A new 9-1-1 spinoff is in development, even as 9-1-1: Lone Star is coming to an end. Series co-creator Ryan Murphy recently detailed why the series’ first spinoff, 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, will be its last despite its poor ratings. Murphy noted that, following the Fox-Disney merger, Lone Star’s financial situation is no longer viable. This aligns with previous reports that Fox is no longer willing to pay Disney-owned 20th Television a relatively large licensing fee to air the series.
However, 9-1-1 is moving forward with another spinoff. Murphy, who created the series with Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, told Variety that he and Minear are working on a new spinoff that could debut as early as next fall. While addressing the reason behind the cancellation of 9-1-1: Lone Star, Murphy also shared that the spinoff will take place in a new city. Read the full quote below: Tim Minear and I are doing a new spinoff that we’re actually writing and we’re hoping to air next fall. Sadly, we all love Lone Star, but the financials just aren’t working out. It’s a Disney property that used to be on Fox and never took off. And we’ve had a long run with that show. So now we’re launching a new show in a new city that I can’t name, but it’s exciting. And 9-1-1 moved to ABC and suddenly became, I think, the biggest show on Thursday nights. They obviously had interest in that show, so we’re giving them another show that I really like.
With the end of 9-1-1: Lone Star approaching, and the fact that 9-1-1 is a long-running show with an established cast, it’s likely that both shows won’t be around much longer. 9-1-1 season 9 hasn’t been confirmed yet, although it makes sense that the series would want the space to come up with a proper conclusion. But if the main series ends soon, a spinoff could mean that popular characters could reprise their roles in guest appearances.
If the spinoff is successful, it could mean there’s momentum for more spinoffs and more character-based spinoffs. It’s still a bit early to speculate too much; however, key details like casting and location are still unknown at this early stage.
For a procedural, 9-1-1 has managed to build a loyal fan base that is arguably more active and proactive in discussing their love of the series than other procedurals. It’s a testament to the relationship viewers have built with the characters and, in many cases, the fondness the cast has amassed. That’s not going to be easy to replicate. But with Murphy’s involvement and the fact that he now has six shows airing on different platforms, with many more on the way, he may have cracked the code on what makes a show tick.
