Chris O’Donnell has officially joined the cast of the upcoming 9-1-1 spinoff, Entertainment Weekly can confirm.
The actor — who wrapped up playing Special Agent G. Callen on all 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2023 — will star on the ABC drama as Capt. Don Sharpe, whom the network describes as “a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse.”
Similarly to Rob Lowe’s character, Capt. Owen Strand, on the recently canceled 9-1-1: Lone Star, Capt. Sharpe will work in the firehouse “alongside his beloved son,” per a character description. But it wouldn’t be a 9-1-1 show without a little darkness. Much like original 9-1-1’s captain, Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), “Don is a devoted husband and family man, but he has his secrets,” the character description concludes.
O’Donnell is the first actor to be announced for the cast, which already has a robust creative team working behind the scenes: 9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear and his Lone Star co-showrunner Rashad Raisani will serve as executive producers and writers alongside Ryan Murphy, with Brad Falchuk and Angela Bassett (who stars on 9-1-1 as LAPD Sgt. Athena Grant) also executive-producing. “It’s the city itself, its personality,” Minear recently explained to EW of choosing the Country Music Capital of the World as the location of the new spinoff. “We just thought it would be a good fit for the franchise — and actually quite different than Texas… Nashville is not going to try to be Lone Star.”
The “9-1-1” franchise is expanding its horizons with an exciting new spinoff, “9-1-1: Nashville.” Leading the charge is none other than Chris O’Donnell, famed for his role as Special Agent G. Callen on “NCIS: Los Angeles.” In this upcoming series, O’Donnell steps into the boots of Captain Don Sharpe, a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who commands Nashville’s busiest firehouse alongside his son. Set to premiere in the 2025-26 TV season on ABC, this series promises to deliver high-octane drama infused with the unique charm of Music City.a
A New Chapter in the ‘9-1-1’ Universe
“9-1-1: Nashville” marks the latest addition to the successful “9-1-1” franchise, co-created by Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Rashad Raisani. Following the conclusion of “9-1-1: Lone Star,” which ended after five seasons, the franchise shifts its focus from Austin to Nashville, bringing fresh stories centered around the city’s first responders. The series aims to capture the high-stakes emergencies and personal dynamics that fans have come to love, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Nashville.
Chris O’Donnell: From Special Agent to Fire Captain
Chris O’Donnell’s transition from the world of naval investigations to firefighting showcases his versatility as an actor. Known for his portrayal of Special Agent G. Callen on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” O’Donnell brings a wealth of experience in procedural dramas to his new role. As Captain Don Sharpe, he embodies a character who is not only a dedicated leader and family man but also harbors intriguing secrets that add depth to the narrative.
Meet Captain Don Sharpe: A Complex Hero
Captain Don Sharpe is described as a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider, balancing his professional duties with personal challenges. Running Nashville’s busiest firehouse alongside his son, Sharpe’s character is set to explore themes of leadership, family dynamics, and the hidden complexities that come with a life dedicated to saving others. This multifaceted portrayal is expected to resonate with audiences, offering a fresh perspective within the “9-1-1” universe.
The Creative Minds Behind the Series
The powerhouse team of executive producers includes Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, Rashad Raisani, Brad Falchuk, and Angela Bassett. Their combined expertise in crafting compelling narratives ensures that “9-1-1: Nashville” will maintain the high-quality storytelling that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The decision to set the spinoff in Nashville was influenced by the city’s rich culture and production-friendly environment, promising a series that is both authentic and engaging.
Nashville: More Than Just a Setting
Choosing Nashville as the backdrop for the new series adds a unique flavor to the “9-1-1” narrative. Known for its vibrant music scene and Southern charm, the city offers a fresh landscape for storytelling. The production is expected to tap into local talent and resources, providing economic benefits and showcasing Nashville’s dynamic community to a broader audience.
Anticipation Builds Among Fans
The announcement of “9-1-1: Nashville” and Chris O’Donnell’s casting has generated significant excitement among fans. Social media is abuzz with discussions about the new direction of the franchise and the potential storylines that await. O’Donnell’s established fan base from “NCIS: Los Angeles” is particularly eager to see him take on this new role, anticipating a performance that blends action, drama, and emotional depth.
Conclusion
“9-1-1: Nashville” is poised to be a thrilling addition to the beloved franchise, offering viewers a fresh setting, complex characters, and the high-stakes emergencies that have become a hallmark of the series. With Chris O’Donnell leading the cast as the enigmatic Captain Don Sharpe, fans can look forward to a show that delivers both heart-pounding action and compelling personal stories. As the premiere approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be another standout series in the “9-1-1” universe.
