The possibility of more 9-1-1 spinoffs, after the show’s high-profile network change from Fox to ABC, is addressed by a top executive.
The possibility of more 9-1-1 spinoffs after the show’s high-profile network change is addressed by a top executive. The first responder saga, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, experienced a significant shift in May 2023 when it was reported that the original 9-1-1 series had been canceled at Fox and would move to ABC. The 9-1-1: Lone Star spinoff was renewed for season 5 but would continue to air on Fox. The split was the result of costly rights fees, with Disney taking back the main 9-1-1 series which it produces through the 20th Television banner.
Craig Erwich, who oversees ABC, was asked about the possibility of more spinoffs in an interview with Deadline ahead of 9-1-1 season 7’s premiere. The executive noted that he, like Murphy, is open to growing the franchise. But in the quote below, Erwich explains that a second spinoff is not currently the focus:
We don’t have anything in the works at this time. But I’m always, always open to having those conversations with Ryan and [9-1-1 co-creator/EP] Tim [Minear]. Right now we’re focused on this season of 9-1-1.
Why A 9-1-1 Spinoff Might Be Tricky To Pull Off
The main cast is important to the show’s success.
Unlike many popular procedurals, 9-1-1 is more focused on the main ensemble than the case-of-the-week structure. The guests of the week and their emergencies typically unfold as mini-stories for a few minutes or a few episodes at most. The central 118 crew arrive on the scene, they help, and then they continue to the next emergency. The guest characters, in the process, typically learn something important after surviving a near-death experience.
But, on the whole, 9-1-1 became a top-rated show because of the consistency of its main cast. Except for Connie Britton, who only signed on for one season as Abby, the first responder drama has not seen any major cast departures. Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ryan Guzman remain in their roles and will all be back for 9-1-1 season 7. The series has likewise kept a space for a heavily recurring supporting ensemble, many of whom connect to the core seven characters in some way.
While the outlandish emergencies of 9-1-1 are very much a signature of the franchise and have helped to launch the Lone Star spinoff, there’s no guarantee that audiences will invest in the same way that they have in the relationships and bonds between Athena, Bobby, Maddie, Chimney, Hen, in addition to Buck and Eddie. It’s what has helped to make the series into a broadcast hit. For the moment, with a big marketing push, ABC is focused on welcoming the 118.
