There are often early doubts about a new series, but 9-1-1: Nashville already faces very specific fan complaints that one potential cameo could hopefully help resolve. Not too many story specifics are known about 9-1-1: Nashville‘s cast of characters as of now, so it’s hard to pass much judgment ahead of its premiere. Given that Ryan Murphy’s TV shows have typically earned more cheers than jeers throughout the creator’s career, it seems as if his participation alone might merit at least some goodwill.
Unfortunately, timing can be everything, and the announcement of a new spinoff so shortly following 9-1-1: Lone Star‘s cancellation immediately rubbed many fans the wrong way. Pulling one spinoff from the air while making room for another one often proves unpopular with fans, as Dick Wolf enthusiasts can attest after the new FBI spinoff CIA faced initial scrutiny following the cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. In the case of 9-1-1: Nashville, however, its sour reception seems to stem largely from one recent story beat in the flagship series.
9-1-1: Nashville Is Already Facing Backlash Because Of Bobby’s Fate On The Flagship
On paper, several aspects of the new spinoff should actually appear quite promising. It takes place in a fairly unique city among procedural shows, and it even breaks one of Ryan Murphy’s 9-1-1 storytelling trends with the reveal that it focuses on a married couple with an adult son rather than having them get together during the main story. The spinoff also unveiled a new promo spot featuring a massive fire tornado, which is a rather unique disaster threat to watch unfold. Unfortunately, the promo didn’t receive the warmest reception from Instagram followers.
“We don’t want Nashville,” chimed one commenter. “We want Bobby Nash!” The refrain isn’t a new one. Many of 9-1-1: Nashville‘s social media posts have received countless similar jabs from fans, often phrased in some variation of, “The only NASH we want is BOBBY NASH.” Playing off the series’ title to voice their dissatisfaction with Bobby’s (Peter Krause) death in 9-1-1, this series of complaints feels particularly worrisome given the spate of network TV spinoff cancellations in 2025. But while 9-1-1: Nashville isn’t likely to resurrect Bobby, they can do the next best thing.
9-1-1: Nashville Can Still Bring Back A Beloved Lost Fire Captain (But It Isn’t Bobby)
Another Spinoff’s Cancellation Could Lead To An Exciting Cameo
Bobby is not the only 9-1-1 fire captain whose ultimate fate didn’t go over smoothly with the franchise’s fanbase. Many also took issue with Owen’s (Rob Lowe) final moments in the 9-1-1: Lone Star series finale, in which Strand was given a brief fake-out death before his survival reveal during Judd’s (Jim Parrack) promotion ceremony. Not only did many consider this deception unnecessary and emotionally unfulfilling, but it also prevented Strand from interacting with the bulk of his fellow cast mates during an important moment in a friend and colleague’s career.
Related
Lone Star Is Already Sabotaging 9-1-1’s 2nd Spinoff Before It Even Premieres
9-1-1: Lone Star may have ended, but the next title in the Ryan Murphy first responder franchise is in danger of being overshadowed anyway.
Having Owen return for a 9-1-1: Nashville cameo would allow for a somewhat cleaner sendoff, not to mention allowing the character to provide a passing explanation for why he missed Buck’s promotion. An Owen Strand cameo would also show that the franchise hasn’t forgotten its Lone Star fans, something many viewers might have suspected when Eddie’s (Ryan Guzman) move back to Texas failed to result in any Lone Star cameos on 9-1-1. And while any character could theoretically be used to tie 9-1-1: Nashville into the larger franchise, there’s one detail that makes Owen’s cameo particularly easy to pull off.
Rob Lowe Has Already Expressed Interest In Appearing In 9-1-1: Nashville
Owen Strand’s Nashville Appearance Seems To Be All But Confirmed
Chad Lowe, brother of Owen Strand actor Rob Lowe, serves as an executive producer for the upcoming new spinoff. As such, interest in Rob Lowe’s 9-1-1: Nashville appearance has already been discussed by the actor himself. There are currently no details regarding what Owen’s 9-1-1: Nashville storyline might entail, and it wouldn’t wipe Bobby Nash’s 9-1-1 death from memory, but Rob Lowe’s comments on the matter (via Decider) suggest his cameo to be more of a likelihood than not. “I mean, you know, I hired [Chad] on Lone Star,” he says. “I think turnabout is fair play.
This could still raise issues, since the problems with Owen’s 9-1-1: Lone Star ending might be exacerbated by Owen traveling from New York to Nashville after failing to make a similar trip when Judd was being sworn in. However, fans wary about the success of 9-1-1: Nashville after some of the franchise’s recent controversial story decisions may gain at least a modicum of satisfaction from seeing that the procedural still has some vested interest in fans’ wishes. The spinoff could be off to a rocky start, but its opportunity to prove itself is nowhere near passed just yet.
Source: Instagram, Decider
Enjoy ScreenRant’s primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.
SIGN UP NOW
