Jennifer Love Hewitt Reflects on 9-1-1 Comeback After Peter Krause Exit
With Peter Krause’s sudden departure still reverberating through the 9-1-1 set, Jennifer Love Hewitt has offered a candid look at how the ABC drama is moving forward. At the July 14 premiere of her new thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer, Hewitt spoke with Entertainment Tonight about stepping back into the role of dispatcher Maddie Han for season nine, following the shocking April 17 episode “Lab Rats” that saw Krause’s Captain Bobby Nash make the ultimate sacrifice.
Hewitt admitted nothing feels quite the same without the Parenthood alum. “It is rough,” she told ET. “We spent seven seasons building so much trust. When Bobby Nash died, it hit everyone hard.” She explained that long before shooting resumed, the cast and crew had to process the gravity of losing their fictional leader. Citing the sudden nature of Nash’s exit, she noted that the show’s commitment to honoring first responders meant that real emotions had to come first.
The April twist left fans—and the cast—in disbelief. Angela Bassett, who plays Nash’s on-screen spouse Athena Grant, described her own reaction to The Hollywood Reporter as frozen disbelief. “When showrunner Tim Minear told me the plan, I could not believe it was Bobby,” Bassett said. “I remember feeling struck dumb.” Bassett added that Krause’s departure created a gap not only in the story but in the daily dynamic of the ensemble.
Hewitt confirmed that discussions on set now focus on how best to carry Nash’s legacy forward. She said the writers have already started weaving in tributes to first responders who face life-or-death situations every day. “Bobby Nash was built for sacrifice,” Krause wrote in his farewell letter to The Hollywood Reporter, emphasizing that his character was designed to reflect real-life heroes. “His story arc honors them,” he added, acknowledging that the audience might feel betrayed by a sudden character death.
Despite the somber tone, Hewitt is eager for the next batch of emergencies. “I oddly miss the tears,” the 46-year-old joked. “Trading in tears for action makes me feel alive.” She praised season nine scripts for presenting adrenaline-pumping scenarios that promise to test Maddie in unexpected ways.
Behind the scenes, the cast remains tight-knit. Executive producer Ryan Murphy and co-creator Tim Minear have assured fans that the show will stay true to its core mission—highlighting bravery, family bonds and resilience under pressure. Viewers can expect new challenges, fresh faces and emotional payoffs that honor Bobby Nash’s memory.
So as cameras roll on the next chapter, Hewitt and her 9-1-1 family are ready to answer the call once more. Stay tuned for what this season has in store. And there you have it. Make of that what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Entertainment Tonight, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
