While seemingly a unique spin on the franchise, 9-1-1: Nashville needs to learn from Jason Lee’s canceled 2010-2011 police procedural if it truly wants to succeed. After 9-1-1: Lone Star’s cancelation, a number of fans already weren’t too keen on the idea of a new spinoff. Its title recalling the surname of a controversially deceased flagship character hasn’t helped much. It’s not easy to promote 9-1-1: Nashville’s cast of characters, since few details are known about them except that three of the leads will be played by LeAnn Rimes, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and the Robin from Batman’s rubber nipple era. But one hook currently stands to save it from becoming one of the more routine among Ryan Murphy’s TV shows.
9-1-1: Nashville’s Most Unique Hook Is Its Potential Relationship With Country Music
Hailey Kilgore Joins Rimes And Williams-Paisley To Give The Series A Musical Edge. Chris O’Donnell’s protagonist, Don Sharpe has a fairly interesting backstory as a former rodeo man, and it’s exciting to see Grey’s Anatomy’s Jessica Capshaw appear as his wife. However, the two most compelling names on 9-1-1: Nashville’s cast list are LeAnn Rimes and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. These names alone suggest the series may be seriously working country music into its DNA. That said, not much is known about their characters. It’s known that Rimes is playing a firefighter’s mother, but Hailey Kilgore’s character is the only member of 9-1-1: Nashville’s cast confirmed to sing in the show. And, while she’s perhaps married to a double-platinum country artist, former Nashville guest Kimberly Williams-Paisley only enhances the spinoff’s musical cred by familial association.
Some viewers have speculated that LeAnn Rimes is the one covering Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” in 9-1-1: Nashville’s first trailer. If true, this could indicate that Rimes might at least be contributing to the show’s non-diegetic soundtrack. But even if she does sing onscreen, that hook hasn’t always worked in the past, as Jason Lee’s Memphis Beat thoroughly demonstrates.
Jason Lee’s Memphis Beat Featured A Similar Hook – And It Was A Critical Failure
Reviewers Felt It Still Relied Too Much On Typical Cop Show Cliches. From its 2010 premiere to its 2011 cancelation, TNT’ Memphis Beat featured Jason Lee as Dwight Hendricks, a Memphis police detective who regularly moonlights as a blues musician. Although it had a loyal fanbase and consistent ratings, Memphis Beat was largely panned by critics for failing to emphasize the best parts of its unique cultural premise over tired procedural cliches.
Even in the first episode, which establishes Dwight’s passion for Memphis culture through a victimized former radio DJ, Memphis Beat often seemed more inclined to talk about its cultural inspirations than to actually showcase them. This disconnect was widened by the fact that many scenes make it visually apparent the series was filmed nearly 400 miles away in New Orleans. Moreover, while 9-1-1: Nashville’s possible Rob Lowe cameo might earn it some goodwill from franchise fans who care little about its country music connection, Dwight’s musical performances in Memphis Beat were the only unique hooks of the series. Unfortunately, the use of dubbed-in vocal talent that sounds distractingly nothing like Jason Lee severely undermines the soulfulness of nearly every performance.
A Tale of Two Cop Dramas
When you hear “Jason Lee,” most people think of his quirky, lovable character in My Name is Earl. But not everyone remembers his serious swing at a gritty cop drama 14 years ago. That show? Memphis Beat. It came and went with barely a ripple, but strangely enough, its legacy may now loom large over 9-1-1: Nashville, the new Southern-set procedural drama gearing up for prime time.
Why? Because TV history has a long memory—and viewers do too.
What Was Memphis Beat Anyway?
A Quick Flashback to 2010
Memphis Beat premiered in 2010 on TNT with Jason Lee in the lead role as Detective Dwight Hendricks—a cop with a deep love for Elvis and old-school values. The show blended crime-solving with heartwarming Southern charm, attempting to balance grit with soul. Unfortunately, it never quite hit its stride.
Short Run, Long Shadow
Despite a promising cast and unique setting, Memphis Beat was canceled after just two seasons. Critics said it lacked bite, and audiences just didn’t click with the tonal mash-up. It quietly disappeared—but not entirely from memory.
Why Memphis Beat Failed
1. Identity Crisis
Was it a cop show? A music drama? A Southern family story? Memphis Beat tried to do it all and, in doing so, didn’t do any of it very well. Viewers were confused about what kind of experience they were signing up for.
2. Too Much Elvis, Not Enough Edge
While the Elvis nostalgia was a unique flavor, it didn’t resonate with broader audiences. It felt like a gimmick rather than a meaningful part of the storytelling.
3. Lack of Momentum
There were no high-stakes arcs. Each episode stood alone with minimal character growth or overarching suspense. In today’s age of binge-worthy drama, Memphis Beat felt too safe.
Enter 9-1-1: Nashville: The High-Stakes Successor
A Fresh Start in the South
Fox’s 9-1-1 franchise is expanding once again, this time heading to Music City. With the success of the original and 9-1-1: Lone Star, expectations are sky-high for 9-1-1: Nashville.
But here’s the catch—Memphis Beat is still lurking in the background.
What Makes 9-1-1: Nashville Different?
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It’s part of a proven franchise: Built-in fans mean a strong opening.
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High-octane emergencies: The format thrives on intensity, action, and emotional stakes.
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Modern Southern flair: Unlike Memphis Beat, this series promises to show a current, complex South—not just a nostalgia trip.
Why Jason Lee’s Flop Still Matters Today
It’s All About Perception
Viewers, especially Southern viewers, remember when their region is portrayed poorly or blandly. Memphis Beat didn’t deliver the authenticity or excitement they wanted—and now they expect 9-1-1: Nashville to redeem that.
Networks Feel the Heat
Execs know the stakes. A bad Southern-set procedural can tank hard. And they don’t want history to repeat itself.
3 Ways 9-1-1: Nashville Can Avoid the Same Mistakes
1. Embrace the Grit, Skip the Gimmicks
Let Nashville’s real culture and crises shine. Don’t lean too hard on country music clichés or overused tropes.
2. Build Real Characters, Not Caricatures
Give us messy, relatable, heroic first responders—not cardboard cutouts of Southern stereotypes.
3. Keep the Pace Fast and Emotional
The 9-1-1 franchise wins by making your heart race. Nashville should be no different—pack each episode with raw stakes and emotional depth.
What Viewers Are Saying Already
Social Media Chatter Heats Up
Even before its premiere, 9-1-1: Nashville is trending. And some of that buzz includes throwback references to Jason Lee’s Memphis Beat—with fans hoping this show “gets it right this time.”
Jason Lee: The Actor Behind the Drama
From Funny to Flawed
Lee’s shift from comedy to drama was bold, but many feel he wasn’t given the writing or structure to succeed. Today, he stays out of the cop-show world, but his brief stint left behind a surprising legacy.
Nashville vs. Memphis: Why the Setting Matters
Distinct Cultures, Big Stakes
While both cities are in Tennessee, they couldn’t be more different. Nashville is fast-growing, diverse, and a cultural hotspot. That gives 9-1-1: Nashville a wider canvas to explore than Memphis Beat ever had.
What the Creators of 9-1-1: Nashville Should Remember
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Don’t underestimate your audience
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Respect the Southern setting without over-glorifying it
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Show the human side of first responders
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Keep the tension high and stories tight
Can a Flop Inspire a Hit? Absolutely.
Sometimes, the failure of one show can be the roadmap to another’s success. Memphis Beat walked so 9-1-1: Nashville could run—if the creators are paying attention.
The Pressure’s On: Will 9-1-1: Nashville Deliver?
The bar has been raised. And the past is watching.
TV is a tricky beast—especially when you’re navigating regional nuance and franchise expectations. But with the right blend of adrenaline, authenticity, and heart, 9-1-1: Nashville has the potential to not only shake off the ghost of Jason Lee’s failed experiment but soar past it.
Conclusion: Redemption or Repeat?
Jason Lee’s Memphis Beat might be long gone, but its shadow still lingers over any Southern-set police procedural that comes next. As 9-1-1: Nashville preps for its big debut, the lessons are clear: be bold, be real, and for heaven’s sake—don’t waste the setting.
This isn’t just another TV show. It’s a chance to rewrite a storyline that’s been left hanging for over a decade. Here’s hoping they stick the landing.
