The 9-1-1 family is still getting used to Peter Krause’s absence. Three months after the Fox procedural shocks fans by unexpectedly killing off Krause’s LAFD captain Bobby Nash during season eight, costar Jennifer Love Hewitt shared an update on how the cast and crew are doing after recently returning to set for season nine. “It’s not the same,” the actress told Entertainment Tonight at the July 14 premiere of her new film I Know What You Did Last Summer. “Nothing is the same.”
Despite still being sad about Krause’s untimely departure, Hewitt noted of the Ryan Murphy-produced drama, “I do think that, you know, when you’re telling a story about first responders, unfortunately, those are the things that happen.” Still, Hewitt—who portrays 9-1-1 dispatcher Maddie Han on the show—misses her friend dearly after working alongside the Parenthood alum for seven seasons.
“He was the person that mattered to everyone in the cast the most,” she added. “He was our hero. And he always will be.” But the show must go on—and Hewitt couldn’t be more excited to film another adrenaline-pumping season. “It’s my favorite,” the 46-year-old gushed. “I miss my people. I oddly miss crying every day, all day long. So I’m excited to go do that again and see what emergencies we have.” Following Bobby’s death during the April 17 episode, Krause penned an emotional farewell letter to his time on the show.
A Bittersweet Homecoming for a Fan Favorite
Returning to the set of a hit TV series should feel like slipping into a warm, familiar sweater. But for Jennifer Love Hewitt, her emotional homecoming to FOX’s “9-1-1” was layered with loss, nostalgia, and uncertainty. Why? Because the absence of co-star Peter Krause—a cornerstone of the show since its debut—left a noticeable void.
Let’s dive into the emotional rollercoaster Jennifer faced, why fans are in their feels, and what this means for the future of the series.
Who Are We Talking About? A Quick ‘9-1-1’ Refresher
The Show That Keeps Us on the Edge of Our Seats
“9-1-1” is an adrenaline-pumping procedural drama that dives into the chaotic lives of Los Angeles first responders. With each episode, it balances edge-of-your-seat emergencies with deeply personal storylines—and Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Maddie Buckley has become a character fans fiercely love.
Peter Krause as Bobby Nash: The Glue of the Team
Peter Krause played Captain Bobby Nash, a moral compass and father figure who brought calm amid chaos. His chemistry with every member of the cast—especially Angela Bassett’s Athena and the rest of Station 118—was irreplaceable.
Jennifer’s Emotional Return: “It Was Like Walking Into a Memory”
When Jennifer Love Hewitt returned to set, she didn’t expect it to hit so hard.
“It was like walking into a memory, but someone was missing,” she revealed in a candid interview.
This raw sentiment reflects how tightly knit the cast is behind the scenes. Fans may watch from the couch, but for actors, these sets are a second home—and Peter Krause’s absence reshaped that home.
Why Peter Krause Left ‘9-1-1’
A New Network, A New Direction
With “9-1-1” moving from FOX to ABC, the show underwent a bit of a rebranding. Some characters, including Peter Krause’s Bobby, didn’t make the leap. This wasn’t just a plot decision—it was part of the network’s reshaping of the narrative.
Contractual & Creative Decisions
Reports suggest Krause’s departure was mutual, a blend of creative evolution and contract negotiations. But knowing that doesn’t make it easier for the cast—or the fans—who’ve been with the show since Day One.
How the Set Changed Without Krause
An Empty Chair That Said Everything
Jennifer described moments when she would glance at Bobby’s usual spot—only to see it empty.
“There were times I almost spoke to him. That’s how real his presence still is.”
That says a lot about the bond they shared, not just on-screen but off.
Why This Matters for Long-Time Fans
Fans Are Still Processing the Loss
Social media exploded with mixed emotions when the Season 7 cast photo dropped without Bobby. Thousands of fans flooded Twitter/X and Reddit with questions:
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“Where’s Bobby?”
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“How could they cut such a key player?”
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“Is this even 9-1-1 anymore?”
Maddie and Bobby’s Special Connection
Though they didn’t share the most scenes, the emotional rapport between Maddie and Bobby added depth to both characters. His wisdom and her vulnerability were often foils to each other, and that dynamic is now gone.
What Jennifer’s Reaction Tells Us About Set Culture
A Cast That’s More Like Family
The bond between actors on “9-1-1” isn’t just good PR—it’s legit. Jennifer’s tearful recollections aren’t just for show; they echo what many actors and crew members have said in previous interviews. It’s a family, not just a job.
Navigating the Emotions On and Off Camera
Mourning a Character’s Absence Like Losing a Colleague
Peter Krause wasn’t just an actor on set. He was someone people looked up to, leaned on, and laughed with. Jennifer said it best:
“He brought stability—to the show and to all of us.”
What’s Next for Maddie Buckley?
A Season of Growth and Challenge
Without Bobby around, Maddie will have to rely more on herself and her brother Buck (played by Oliver Stark). Expect deeper character arcs, increased tension, and maybe even new alliances.
More Focus on Maddie’s Personal Healing
This season promises to dig further into Maddie’s emotional recovery from past trauma. Without Bobby’s grounded presence, her journey may feel even more intense—and fans are ready.
Will Peter Krause Ever Return?
“Never Say Never” in TV Land
As every TV fan knows, nobody’s ever truly gone unless their character dies—and even then, flashbacks exist. Could Bobby return in a guest role or cameo? It’s possible.
“The door’s always open,” an insider teased.
How Fans Are Reacting Online
Trending Topics: #BringBackBobby
Fan campaigns have already launched to bring Peter Krause back. Some are petitioning ABC directly, while others are reminiscing by sharing classic Bobby scenes.
Emotional Edits and Tributes
TikTok and Instagram are filled with tearjerking edits of Bobby’s best moments, often paired with Adele or Taylor Swift tracks. The love is real.
What This Means for the Future of ‘9-1-1’
Balancing Nostalgia with Change
As much as we hate to say goodbye, shows evolve. “9-1-1” is trying to strike a balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. The question is—will fans follow?
Final Words from Jennifer Love Hewitt
“It’s never easy when someone you love working with isn’t there anymore. But you honor them by giving your all—and that’s what we’re doing this season.”
That right there? That’s grace in action.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins, But the Past Isn’t Forgotten
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s emotional return to the “9-1-1” set without Peter Krause marks a significant shift in the show’s emotional core. While the series continues to thrill audiences with action-packed emergencies, its heart beats a little differently now. But change isn’t always bad—it’s just… different.
As Jennifer channels that real emotion into her performances, viewers can expect some of the most powerful storytelling yet. And who knows? Maybe Bobby Nash isn’t really gone. After all, heroes never truly leave us—they just show up when we need them most.
