9-1-1and 9-1-1: Nashville aren’t new tonight, November 20, 2025, and there’s a good reason why. Ryan Murphy maintains his presence on network TV with two of the most popular first-responder series that is currently airing during the 2025-2026 broadcast. The franchise initally lived on Fox, but after it canceled the flagship, it moved to ABC, leaving 9-1-1: Lone Star in its scheduling until it ended earlier this week. It turns out, moving to a bigger network was what 9-1-1 needed to fully thrive. Due to the success of the original show, Murphy and his team didn’t waste any time launching another spinoff. This time, it’s set in Tennessee. Spearheaded by Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Chapshaw, and LeAnn Rimes, 9-1-1: Nashville is soapier than its Los Angeles counterpart, but it’s part of its charm, and so far, viewers are tuning in. Between that and the 118 moving on from Bobby’s death, there’s interest in seeing what’s next for Murphy’s first-responders.

When you turn on the TV expecting heart-stopping rescues, dramatic twists, and another chaotic night with the 118… only to find no new 9-1-1 episode, it’s frustrating. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Fans everywhere are asking the same question: Why isn’t 9-1-1 airing tonight? And more importantly… when will new episodes actually return?

Today, we break down everything you need to know—including updates on the flagship series and the new spin-off 9-1-1: Nashville. Let’s dive in.

What Happened to 9-1-1 Tonight?

You’re ready to watch the next installment of chaos, courage, and emotional gut-punches, but instead, there’s a schedule disruption. So what gives?

Well, networks aren’t shy about shaking things up when they need to. Sometimes it’s due to ratings strategy, holiday weeks, production schedules, or simply airing special programming. Tonight’s absence of 9-1-1 falls into one of those categories.

Hiccups in the Fall Schedule

Seasonal Breaks Are Common

Fall TV schedules come with unpredictable pauses. Networks often take advantage of November to reshuffle content. It’s strategic, even when fans hate it.

Building Suspense Before Major Storylines

Shows like 9-1-1 often step aside briefly to let anticipation build. The next episodes usually involve huge turning points—cliffhangers, character arcs, or big mid-season twists.

So, Why Exactly Is There No 9-1-1 Episode Airing Tonight?

A Planned November Pause

ABC frequently adjusts its schedule around late-November due to holiday pre-emptions and sweeps periods. 9-1-1 is one of those shows that experiences short gaps to maintain ratings momentum.

No Production Delays—Just Programming Strategy

The good news? There’s no behind-the-scenes drama. No writers’ strike delays. No unexpected production issues. Tonight’s absence is simply a strategically planned break.

When Will New Episodes of 9-1-1 Return?

Here’s what every fan wants to know—the return date.

Expected Release for the Flagship 9-1-1 Series

New episodes of 9-1-1 are scheduled to return after the Thanksgiving programming shuffle, which is typical for major network shows.

Expect a new episode to air the following week or early December, depending on ABC’s finalized lineup.

What This Means for Season 8

With this pause, the season’s pacing remains strong. The return episodes will likely pick up the tension with unfinished storylines, including character-centric arcs that have been building all season long.

What About 9-1-1: Nashville?

The franchise’s newest spin-off, 9-1-1: Nashville, has fans buzzing—and questioning whether it’s affected by the same delay.

Here’s the breakdown:

Nashville’s Release Schedule

9-1-1: Nashville follows a similar broadcast pattern, but its episode drop dates differ slightly to avoid overlapping too heavily with the flagship series. The next episode is expected to release shortly after the flagship resumes, giving viewers a seamless transition between story universes.

Coordinated Scheduling Across the Franchise

ABC loves cross-promotion, and the network often spaces out connected series to maximize viewership. Expect Nashville’s schedule to complement—not compete with—9-1-1.

How These Breaks Affect Fan Engagement

You may be frustrated—but networks know exactly what they’re doing.

Viewership Retention Strategy

Pausing before or during the holiday weeks helps networks avoid episodes getting lost in low-viewership periods.

Hype Building Through Social Media

During breaks, fan discussions explode online. Theories. Predictions. Character debates. Network-engineered delays can actually boost engagement.

The Storylines Waiting for Us When 9-1-1 Returns

Character Arcs Ready to Explode

We’re heading into emotionally heavy territory with:

• unresolved personal relationships

• cliffhangers involving medical emergencies

• career shifts

• potential turning points for major characters

Bigger, Bolder Emergencies

The next episodes are expected to bring high-stakes rescues, large-scale disasters, and the signature “how are they going to survive THAT?” moments the show is famous for.

How ABC Decides When to Pause Episodes

Ratings Data Drives Everything

Networks look at patterns:

• Viewer drop-off during holidays

• Competition from major events

• Optimizing sweeps periods

Production Pacing

Even when episodes are ready, ABC often spaces them to ensure the season ends on the right date. Timing is everything.

Should Fans Expect More Breaks This Season?

Short answer? Probably yes.

The Standard Seasonal Structure

Most major shows take 2–4 short pauses throughout a season. 9-1-1 isn’t an exception. Another break often comes before the mid-season finale.

How to Keep Up With 9-1-1 During the Break

Rewatch Key Episodes

Fan-favorite moments hit differently when you revisit them.

Follow Cast Interviews

Hints, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes moments often drop during schedule pauses.

Stay Active in Online Communities

Fan theories thrive during delays—you might even discover details you missed before.

Why These Breaks Are Actually Good for the Show

It sounds wild, but it’s true.

Momentum Building

Strategic pauses can boost ratings when episodes return.

Content Stacking for Viewers

Some fans wait to binge multiple episodes—breaks accommodate that viewing habit.

Final Thoughts

Tonight may feel disappointing without a new 9-1-1 episode, but the break is temporary—and intentional. ABC is positioning both the flagship series and 9-1-1: Nashville for a strong finish by scheduling episodes around high-impact viewing weeks. The good news? Bigger storylines, more action, and deeper character development are all on the horizon.

Stay patient—your favorite first responders will be back soon, and it’s going to be worth the wait.

Conclusion

The absence of 9-1-1 tonight isn’t a mistake—it’s simply a strategic scheduling decision. New episodes of both the flagship show and 9-1-1: Nashville will return soon after the Thanksgiving programming shuffle. Until then, fans can dive into rewatches, online discussions, and cast updates to keep the excitement alive. The break may be annoying, but the upcoming episodes promise high-stakes drama and season-defining moments you won’t want to miss.