The newest 9-1-1 spin-off is officially in motion — and it’s already creating serious buzz. Set against the backdrop of country music and Southern grit, 9-1-1: Nashville promises to blend high-stakes emergency drama with emotional storytelling, and the cast is nothing short of star-studded.
In a recent episode of her podcast Call It What It Is, actress Jessica Capshaw — best known for her decade-long role as Dr. Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy — opened up about joining the newest entry in the franchise and what it’s really like filming alongside longtime friend and co-star Chris O’Donnell.
From Shonda Rhimes to Ryan Murphy: Jessica’s TV Comeback
For Capshaw, 9-1-1: Nashville marks a much-anticipated return to primetime after stepping away from Grey’s Anatomy. Now, she’s not only back in scrubs (metaphorically) but front and center in a show that combines adrenaline-pumping rescues with intimate family dynamics.
She plays Blythe Sharpe, a fiercely loyal wife and mother who’s married to Chris O’Donnell’s character, Captain Don Sharpe — the heart of a Nashville firehouse.
Speaking with her former Grey’s co-star Camilla Luddington, Capshaw reflected on working with O’Donnell: “I adore [him], and I’ve known him for a really long time,” she said. “I remember feeling like a baby actress, and he was not a baby actor. He was accomplished, and I’d seen so many of his movies growing up.”
Chris O’Donnell’s Triumphant Return
Chris O’Donnell, beloved for his 14-season run as G. Callen on NCIS: Los Angeles, is making a bold return to network TV following that show’s 2023 conclusion. In 9-1-1: Nashville, he plays a steady-handed yet emotionally complex fire captain navigating the personal costs of leading in a high-pressure world.
This marks a reunion of sorts — Capshaw and O’Donnell both appeared in The Practice decades ago, and fans are eager to see their on-screen chemistry reignite in a new setting.
Jessica revealed that her first scenes were with Michael Provost, who plays their son, Ryan Sharpe. “I feel so lucky to have such a talented and kind and just awesome person to work with,” she gushed.
LeAnn Rimes Is a Force On and Off Screen
Country superstar LeAnn Rimes joins the ensemble as a Nashville paramedic — a role she’s tackling while still performing across the country. Capshaw couldn’t help but praise Rimes’ dedication, recounting a jaw-dropping story of her balancing tour life and TV filming:
“She literally did a show in Hawai’i, then had two connections to arrive in Nashville in the early morning, woke up for a 5AM call, had a fitting before hair and makeup — and then we were in a scene. That says everything about her work ethic,” Capshaw said, clearly in awe. “She’s game, she’s present, and she’s just amazing to be around.”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley Adds Heart to the Firehouse
Also joining the 9-1-1: Nashville family is Father of the Bride alum Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Off-screen, the chemistry is already sparking. “I love her so much,” Capshaw said. “We’ve had dinner multiple times, we’ve gone hiking — she’s awesome.”
Williams-Paisley’s warmth and authenticity will no doubt add a comforting anchor to a show that’s bound to get intense.
What to Expect from 9-1-1: Nashville
The series is helmed by 9-1-1 and American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy, who’s pivoting from the cancelled 9-1-1: Lone Star to this new frontier. While Lone Star wrapped after five seasons, Nashville seems poised to inherit the best of both worlds — the action-driven urgency of the 9-1-1 universe and the emotional depth of a family-centered drama.
Set in the vibrant, often chaotic city of Nashville, this new iteration will focus not only on life-saving missions but also on the personal struggles of those who serve. With Capshaw and O’Donnell at the emotional core, and names like LeAnn Rimes and Kimberly Williams-Paisley rounding out the ensemble, 9-1-1: Nashville could be ABC’s next breakout hit.
Mark Your Calendars
9-1-1: Nashville is set to premiere Thursday, October 16, on ABC, taking over the time slot once held by its predecessor. With a dream cast, seasoned showrunner, and stories that promise to both thrill and touch the heart, this spin-off is one to watch — and one that might just redefine what the 9-1-1 franchise can be.
