An episode of the brand new TV drama “9-1-1: Nashville” will be filmed in Knoxville this fall, according to the Visit Knoxville Film Office. “9-1-1: Nashville’s” inaugural season premieres October 9. Visit Knoxville said the episode will air this season. The show is the second spin-off of the “9-1-1” franchise. The project is one of the largest productions to ever film in Knoxville, according to the film office.
Visit Knoxville did not specify where or when production will take place. The show is set in Nashville and follows the lives of first responders, including firefighters, paramedics and police, as they respond to life-threatening situations. “This is a really extraordinary time for the Visit Knoxville Film Office and for Knoxville itself, particularly as it relates to film in our destination,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville, in a press release Wednesday. “November will be full of back-to-back excitement with not only hosting our third annual film festival, FILM FEST KNOX, but now with this filming taking place, we will continue to put Knoxville on the map for more production.”
The Visit Knoxville Film Office supports production companies with resources such as locations, permits, destination services and any other needs to help with smooth production. The organization hopes this will lead to more projects in the future. Visit Knoxville said the series chose Knoxville because of its varied locations and its accessible market for production. “Working with the Visit Knoxville Film Office has been a real asset in coordinating this project and making it happen,” said Michael Lohmann, Kapital Entertainment’s Head of Productions and Producer of the television series. “I hope to have the opportunity to bring more projects that could be a good fit for Knoxville.”
The show stars Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and LeAnn Rimes. According to the show’s IMDB page, the first episode follows first responders as they work to rescue people after a tornado at a country music festival. The show airs on Thursday on ABC or Hulu.
From the hills of East Tennessee to your TV screens: the upcoming 9-1-1: Nashville is rolling into Knoxville this fall for a high-stakes episode. If you’re a fan of pulse-pounding rescues, Southern scenery, and behind-the-scenes drama, this news is about to light up your autumn. In this article, we’ll deep dive into what we know so far — the who, the where, the when, and all the reasons this move matters.
What Is 9-1-1: Nashville
A New Spin on the 9-1-1 Franchise
9-1-1: Nashville is the latest spinoff from the wildly popular 9-1-1 universe.Unlike its predecessors—set in Los Angeles and Texas—this series zeroes in on first responders in Music City, weaving in local charm, danger, and drama.
Creators, Cast & Premise
The show is created by Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Rashad Raisani, with backing from executive producers like Brad Falchuk and Angela Bassett. In the lead role, Chris O’Donnell plays Captain Don Hart, a former rodeo rider turned fire chief. Other key cast includes Jessica Capshaw, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
The plot? Expect a mix of heart-stopping emergencies, interpersonal conflict, family secrets, and the Southern backdrop itself becoming a character.
Knoxville — Why It’s Being Chosen as a Filming Location
Knoxville’s Growing Appeal in Film & TV
Knoxville has been making waves in local production circles. The region’s scenery, infrastructure, and support for film crews are improving, and 9-1-1: Nashville may be the biggest production yet to take advantage.
The Connection to Ryan Murphy
Interestingly, Ryan Murphy once interned in Knoxville at the News Sentinel. This local tie might just tip the balance in its favor — a nod to home for a major Hollywood creator.
Strategic Fit — Aesthetic & Logistical Benefits
Knoxville offers a unique blend: urban cores, rivers, bridges, hills, and historic districts. Those environments provide a versatile backdrop for dramatic storytelling. Moreover, local authorities have shown openness to accommodating film crews—an increasingly rare asset.
What We Know About the Knoxville Episode
Timeline & Filming Season
Sources confirm that the Knoxville shoot is slated for this fall. That suggests the local segment will be a mid-season or special episode, possibly tying into major plot arcs.
Scale & Impact
According to local media, this could become one of the largest film projects ever to shoot in Knoxville. The economic ripple effect may be significant—crew lodging, catering, local hires, and associated service demands.
Public Teasers & Mapping
A local station confirmed the news with footage and interviews. A YouTube teaser also surfaced, hinting at bridge shots and downtown site setups. Expect parts of Knoxville to stand in for “Nashville-style” streets or emergency-scene backdrops.
Why This Matters — For Fans, Locals & TV Economics
A Treat for the Fanbase
Watching 9-1-1: Nashville push beyond its titular city reveals ambition. Fans love when show worlds expand. And when real towns become star players, that excitement deepens.
A Boost for Knoxville’s Economy
Local businesses stand to benefit. From hotels and restaurants to local contractors, the presence of a major TV crew can inject fresh revenue. It builds momentum for future productions too.
Reinforcing Tennessee as a Filming Hub
Nashville has its own advantages, but seeing crews roam across Tennessee shores helps brand the state as a flexible, film-friendly terrain.
Behind the Scenes — What Filming in Knoxville Might Entail
Production Logistics & Infrastructure
Camera rigs, lighting, grip trucks, local road closures, power supply — all those nuts and bolts must move smoothly. Knox’s infrastructure will be tested.
Casting Extras Locally
Shows often hold open casting calls during location shoots. Residents may get a shot at screen time, from crowd scenes to walk-ons.
Stunt Work & Special Effects
Given 9-1-1’s appetite for drama — think fires, rescues, high falls — the Knoxville episode might demand stunts and controlled effects. That means safety teams, rigging, and backup crews.
Adaptation & Set Dressing
Knoxville locations may be “dressed” to look like Nashville or other fictional settings. Facades, signage, and props all play a role in the illusion.
Potential Storylines & Creative Speculation
Cross-City Crisis / Disaster Arc
Could Knoxville become a flashpoint — a major disaster that pulls the Nashville team out of their home turf? A flood, fire, or bridge collapse could serve as drama fodder.
Character Development Through Relocation
Taking characters out of their comfort zones often reveals hidden facets. A Knoxville episode could test leadership, relationships, and trust.
Local Character Introductions
Filming on location can pave the way for introducing East Tennessee characters — local first responders, victims, or community members. Who knows — a Knoxville character might join the ongoing cast.
The Filming-to-Air Timeline
After Filming: Post-Production Phase
Once shooting wraps, editing, sound mixing, VFX, and scoring follow. That process can take months, especially for a show with action sequences.
Marketing & Teasers
Expect Knoxville to be a selling point in promos and social media. Behind-the-scenes clips, set photos, and local interest stories will roll out leading up to its broadcast.
Broadcast & Global Release
9-1-1: Nashville premieres on October 9, 2025 on ABC, with streaming on Hulu the next day. The Knoxville-centric episode could air mid-season, or be a featured special.
Potential Benefits & Challenges
Benefits
-
Authenticity: Real places lend texture and credibility.
-
Economic injection: Local industries benefit.
-
Fan engagement: Locals gain pride; fans get location Easter eggs.
-
Future relationships: If Knoxville is welcoming, it may attract more projects.
Challenges
-
Weather & scheduling: Fall season in East Tennessee can be fickle.
-
Logistical complexity: Moving crews is expensive and risky.
-
Community disruption: Road closures and noise may ruffle local feathers.
-
Budget constraints: Transport, lodging, and permits can escalate costs.
What Locals Should Watch For & How to Participate
Audition Notices & Extras Calls
Keep your eyes on local casting agencies, social media, and film commission announcements. You might get cast!
Traffic Alerts & Filming Zones
Stay alert to city announcements about road closures or restricted zones—these can impact daily commutes.
Businesses & Vendors Getting Onboard
Cafés, equipment rental shops, catering services—locally owned services have a shot at contracts. If you run a related business, stay tuned.
Community Screenings & Premiere Events
Sometimes productions host wrap parties or local screenings. It’s worth keeping tabs through community bulletin boards.
What This Means for the 9-1-1 Franchise & TV Landscape
A Trend Toward Mobile Production
Gone are the days of shooting everything in one “home” city. Shows are going mobile to chase uniqueness and authenticity.
Franchise Strengthening
Each location — L.A., Texas, Nashville — tells a unique flavor of the 9-1-1 ethos. Knoxville’s inclusion underscores that flexibility.
Regionally Driven Storytelling
Audiences are more receptive to stories rooted in real places. Blending real geography with fictional drama gives emotional resonance.
Conclusion
When 9-1-1: Nashville touches down in Knoxville this fall, it won’t just be an episode — it will be a crossroads where storytelling, community, and cinematic ambition intersect. For fans, it’s an invitation to see their favorite heroes in unfamiliar terrain. For Knoxville, it’s a chance to step into the limelight. And for television, it’s yet another signal that the road to authenticity runs right through filming on location.
Sit tight for crew announcements, casting calls, and maybe even your moment in the spotlight. The fall is going to be electric — and Knoxville is gearing up to answer the call.
