This Disappointing Network TV Trend Is Exactly Why I'm Worried About 9-1-1: Nashville's Chances Of Succeeding

9-1-1: Nashville is quickly becoming one of the most highly-anticipated new shows of the 2025-26 television cycle, but one concerning pattern could set the spinoff up for failure. The third title in Ryan Murphy’s first-responder franchise has already had difficulty, as many believed 9-1-1: Lone Star could sabotage Nashville due to their similar settings. With so little revealed about the upcoming spinoff, signs pointed to 9-1-1: Nashville being nothing more than ABC’s replacement for the previous Texas-based series.

As more details emerge, however, it becomes increasingly clear that 9-1-1: Nashville has a unique vision for its pilot season. 9-1-1: Nashville’s cast of characters is already stacked with recognizable names like Chris O’Donnell (Don Sharpe), Jessica Capshaw (Blythe Sharpe), and iconic musicians like LeAnn Rimes. Unfortunately, while 9-1-1: Nashville will certainly have its own identity separate from its predecessors, the past year of network television has proven that isn’t enough for a spinoff to succeed.

Network TV's 2024-2025 Cycle Had Multiple Spinoff Cancelations

Many Franchise Titles Ended This Year

Every year, some unlucky shows reach the end of their rope and are officially canceled by their network, but the 2024-25 season notably concluded many spinoff series. Practically every major network scrapped a franchise title this year, with some canceling familiar favorites and others ending new series that had only just begun. As is always the case, some shows ending were more shocking than others. Suits LA’s abrupt ending seemed inevitable despite the West-Coast spinoff being in its freshman season, but other cancelations seemed somewhat out of the blue.

Although 9-1-1: Lone Star was beloved by many, the Texas-based spinoff came to an end in early 2025 with a truncated final season. Despite news of 9-1-1: Lone Star’s cancelation coming before its fifth and final season aired, nothing about the last episodes truly felt final. Sadly, many TV show creators write season finales with the omnipresent risk of cancelation in mind, understanding that no title is ever safe. Regardless of past success or active fan bases, extenuating circumstances could threaten any major title during every TV cycle.

9-1-1: Nashville's Work Is Cut Out For It If It Wants To Succeed

Dramatic Spinoffs Seem To Be Out Of Style

For 9-1-1’s second spinoff, timing may be its biggest hindrance. 9-1-1: Nashville is developing in an age where original ideas are prized and celebrated. ABC’s new crime procedural High Potential was a breakout hit, and CBS’ Tracker has been dominating the ratings since it debuted in 2024. Though there are constant adaptations and sequels popping up in film franchises, television is much more nebulous and unpredictable— especially network TV, which is inherently focused on longevity. Fresh ideas are what earn renewals, and being a spinoff starts 9-1-1: Nashville at a disadvantage.

Even spinoffs that have been successful in recent years are comedy-centered, like Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, the third title in The Big Bang Theory franchise. In stark contrast, the first look at 9-1-1: Nashville immediately evokes a more dramatic tone. As a title in the 9-1-1 franchise, Nashville was bound to have serious moments, but the most memorable part of the flagship series is the inanity the 118 sees on calls. Unfortunately, 9-1-1: Nashville will have to walk a thin line between feeling familiar and feeling original, especially in an age where spinoffs seem easily disposable.

What 9-1-1: Nashville Can Do To Resonate With Viewers

The Spinoff Will Have To Take Some Bold Swings

With so many chips stacked against it, 9-1-1: Nashville’s first season will be pivotal and could singlehandedly determine the spinoff’s fate. Luckily for the Tennessee-based procedural, its straight-to-series order indicates a cohesive, well-executed storyline will be fleshed out by the time it premieres in Fall 2025. Being on ABC rather than Fox (the channel 9-1-1 and Lone Star originated on), will offer more leeway and room to develop its characters, but there’s more Nashville can do to make sure it earns staying power.

The unique aspect of 9-1-1: Nashville could be helpful or harmful, depending on how it’s used. Nashville’s country music scene makes the 9-1-1 spinoff stand out, but it could quickly lose the heart of its premise and distract from the first responders. Having respected artists like LeAnn Rimes and Hailey Kilgore in the main cast practically promises 9-1-1: Nashville will include a musical episode, but balancing its country music culture with the core firehouse’s emergencies could be make-or-break. 9-1-1: Nashville may be facing an uphill battle, but even a spinoff can find acclaim if its concept is fully-realized.

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