A top executive discusses the potential for further 9-1-1 spinoffs following the highly publicized network switch for the show. The storyline of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear’s first Responder series underwent a dramatic change in May 2023 when rumours circulated that the Fox broadcast of the original 9-1-1 series had been cancelled and would now air on ABC.
Fox decided to keep airing the 9-1-1: Lone Star spinoff even after it was renewed for a fifth season. Costly licensing fees caused the breakup, with Disney regaining control of the flagship 9-1-1 series that it produces under the 20th Television label.
Before the start of 9-1-1 season 7, Craig Erwich, the person in charge of ABC, was questioned by Deadline regarding the potential for more spinoffs. Like Murphy, the CEO said, he’s open to expanding the franchise.
However, Erwich clarifies that a second spinoff is not the current goal in the comment that follows: Right now, we don’t have anything planned. However, I’m always, always willing to have those discussions with Ryan and [Tim Minear, co-creator and EP of 9-1-1]. We are currently concentrating on the current 9-1-1 season.
Why A 9-1-1 Spinoff Might Be Tricky To Pull Off?
In contrast to many popular procedures, 9-1-1 prioritizes the core group over the weekly case format. Usually, the week’s visitors and their emergencies take the form of little mini-stories that last only a few minutes or a few episodes.
After arriving at the location and providing assistance, the Central 118 team moves on to the next incident. In the process, the guest characters usually come away from a near-death encounter with a valuable lesson. But, 9-1-1’s main cast’s stability helped the show rise to the top of the ratings overall.
There haven’t been any significant cast exits from the first responder drama, except Connie Britton, who joined for just one season as Abby. For 9-1-1 season 7, Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ryan Guzman will all return to their respective roles.
Additionally, the show has maintained room for a large cast of recurrent supporting characters, many of whom have some sort of connection to the main seven protagonists.
Although the ridiculous crises of 9-1-1 are a defining feature of the series and have aided in the launching of the Lone Star spinoff, viewers may not be as invested in the bonds and relationships between Athena, Bobby, Maddie, Chimney, Hen, and Buck and Eddie as they have been.
It’s what has contributed to the series’ success on broadcast television. At the time, ABC is concentrating on greeting the 118 with a significant marketing drive.