9-1-1 follows the adventures of the 118 Firehouse in a fast-paced, adrenaline-inducing drama. Each week sees plenty of new emergencies for the first responders to tackle, while still including lots of romance and friendship conflicts between the characters. Starting with its debut in 2018, the series was an incredibly popular addition for FOX. However, after six seasons, the FOX executives were becoming wary of the amount of money that was going into producing the series. The network cited enormous production costs of $9 million an episode as cause for concern. There were several reasons the series was so expensive to make (including cast contracts and the production value of all those wild natural disasters brought to life), but there was another factor at play here. The network was also required to pay a licensing fee to Disney’s 20th Television (who owns the rights to the series). That created a hefty price tag for FOX to continue paying for subsequent seasons.
FOX decided their only recourse was to cancel the series, despite positive ratings for the show. Luckily, ABC saw an opportunity at hand to keep the Ryan Murphy-produced series alive. 9-1-1 just shifted networks, and came over to ABC with very few complications (and no need to pay an additional licensing fee). In fact, the series’ viewership rose dramatically upon the move to Thursday nights (which aired right before Grey’s Anatomy). The show’s ratings marked a two-year high for the series, and the opening episode gave ABC its biggest premiere in several years. This switch-up seemed to be working out really well: ABC got to keep going with a popular series with a built-in audience, and FOX could cut down on their ballooning budget.
Let’s cut to the chase: TV fans everywhere were blindsided when news broke in 2023 that ‘9-1-1’, one of FOX’s flagship dramas, was moving to ABC. Wait, what? That’s not something you see every day—a top-rated show jumping networks like it’s switching subway lines.
So, what happened? Why did this critically acclaimed, fan-loved, high-drama series leave the network it called home for years?
Buckle up. We’re diving into the real story behind this network shake-up, unpacking everything from ratings wars to corporate mergers. And yes, we’re spilling the tea.
The Rise of ‘9-1-1’: A Quick Recap
A Lifeline Drama That Struck Gold
‘9-1-1’ launched on FOX in 2018, created by hitmaker Ryan Murphy, and quickly became a must-watch. It combined edge-of-your-seat emergencies with emotional backstories—basically, a rollercoaster with a defibrillator.
Ratings on Fire 🔥The series consistently drew strong ratings, especially in the coveted 18–49 demographic. It wasn’t just a hit—it was FOX’s highest-rated scripted drama for several seasons. So why would FOX let it go?
Follow the Money: Budget Battles and Cost Cuts
High Drama Comes With a High Price Tag
Let’s not sugarcoat it—‘9-1-1’ is expensive. Big stunts. Bigger stars. Bigger budget. FOX reportedly struggled with the show’s high production costs, which were only going up.
H2: Disney’s Hidden Hand in the Drama
Here’s where it gets juicy: Although FOX aired ‘9-1-1’, it was produced by 20th Television, which is owned by… drumroll… Disney. Yep. The Mouse was always lurking behind the scenes.
ABC Enters the Chat
Why ABC Made the Power Move
ABC is also owned by Disney, so when FOX decided the show was getting a little too pricey, Disney had the perfect backup plan: Move it to ABC. More control, more synergy, more branding magic.
From Outsider to Homegrown Hit
On ABC, ‘9-1-1’ wasn’t just a guest—it became family. Disney could now market, stream, and schedule it without dealing with another network’s red tape.
Industry Reactions: Shockwaves Across Hollywood
Critics Called It “Unprecedented”
TV critics were floored. It’s rare for a top-rated show to jump networks, let alone from a major broadcast like FOX to another like ABC. It wasn’t just a renewal—it was a rebirth.
The Fans Went Wild
The fandom? Let’s just say Twitter (or X, if you’re being current) exploded. Memes. Theories. Watch parties. People weren’t just watching the show—they were watching the story behind the show.
Streaming Strategy & Disney’s Long Game
‘9-1-1’ and Hulu: A Streaming Marriage
Now that the show was airing on ABC, Disney could push ‘9-1-1’ harder on Hulu (which it also owns). More eyeballs. More revenue. It was a strategic flex.
H2: Bundling for the Win
Think about it: ‘9-1-1’ + Hulu + Disney+ = a streaming package that sells itself. This wasn’t just about TV—it was about digital dominance.
The Changing Face of Broadcast TV
Networks aren’t what they used to be. With streaming eating traditional TV’s lunch, FOX had to tighten its belt. Shows like ‘9-1-1’ just didn’t fit the new model.
Disney’s Empire-Building Strategy
Disney isn’t playing checkers—it’s playing 4D chess. Owning both the production and distribution of a hit show like ‘9-1-1’ gives them unmatched control.
What This Means for TV’s Future
Expect More Network Jumps
We’re entering a new era where shows are moving like free agents. If you think ‘9-1-1’ is the last to switch teams, think again.
H2: Streaming First, Networks Second
The traditional TV model is fading. Streaming rules the roost now, and shows will go wherever the stream flows strongest.
So, Was the Move Worth It?
When ‘9-1-1’ premiered on ABC, it drew in millions. It became the network’s highest-rated drama premiere of the year.
FOX Focused on Reality and Animation
Post-‘9-1-1’, FOX doubled down on cheaper content—think reality shows and animated sitcoms. Smart business, but fewer scripted hits.
The Fan Experience—Did Anything Change?
Same Show, New Channel
Aside from the logo on your screen, ‘9-1-1’ stayed true to its roots. The writing, characters, and high-stakes rescues didn’t skip a beat.
But the Future Looks Brighter
On ABC, the show has room to grow. Better promotion, more stable scheduling, and cross-promotion opportunities across Disney’s empire.
Final Verdict: A Strategic Masterstroke or A Risky Gamble?
Let’s be real—this was a high-stakes move. But so far, it looks like ABC and Disney played their cards right. They didn’t just save ‘9-1-1’—they elevated it.
Conclusion: The Show Must Go On… and It Did, Just on a New Stage
In the ever-evolving world of television, change is the only constant. What looked like a dramatic breakup was really just a family reunion. ‘9-1-1’ didn’t fall—it flew into a new era, and fans followed right along. So next time you tune in, remember: sometimes, switching networks is the plot twist you never knew you needed.
