The NCIS: LA star trades his badge for a fire captain’s helmet — and a cowboy hat — in the newest spinoff from TV’s most intense franchise.
It’s official: Chris O’Donnell is headed to Music City — and this time, he’s not chasing criminals but battling flames. The NCIS: Los Angeles alum has been cast as the lead in 9-1-1: Nashville, the latest installment in the high-octane 9-1-1 universe. The announcement marks O’Donnell’s return to broadcast drama after wrapping up a 14-season run as Special Agent G. Callen in 2023.
🧯Meet Capt. Don Sharpe: Cowboy. Hero. Father.
O’Donnell will play Capt. Don Sharpe, described by ABC as “a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse.” He’s the kind of leader who rides bulls on his day off, leads with gut and grit, and lives for two things: his crew and his family. But don’t be fooled by the southern charm—this captain’s past holds shadows he’d rather forget.
“Don is a devoted husband and family man, but he has his secrets,” the network teases. That mysterious undertone puts him in the same legacy as 9-1-1 OG Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) and Lone Star’s Owen Strand (Rob Lowe), both layered leaders with personal demons and emotional backstories.
👨🚒 Family First — Even in the Firehouse
Much like Lone Star, 9-1-1: Nashville will explore father-son dynamics. Capt. Sharpe will work alongside his son at the firehouse, giving the series another emotional anchor to balance out its adrenaline-pumping rescues and disaster scenes. Expect plenty of generational tension, shared trauma, and heartfelt moments amid the smoke and sirens.
🎬 Behind the Fire: A Super-Team of Creators
Nashville comes packed with 9-1-1 firepower. Tim Minear, co-creator of the flagship series and Lone Star, returns as showrunner, joined by Rashad Raisani. The spinoff also reunites the original dream team of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and series star Angela Bassett, all on board as executive producers.
Why Nashville?
According to Minear, the city’s blend of Americana charm and complex urban identity made it the perfect backdrop.
“We just thought it would be a good fit for the franchise — and actually quite different than Texas,” he told EW. “Nashville is not going to try to be Lone Star.”
🌟 What This Means for Chris O’Donnell
After years of tactical missions and secret identities, Chris O’Donnell’s new role allows him to trade espionage for emotional storytelling — while still staying action-heavy. It’s a natural progression for the actor, whose portrayal of Callen was defined by quiet strength and understated vulnerability — qualities that will serve him well as Captain Don Sharpe.
This move also reunites him with network TV in a high-profile way, offering a fresh platform to show off both his action chops and dramatic range.
🚨 9-1-1 Universe: Still Going Strong
While 9-1-1: Lone Star has taken its final bow, the 9-1-1 universe is far from cooling down. The original series remains a Thursday-night staple, with Angela Bassett’s Athena Grant still leading the charge. She’ll even cross over into Murphy’s medical drama Doctor Odyssey in a special episode airing March 20.
🗓️ Coming Soon…
9-1-1: Nashville is currently in pre-production, with casting underway for the rest of the firehouse team and supporting ensemble. Production is expected to begin later this year, with a premiere date likely in early 2026.
🔥 Final Word
A firehouse in the heart of country music, a lead with secrets, and the return of one of TV’s most beloved actors? 9-1-1: Nashville is shaping up to be a franchise rebirth — with boots and bravado.
Get ready for sirens, sparks, and Southern drama. O’Donnell is back — and this time, he’s riding tall in the saddle.
