‘9-1-1’s Nashville Spin-Off Doesn’t Need Direct Ties to the Original Show

There have already been rumors that some other characters from the 9-1-1 universe could pop up in Nashville. Bassett hinted that perhaps she could do a cross-over event as Athena Grant “if the FBI comes into play, if somebody runs from California to Nashville or vice versa.” There’s even been talk that Connie Britton could reappear as Abby Clark. Even though Abby hasn’t been seen in 9-1-1 since Season 3, Britton herself starred in the drama series, Nashville, so she’s definitely familiar with the territory. But there’s one member of the 9-1-1 family who has made it very clear that he’d love to be considered for the spin-off.

Oliver Stark, who plays Evan “Buck” Buckley on 9-1-1, already has his storyline mapped out. He stated in a recent interview,

“I feel like Buck would have a lot of fun in Nashville. I saw they cast Chris O’Donnell, could be Buck’s cousin. I’m putting that out there. I could pay a visit to him in Nashville and find myself stumbling down Broadway…ship me off to Nashville, and I’ll be there.”

No other actors have been as openly vocal about wanting to be cast in the spin-off, so it’s a possibility that Buck could make the trip from Los Angeles to Nashville, especially if Don really was his cousin. However, even if the storyline could work out, it’s not necessarily a great idea for the new show to have such obvious, direct ties to the original series.

‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Should Start Completely Separate from ‘9-1-1’

While Stark’s suggestion makes it seem like there would be an easy crossover option for Buck, it doesn’t seem like the Nashville spin-off should actually go in that direction. In fact, the series would be better served to ditch any obvious connections to the original show, especially in the beginning. As the spin-off series is establishing its own unique tone and characters, it would be a bit confusing to have such clear-cut ties to the Los Angeles show. By focusing on its own Nashville identity, the series can draw in new viewers (including some who haven’t even watched the original series). This allows the Nashville version to be completely separate and much more fresh and fun.

If characters from the original 9-1-1 (including Buck) just happened to pop up in Nashville, it would make the series feel contrived right from the very beginning. Any straightforward connections could also run the risk of the Nashville series being a bit boring. We already know and love Buck’s character, but it would be better if the audience is able to meet, learn more about, and form connections to new characters without any other stale energies getting in the way.

By including Buck in 9-1-1: Nashville, the spin-off runs the risk of not being original enough, which could lead to an early cancelation or an early death like 9-1-1: Lone Star. To gain longevity and a loyal fan base, the new series should focus on forging their own path forward (without any previously known characters). Hopefully, the Nashville-based series will work on creating a compelling drama set in Music City that doesn’t have to rely on any franchise familiarity. The setting alone can inspire music-based storylines, down South country roots, and a culture that’s completely unique to the region. Crossovers could be welcome at some point in the future, but in its first season, it doesn’t seem like Buck needs to be welcomed into the fray.