Chris O’Donnell Joins 9-1-1 Universe in Nashville Spinoff: What Fans Need to Know
Chris O’Donnell, the man who spent 14 seasons solving crimes as Special Agent G. Callen on *NCIS: Los Angeles*, is trading his badge for a firefighter’s helmet in the upcoming *9-1-1: Nashville*. Because apparently, saving lives in one city wasn’t enough—now he’s taking on the chaos of Music City. O’Donnell will star as Capt. Don Sharpe, a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who juggles running Nashville’s busiest firehouse with raising his beloved son. Oh, and he’s got secrets. Because what’s a firefighter drama without a little mystery?
The spinoff, set to debut during the 2025-26 TV season, is the latest addition to the *9-1-1* franchise, which has already given us the original series and *9-1-1: Lone Star*. Speaking of *Lone Star*, its cancellation in September 2024 after five seasons left fans reeling, but Ryan Murphy and Tim Minear, the franchise’s co-creators, are clearly not done with the *9-1-1* universe. Murphy admitted that the financials for *Lone Star* “just didn’t work,” which is corporate speak for “we’re moving on to something shinier.”
O’Donnell’s casting is a smart move for ABC, given his long-standing appeal and versatility. From his early days as Robin in *Batman Forever* to his more recent stint on *Grey’s Anatomy*, O’Donnell has proven he can handle both action and drama. Now, he’s stepping into a role that combines both, with a dash of Southern charm.
The series will be executive-produced by Murphy, Minear, *9-1-1: Lone Star* showrunner Rashad Raisani, and Brad Falchuk, with *9-1-1* star Angela Bassett also on board as a producer. Meanwhile, the original *9-1-1* series, now in its eighth season, continues to dominate Thursday nights on ABC, with Bassett, Peter Krause, and Jennifer Love Hewitt leading the charge.
So, what does this mean for fans? Another high-stakes, emotionally charged procedural with a country twist. And if *9-1-1: Nashville* can capture even half the drama of its predecessors, it’s bound to be a hit.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
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