Nearly two months after 9-1-1’s game-changing Season 8 came to a close, work on Season 9 is about to kick into high gear. Earlier this week, Jennifer Love Hewitt shared that the series was a couple of weeks out from returning to production and moving into a new era following the tragic exit of longtime co-lead Peter Krause. Now, Oliver Stark has chimed in with a video on Instagram offering exactly when he and the rest of the 118 will “get back to it.” According to the star, filming begins in “eleven days,” meaning July 22 will mark an end to “waking up late” and a return to dramatic first-responder action on ABC.
One thing Stark didn’t provide, however, was any tease as to what’s to come in Season 9 when the series returns to television this fall. Season 8 left the station fractured following the death of its stalwart captain Bobby Nash (Krause). Although the finale wrapped things up on a bittersweet note with some positives like Chimney (Kenneth Choi) and Maddie (Hewitt) welcoming their child, whom they named for Bobby, and Hen (Aisha Hinds) and Karen (Tracie Thoms), officially adopting Mara (Askyler Bell), it still left a void that someone will have to step up and fill going forward. A few options have been raised, including Hen, whom Angela Bassett’s Athena Grant personally propositioned about the role, but she ultimately turned it down. That vacancy figures to be addressed in many ways throughout the upcoming run, beyond just who gets the fancy new title.
Stark, for his part, previously shared his belief that Chimney would be the perfect fit for the position and one that Bobby would approve of because he’s made from the same stuff as the former captain. Even if Buck doesn’t get the captain’s role, though, he knows that there’s a general leadership and mentorship vacuum that needs to be filled by the senior first responders at the station. One of the aspects Stark said he wants to see his character embrace most in the upcoming season is the mentorship side of things, passing on the lessons that the 118’s late leader taught him over the years: “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.”
The hit procedural drama 9-1-1 has been a rollercoaster of high-stakes emergencies and deeply personal storylines. As fans anxiously wait for Season 9, actor Oliver Stark, who plays fan-favorite firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley, has finally spoken up with a key update about the show’s filming status. So, what’s going on behind the scenes? Let’s dive into the latest.
What’s the Buzz Around ‘9-1-1’ Season 9?
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve likely seen rumors flying around. Is Season 9 delayed? Are the cast members returning? Has production even started?
Well, we’ve got answers—straight from Oliver Stark himself.
Has Filming for Season 9 Begun?
Yes, But Not Fully Rolling Yet
In a recent candid update, Stark confirmed that filming has not officially started—but there’s a catch. While cameras aren’t rolling full-time, pre-production is well underway. That means the crew is getting things lined up: scripts are being finalized, set designs are in motion, and scheduling is nearly locked in.
When Is Filming Expected to Start?
Sooner Than You Think
Although Stark didn’t offer a precise date, he assured fans that filming is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Delays, including industry strikes and post-network transition adjustments (now on ABC), have pushed things a bit—but the team is ready to go.
What Did Oliver Stark Say Exactly?
A Personal Yet Hopeful Update
During a recent Q&A on Instagram, Stark shared:
“Not filming just yet. But soon. Very soon.”
While short, that comment sparked a wildfire of excitement online. Fans immediately began speculating on episode timelines, character arcs, and potential crossover events.
Why the Delay in Production?
The Network Shuffle Effect
Let’s not forget—9-1-1 switched from FOX to ABC at the end of Season 7. That kind of move comes with logistics, paperwork, and creative discussions that can delay even the most established shows.
Industry Strikes Played a Role Too
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 put a halt to many productions across Hollywood. 9-1-1 wasn’t immune. Although the strikes are now resolved, they caused a chain reaction that’s still affecting scheduling.
Will the Core Cast Return in Season 9?
Absolutely!
According to Stark and various sources close to production, the main cast is set to return. That includes:
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Angela Bassett as Athena Grant
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Peter Krause as Bobby Nash
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Aisha Hinds as Hen Wilson
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Kenneth Choi as Chimney
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Jennifer Love Hewitt as Maddie
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And, of course, Oliver Stark as Buck
What Can We Expect From the New Season?
Deeper Character Development and New Emergencies
While no official plotlines have been released, insiders suggest that Season 9 will focus heavily on character growth and emotional aftermaths from last season’s events. Fans are speculating on:
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Buck’s ongoing mental health journey
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Chimney and Maddie’s evolving family life
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More Athena-led episodes (yes, please!)
Will There Be New Characters?
Rumors Suggest Yes
Some leaks and casting calls hint at a few new faces joining the LAFD and LAPD squads. Could there be a new love interest? A rival firefighter? A mysterious paramedic? We’re here for all the drama!
Behind-the-Scenes Teasers from Cast Members
Stark isn’t the only one teasing fans. Others have dropped hints on social media:
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Angela Bassett posted a cryptic boomerang from the lot
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Ryan Guzman shared a gym selfie captioned “getting 9-1-1 ready”
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Aisha Hinds reposted a fan theory with a side-eye emoji 👀
Why Is This Update Important for Fans?
It Quenches a Year-Long Drought
Let’s be real—9-1-1 fans are ride or die. Waiting for updates feels like watching a heart monitor flatline. Oliver Stark’s message reassures us: Season 9 is alive, breathing, and coming soon.
Social Media Is Exploding With Fan Reactions
Fans flooded Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok with excitement:
“BUCK IS BACK. THAT’S ALL I NEEDED TO HEAR!” – @911Fanatic
“So excited! Time to rewatch all 8 seasons 👏” – @AthenaRules
“Someone wake me up when filming starts 😴” – @BuckOnFire
When Will Season 9 Actually Air?
Most Likely in Early 2026
Given the production timeline and historical release patterns, Season 9 could premiere as early as Spring 2026. ABC has not officially announced a date, but you can bet they’ll promote the heck out of it once filming wraps.
Where Can Fans Catch Up in the Meantime?
All past seasons of 9-1-1 are available on:
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Hulu
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Disney+ (in select countries)
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ABC On Demand
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iTunes / Amazon Prime Video
Final Thoughts: The Calm Before the Firestorm
Oliver Stark’s short-but-sweet update is exactly what we needed. It’s a reminder that great things take time—and in 9-1-1’s case, it’ll be worth the wait. The cast is on standby. The fans are hyped. The show is ready to rise from the ashes, stronger than ever.
So, stay tuned, buckle up, and keep your radios on—Season 9 is coming.
