It’s already been proven that Athena is a great addition to any 9-1-1 show. In fact, in Season 3, Episode 11 of FOX’s 9-1-1: Lone Star, Athena assists Carlos Reyes (Rafael L. Silva) and Grace Ryder (Sierra McClain), who are working on a case of a prankster who called 9-1-1 as a joke. As a result of the call, Carlos tases someone who falls on his own knife, and dies. The pair decides to find the person who made the 9-1-1 call, and they discover he’s a gamer living in Los Angeles. They end up calling Athena to help out, who apprehends the suspect, and then jokingly tells them on FaceTime, “You guys did all the hard work. I just showed up for the fun, detective.”

But that’s not the only Ryan Murphy-produced show that Athena has made a cameo on recently. Doctor Odyssey aired its first, and likely only, season this year on ABC. Before it could be unceremoniously docked for good, Athena made an appearance on the Odyssey cruise ship. In Episode 11, Athena is tasked with preventing a criminal from getting on board the ship. She only goes onto the ship to find his checked bag, but then she’s inadvertently locked in a closet when the ship embarks. Since she’s stuck on the boat for three days, Athena decides to enjoy herself, popping champagne with Avery (Phillipa Soo). Of course, in the end, Athena is able to foil a pair of jewel thieves, so her trip is still a productive one. Athena’s cameo is perfect — it allows for a little light-hearted energy, while still letting Athena be the badass cop she truly is.

Athena Could Easily Pop Over to ‘9-1-1: Nashville’. Athena has already journeyed outside Los Angeles to solve a case in Florida (even though she was supposed to be on vacation). But this case, alongside Athena’s forays into crimes in Texas and heists in international waters, proves that she can handle being in any location (and on any show). She has been through so much in her life recently, after losing Bobby and selling their dream home. It would actually be the ideal time for her to do some traveling. A cross-country road trip to Nashville could be just what she needs as a change-of-scenery healing journey. Plus, because Athena is a cop (and not a firefighter), there could always be a case that Athena is working on that would bring her to this new city.

And then there’s the possibility that Athena would need to travel to Nashville because of some plotline that connects back to Bobby. Who knows what else in Bobby’s past has been unexplored so far? It feels like we haven’t seen Athena truly process her grief completely yet, so perhaps there could be a connection to Nashville that would allow her to do that in a compelling way. This could give Athena a deeper storyline than a typical cameo, but would make many 9-1-1 fans feel even more satisfied with tying up Bobby’s story and permitting Athena to move on.

We’re excited to see what 9-1-1: Nashville has to offer, but because Athena is always going to be one of the best parts of the franchise, we can’t help but wish that the new series would start off with her at least as a guest star. So far, Athena is the only character to appear (even if it’s just on FaceTime) in every spin-off, so it seems only fair that she keeps that legacy going by popping up in Nashville as well. It’s pretty likely that Athena’s home will always be in Los Angeles, but at this point, it’s quite possible that she could travel to Nashville. One thing’s for sure: no matter where Athena is, we’ll be tuning in.

Athena Grant Has Already Appeared in Every ‘9-1-1’ Iteration

When you think about 9-1-1, one name instantly comes to mind—Athena Grant, played brilliantly by Angela Bassett. Not only is she one of the most iconic characters in the franchise, but she also holds a record: she’s the only character who has appeared in every single version of the ‘9-1-1’ universe. From the original series to spin-offs and crossovers, Athena’s presence has been the glue that keeps fans emotionally invested.

Let’s dive deep into how this powerhouse character became the cornerstone of one of TV’s most gripping franchises.

The Birth of Athena Grant in ‘9-1-1’

When 9-1-1 first premiered in 2018, Athena Grant stood out immediately. A strong, fearless LAPD patrol sergeant, she represented resilience, compassion, and leadership. Angela Bassett’s commanding performance not only gave weight to the show but also set the tone for how first responders’ stories would be told.

Athena wasn’t just a cop. She was a mother, a wife, and a woman navigating personal challenges while maintaining her duty to protect and serve. This multi-dimensional character quickly became a fan favorite.

Angela Bassett: The Powerhouse Behind Athena

It’s impossible to discuss Athena without highlighting Angela Bassett. As an Academy Award-nominated actress, she brought depth and authenticity to the role. Bassett’s portrayal goes beyond TV drama—it feels real, raw, and relatable.

She also made history as the highest-paid actress of color on network television, proving that her impact extends beyond the screen. With Bassett at the center, Athena Grant became a cultural icon.

Athena’s Role in the Original ‘9-1-1’

From the start, Athena’s storylines were layered. She tackled domestic abuse cases, hostage situations, and high-stakes rescues—all while balancing family drama. Her evolving relationship with Bobby Nash, the fire captain, showed her vulnerable side, making her more than just a uniform.

Athena wasn’t just written as a background character—she was a lead force in shaping the narrative.

The Significance of Athena’s Crossovers

What makes Athena unique is her reach beyond the flagship series. In the TV world, crossovers can be hit or miss, but Athena’s appearances always made waves. She was the bridge character that carried emotional weight from one storyline to another.

Her presence in 9-1-1: Lone Star made it clear that she wasn’t just an LAPD officer—she was part of a larger, interconnected universe.

Athena Grant in ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’

When 9-1-1: Lone Star launched, fans wondered if Athena would make the jump to Texas. The writers didn’t disappoint. Her cameo in the spin-off solidified her role as the connective tissue of the franchise.

She appeared in pivotal crossover events, lending her authority and emotional gravity. These moments weren’t just fan service—they reinforced that Athena is a central figure in the 9-1-1 world.

The Crossover Episodes That Defined Her Legacy

Crossovers often feel forced, but not with Athena. Her appearances always had purpose:

• Family Connections: Athena’s family ties often became plot points that carried over into other series.

• Shared Emergencies: Massive disasters or criminal cases created natural opportunities for Athena to cross paths with characters in Lone Star.

• Leadership Presence: Athena’s authority and experience made her the perfect character to step into any emergency, regardless of location.

Why Athena Is the Heart of the Franchise

Athena’s presence across the franchise isn’t accidental. She embodies the themes of 9-1-1: courage, sacrifice, and humanity. Fans see themselves in her struggles, whether it’s handling career challenges, family heartbreaks, or personal growth.

She’s not just a cop in uniform—she’s a fully fleshed-out human being, and that’s why audiences connect with her.

Athena vs. Other Franchise Characters

While other characters have made appearances across the series, none have done it quite like Athena. For example, firefighters and paramedics occasionally overlap, but Athena’s role as a police officer creates a unique perspective.

Her storyline gives balance to the heavy focus on firehouse drama, reminding fans that emergencies involve multiple departments.

Angela Bassett’s Influence on Franchise Expansion

Behind the scenes, Bassett isn’t just acting—she’s producing. Her involvement ensures Athena is written with nuance and depth. It’s no wonder the character continues to appear across spin-offs.

Her creative influence has shaped how the franchise grows, making sure Athena’s arc remains compelling.

The Emotional Core of Athena’s Character

Athena’s struggles with her children, her marriage, and her personal safety ground the show in reality. While disasters and emergencies provide adrenaline, it’s Athena’s emotional core that keeps fans invested.

Her resilience makes her more than a hero—she’s relatable.

The Cultural Impact of Athena Grant

Representation matters, and Athena Grant delivers that in spades. As a Black woman in law enforcement, her character highlights both the strengths and struggles of working within the system.

She’s an empowering figure for viewers who don’t often see themselves portrayed as multifaceted heroes on primetime TV.

How Athena Connects the Audience to the Franchise

For longtime fans, Athena is the constant thread. She makes the world of 9-1-1 feel cohesive, no matter which version you’re watching. Her character is the reason viewers tune into crossover episodes—they know she’ll bring authenticity and emotional weight.

The Future of Athena in ‘9-1-1’

So, what’s next for Athena? With the franchise still expanding, her presence in future storylines seems inevitable. Whether it’s more crossovers or deeper personal arcs, one thing is certain: Athena Grant isn’t going anywhere.

Her role will continue to evolve, ensuring she remains the beating heart of the 9-1-1 universe.

Conclusion

Athena Grant’s journey is unlike any other character in the 9-1-1 franchise. Her appearances across every iteration prove her importance, not just as a police officer, but as the emotional anchor of the series. Thanks to Angela Bassett’s powerhouse performance, Athena has transcended TV, becoming a symbol of strength, resilience, and humanity.