire to see Rob Lowe reprise his role. The character’s depth and resilience left a lasting impression, making his potential return a highly anticipated event.

Anticipated Storylines

Should Owen Strand make his way to Nashville, fans are eager to see how his character would integrate into the new team. Speculations abound regarding potential storylines, including crossovers with existing characters and new challenges that would test Owen’s leadership and resilience.

The Future of the 9-1-1 Franchise

Expanding the Universe

The introduction of 9-1-1: Nashville marks a significant expansion of the franchise. With each series offering a unique setting and set of challenges, the 9-1-1 universe continues to captivate audiences. The potential inclusion of characters from previous series, like Owen Strand, adds depth and continuity to the expanding narrative.

Looking Ahead

As 9-1-1: Nashville prepares for its debut, fans are hopeful for a rich tapestry of stories that honor the legacy of the franchise while introducing fresh perspectives. The possibility of Rob Lowe’s return as Owen Strand adds an exciting layer to the upcoming series, promising new adventures and emotional moments.

Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope for Fans

While nothing is confirmed, Rob Lowe’s openness to reprising his role as Owen Strand offers a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see the character return. With the creative minds behind the 9-1-1 franchise and the involvement of family in the production, the stars may align for Owen’s journey to Nashville. For now, fans can only wait and watch as the story unfolds.