Jennifer Love Hewitt is famously recognized for her roles as Maddie Han (nee Buckley) on the drama 9-1-1, and Julie James in the famous slasher flick I Know What You Did Last Summer. Now, she has an idea of how to combine the two. On the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, Hewitt shared her crossover pitch. “What if I get a call at the 911 call center from a girl being chased by a fisherman?” she said, per Collider. “Wouldn’t it be fun? It would be playful and it would be fun — like in a Halloween episode. I’m putting it out there! I think that would be really good, like, ‘911, what’s your emergency?’ ‘I’m being chased by a guy with a hook!’ ‘Really? We’ve all seen that movie.’ Wouldn’t that be brilliant?”
9-1-1 has taken on unique ideas, such as a killer bee swarm. 9-1-1 has also crossed over with another Ryan Murphy show, the now-canceled Doctor Odyssey, earlier this year. The original I Know What You Did Last Summer movie did well at the box office, but received mixed reviews from critics. Its iconic status was only really cemented later. The rebooted I Still Know What You Did Last Summer got a critical mauling in the meantime. Hewitt appeared in the legacy sequel, rather confusingly also titled I Know What You Did Last Summer. So far, it’s made $27.7 million against an $18 million budget, so it’s not a flop, but reviews have been middling.
The Spark Behind the Crossover Buzz
What happens when a fan-favorite actress, a cult TV show, and a bold new idea collide? That’s exactly what fans of 9-1-1 are wondering after Jennifer Love Hewitt—aka Maddie Buckley—teased her surprising pitch for a potential crossover. Her idea isn’t just a cameo or one-off scene… it could change the entire 9-1-1 universe.
In this article, we’ll explore Jennifer’s crossover concept, the fan reactions, how it could fit into the storyline, and what it could mean for the show’s future. Buckle up—it’s about to get dramatic.
Who Is Jennifer Love Hewitt in the 9-1-1 Universe?
Maddie Buckley – The Dispatcher With a Past
Jennifer Love Hewitt joined 9-1-1 in Season 2, stepping into the emotional and intense role of Maddie Buckley, a 911 operator who escaped an abusive marriage to start over. Her powerful performance quickly turned Maddie into a beloved character.
Real-Life Icon with a Passion for Storytelling
Hewitt is no stranger to fan-favorite shows. From Ghost Whisperer to Criminal Minds, she’s got a knack for blending heart with mystery—and clearly, she’s bringing that same creative fire to her role on 9-1-1.
The Crossover Pitch That No One Saw Coming
Jennifer’s Idea – Bridging Universes
In a recent interview, Hewitt revealed she pitched an emotional crossover event between 9-1-1 and another Ryan Murphy universe show. While she didn’t name specifics, fans are already theorizing it could be 9-1-1: Lone Star, or even a surprising link to American Horror Story or The Resident.
More Than a Cameo – A Story-Driven Event
According to Hewitt, this wouldn’t just be a “guest appearance” style crossover. Her vision involves a deep, interconnected story that would allow characters from different shows to share screen time and experiences in a meaningful way.
Could a Crossover Actually Happen?
Ryan Murphy’s History With Crossovers
Let’s be honest—Ryan Murphy loves a crossover. He’s done it with American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and even Glee references. The idea isn’t far-fetched—especially with the same showrunner and overlapping themes of trauma, heroism, and survival.
Scheduling and Network Hurdles
One challenge? Different networks. While 9-1-1 moved to ABC, 9-1-1: Lone Star remains with FOX. That complicates the logistics but doesn’t rule them out completely—especially if fan interest skyrockets.
Fan Reactions – Social Media Is Buzzing
Twitter Explodes With Excitement
Fans were quick to react on X (formerly Twitter), where “Maddie Crossover” started trending shortly after the interview dropped. Tweets ranged from “I NEED this now!” to “Hewitt just saved the franchise with this idea.”
TikTok Theories and Edits
TikTok creators wasted no time putting together potential crossover trailers, fan-edits, and even mock scripts using scenes from both 9-1-1 and Lone Star. The fandom is hungry for this.
Potential Storylines That Could Make It Work
Buck and TK – A Firefighter Bond?
Imagine Evan “Buck” Buckley meeting Lone Star’s TK Strand. Both have gone through intense personal journeys involving near-death experiences and relationship struggles. A shared rescue mission could bring them together—and fans would eat it up.
Maddie and Grace – Dispatch Power Duo
Grace Ryder from Lone Star is one of the most beloved dispatchers on TV. Pairing her with Maddie for a multi-city emergency call could be the perfect setup. Think: “The Call” meets “The Crossover.”
How a Crossover Could Deepen Maddie’s Arc
Exploring Trauma Across Cities
Maddie has dealt with serious trauma—from abuse to postpartum depression. Pairing her with someone like Grace, who has also seen emotional hardship, could offer healing and new dimensions for both characters.
A Redemption Twist?
What if Maddie’s past came back to haunt her—but in another city? That could force her into a situation where she must work outside her comfort zone and face unresolved pain, bringing drama and growth.
Why Fans Trust Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Vision
A True Storyteller At Heart
Jennifer Love Hewitt has always approached her roles with passion. Her pitch doesn’t feel like a gimmick—it sounds like an emotional, character-driven story that respects the audience’s intelligence.
A Fan of the Fans
Hewitt frequently engages with fans online and listens to their feedback. This pitch may have been partly inspired by fan conversations, proving again how in touch she is with the 9-1-1 community.
The Showrunners’ Response – Could It Be Greenlit?
No Confirmation… Yet
As of now, Ryan Murphy and the rest of the 9-1-1 creative team haven’t confirmed or denied the crossover idea. But based on past trends, if the buzz keeps growing, they might just have to listen.
What ABC and FOX Would Need to Approve
Cross-network deals are tricky, but not impossible. With the right contracts and timing—maybe a season finale or premiere event—the networks could come together for a ratings-boosting spectacle.
The Bigger Picture – Expanding the 9-1-1 Universe
Could This Be a Launchpad for More Crossovers?
If Hewitt’s pitch goes through, it might open the floodgates for more crossover events, creating a shared 9-1-1 Universe similar to the Arrowverse or One Chicago.
Spin-Off Potential
Characters introduced during the crossover could even launch into new shows. A Maddie-and-Grace dispatch drama? Yes, please!
Conclusion – The Crossover We Didn’t Know We Needed
Jennifer Love Hewitt didn’t just share a fun idea—she may have sparked a movement. Her heartfelt pitch for a crossover event taps into everything fans love: drama, emotion, connection, and unforgettable storytelling. Whether or not it becomes reality, one thing’s certain—the 9-1-1 fandom is ready.
