The rest of 9-1-1 season 8 was dedicated to saying goodbye to Bobby, but the beloved captain left big shoes to fill. The ensemble grieved Bobby far beyond his funeral, rousing questions regarding the 118’s future. In the 9-1-1 season 8 finale, Chimney steps up to rally the team and prove his leadership abilities as the vacant captaincy looms overhead.

In a recent post to Kenneth Choi’s official Instagram, he relays a message from Peter Krause, who is the center of the reel. Krause juggles while playful effects, like glitter and a “Happy Monday” sticker, are overlaid atop the footage. The caption reads “Peter Krause Sighting… he sends his [love],” offering fans a check-in with their favorite fallen captain.

What This Means For Krause's Future In 9-1-1

The Beloved Fire Captain Is Still Passing The Torch

Despite reminding people of Krause’s dearly departed character, Bobby Nash won’t return in 9-1-1 season 9 or beyond— at least not as a main character. The impact Captain Nash left on his team and widow won’t be easily forgotten, and the legacy he forged throughout the first eight seasons of 9-1-1 will keep his memory alive.

All signs point to Choi taking up the mantle, since 9-1-1 set up Chimney as Bobby’s successor in the final episode of season 8. Bobby won’t ever be fully gone, but it’s clear the show is headed in a new direction. Even the reel’s caption echoes this sentiment, calling it a “sighting” as if Peter Krause is a rare phenomenon.

Our Take On 9-1-1 Season 9

The New Season Will Have To Earn Back Its Audience

The actors may post upbeat content on their social media, but there was nothing pleasant about Peter Krause’s exit from 9-1-1 season 8. The devastating loss was underscored by a disappointing send-off, leaving Bobby’s body in Minnesota while his LA family is still grieving. How 9-1-1 handles season 9 will be pivotal in deciding the procedural’s fate next year.