“I’ll have to ask Chad Lowe, my brother,” Lowe said. “Chad Lowe is the executive producer/director of 9-1-1 Nashville. So I’m just waiting for my phone to ring. I mean, you know, I hired him on Lone Star [as Owen’s brother, Robert]. I think turnabout is fair play.”
What Is 9-1-1: Nashville About?
NCIS: Los Angeles vet Chris O’Donnell stars in the spinoff, which is described as “a high-octane procedural about our heroic first responders, as well as their family saga of power and glamour set in one of America’s most diverse and dynamic cities.” O’Donnell headlines the drama as Captain Don Sharpe, “a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse with his beloved son,” according to the official character description. “Don’s a devoted husband and family man, but he has his secrets.”
Who Else Will Star in 9-1-1: Nashville?
Former Grey’s Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw will play the wife of O’Donnell’s character and the mother of his son. There are no character details currently available for the show’s other two cast members, singer LeAnn Rimes and actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Nashville, According to Jim). The ensemble also includes Hailey Kilgore (Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Michael Provost (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Juani Feliz (Harlem) — pictured below, left to right — and acting newcomer Hunter McVey, our sister site Variety reports.
The 9-1-1 franchise has captivated audiences with its intense drama and compelling characters. Following the conclusion of 9-1-1: Lone Star in early 2025, fans were eager to know what was next. Enter 9-1-1: Nashville, the latest addition to the franchise. But the burning question remains: will Rob Lowe’s beloved character, Captain Owen Strand, make an appearance in this new series?
The Birth of 9-1-1: Nashville
9-1-1: Nashville was announced in February 2025, ordered straight to series by ABC. Created by Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Rashad Raisani, the show is set to premiere during the 2025–26 television season. The series will follow the lives of first responders in Nashville, moving the franchise’s focus from Austin. The cast includes Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, LeAnn Rimes, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Rob Lowe’s Interest in Reprising His Role
Rob Lowe has expressed openness to returning as Captain Owen Strand in the new spinoff series. His brother, Chad Lowe, who also appeared on Lone Star, is serving as executive producer and director for the new spinoff. Rob joked that his future in the series might depend on his brother, to whom he once gave a role on Lone Star.
Owen Strand’s Fate in Lone Star
In the final episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star, there was a brief moment where Captain Owen Strand appeared to have sacrificed his life to save Austin from a nuclear meltdown. However, it was later revealed that he survived, leaving the door open for potential future appearances.
Potential Crossovers Within the 9-1-1 Universe
The 9-1-1 franchise has a history of crossovers, with characters from different series interacting. Rob Lowe has hinted at the possibility of future crossovers, stating that “anything’s possible” and expressing hope for more interconnected storylines within the franchise.
The Role of Chad Lowe in 9-1-1: Nashville
Chad Lowe’s involvement as an executive producer and director for 9-1-1: Nashville adds an interesting dynamic to the potential for a crossover. His connection to Rob Lowe could facilitate a reunion of the Lowe brothers on screen, much to the delight of fans.
What Fans Can Expect from 9-1-1: Nashville
9-1-1: Nashville promises to bring the same high-stakes drama and emotional depth that fans have come to expect from the franchise. With a new setting and a fresh cast, the series aims to explore the unique challenges faced by first responders in Nashville. The addition of musical elements, inspired by the city’s rich musical culture, is also anticipated to add a unique flavor to the show.
While nothing is confirmed, the possibility of Rob Lowe’s Owen Strand making an appearance in 9-1-1: Nashville remains a tantalizing prospect. With his brother Chad Lowe involved in the spinoff and the history of crossovers within the 9-1-1 universe, fans can hold out hope for a reunion of the Lowe brothers on screen. As Rob Lowe himself said, “I’m just waiting for my phone to ring.”
