9-1-1 will return to ABC for Season 9 this fall, and the historic season will see a significant shift in the show’s Station 126. Following Bobby’s (Peter Krause) death in Season 8, the station and its characters will try to figure out what’s next for them. Series star Oliver Stark told Principle Magazine that he would like to see the show explore how Buck copes with losing his mentor, Bobby Nash, when the season premieres. “We’ll start shooting Season 9 in about a month,” he shared with the publication, revealing that production start is imminent. “I have read nothing yet,” the actor added. Given that scripts are yet to come out, Stark shared the general direction he wishes to see his character’s story take.
“It’s gonna be interesting in the sense that at the end of Season 8, we lost Peter Krause’s character,” he said. ” I think Season 9 is gonna be about rebuilding and growing from that, seeing how it’s possible to grow from that, and restructuring of the 118, which is the firehouse in the show, and seeing how everybody can kinda come together and try and move forward,” Stark added. Asked what he wishes to see for his character, the actor said:
“Bobby was so instrumental to who Buck was on the show, and I really wanna see him carry that proudly and feel like he’s doing justice to all the things that he learned through Captain Nash. I want him to carry the banner and help the younger firefighters around him. We have a couple on the show, and so to almost step into that mentor role that Bobby was for Buck, I think it’s time for him to maybe start doing that for some others.”
If you’re a longtime fan of 9-1-1, you probably still haven’t recovered from Captain Bobby Nash’s heartbreaking death. And you’re not alone. The season finale left viewers across the globe stunned, speechless, and emotionally wrecked. But just when we thought all hope was lost for Station 118, one cast member just dropped a bombshell update—and it’s giving fans a glimmer of hope again.
Let’s unpack what this major Season 9 update means, why the phrase “I want him to carry the banner” is trending, and how the show is moving forward without its beloved leader.
Bobby’s Death Rocked the 9-1-1 Universe
A Sudden, Heart-Wrenching Exit
Bobby Nash was more than a captain—he was the moral compass of the 118, a steady rock in the chaos. His shocking death in the Season 8 finale wasn’t just a plot twist—it was an emotional earthquake.
Fans Didn’t See It Coming
Social media erupted with disbelief and sorrow. Some fans even started petitions to bring Bobby back, while others feared the show wouldn’t survive without him.
“I Want Him to Carry the Banner” — What It Really Means
Who Said It?
It was Ryan Guzman, the actor behind Eddie Diaz, who shared this heartfelt message in a recent interview. At 33, Guzman has evolved from an action hero to an emotional anchor in the 9-1-1 universe. And now, he’s ready for more.
Passing the Torch
Guzman said, “I want him to carry the banner,” referring to Eddie’s potential rise as the new leader at Station 118. The phrase, rich in symbolism, refers to honoring Bobby’s legacy by continuing his mission—serving, protecting, and leading with integrity.
How Season 9 Is Shaping Up
A New Direction for the 118
Eddie may not be Bobby, but fans are starting to see the leadership potential that’s been quietly building. With the team fractured and emotionally raw, Season 9 is setting up to be a story of healing and transformation.
Expect More Emotion, More Depth
Writers are digging deep this season. The trauma of losing Bobby will be felt in every scene. But that emotional weight will also bring character growth, vulnerability, and hard choices.
How the Cast is Coping Off-Screen
Real Grief Behind the Scenes
Angela Bassett, Oliver Stark, and Aisha Hinds have all spoken about the emotional toll of losing Bobby’s character. He was more than a script figure—he was family.
Unity on Set
Despite the grief, the cast is rallying. Guzman’s message wasn’t just for the fans—it was for the team too. They’re choosing to move forward, together.
Why Eddie Diaz Is the Right Choice
He’s Been Through the Fire
Eddie’s backstory is brutal and beautiful. A veteran, a single dad, a hero who’s seen the worst of life—he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t quit.
Quiet Strength
Unlike Bobby’s stoic leadership, Eddie leads by empathy and grit. He’s not flashy—but he’s reliable, and fans trust him.
Bobby’s Influence Lives On
Even though he’s gone, Bobby’s lessons remain. His leadership style, his wisdom, his quiet compassion—they’ve all shaped Eddie, Buck, and the rest of the team.
Carrying the Banner = Carrying the Heart
To carry the banner isn’t just about leading—it’s about carrying the heart of the team into the next chapter. Eddie’s ready.
What to Expect in Season 9 (Spoiler-Free Insights)
Character-Driven Arcs
More than big disasters, Season 9 is focusing on internal storms. Expect deep dives into grief, trauma, and identity.
Relationships in Focus
From Eddie and Christopher to Buck’s ongoing journey, fans will get rich emotional storytelling this season.
Fan Reaction to the Update
Some fans still aren’t over Bobby’s loss—but many are embracing the idea of Eddie stepping up.
Viral Hashtags and Tributes
#CarryTheBanner and #EddieForCaptain have already started trending. It’s clear fans are invested in what’s next.
What the Writers Are Saying
A Season of Legacy
The showrunners have hinted that Season 9 will honor Bobby’s legacy, not erase it. Think homage, not replacement.
No Cheap Plot Devices
This isn’t a reset. It’s a thoughtful progression—built on everything that came before.
Can Eddie Really Replace Bobby?
The Answer Is No… and Yes
Nobody can replace Bobby Nash. But that’s not the goal. Eddie won’t be a carbon copy—he’ll be a continuation.
Leadership Looks Different Now
We’re seeing a new era for 9-1-1—one where strength is shared, not centralized. That’s powerful.
When and Where to Watch Season 9
Season 9 is expected to premiere in Fall 2025 on ABC, and it’ll also be available for streaming on Hulu the next day.
Set your reminders—this will be a season worth watching live.
Conclusion: The Banner Has Been Passed
Bobby’s death will leave a hole that can’t be filled—but the team isn’t collapsing. They’re evolving. And at the heart of that evolution is Eddie Diaz.
When Ryan Guzman said, “I want him to carry the banner,” he wasn’t just talking about a promotion. He was talking about honor, grief, loyalty, and love. And that, more than anything, is what 9-1-1 has always been about.
