A TV Show That Means Business
When you think about TV dramas, you probably picture gripping storylines, heroic rescues, and dramatic cliffhangers. But what if we told you that one show could also bring a wave of real-life dollars into an entire city? That’s exactly what’s happening with “9-1-1: Nashville” — the latest spin-off of the hugely successful “9-1-1” franchise. And according to officials, this isn’t just another series… it’s a multi-million-dollar game changer.
The Power of Primetime TV on Local Economies
Television Is More Than Entertainment—It’s an Economic Engine
You see the actors, the lights, the action. What you don’t always see? The dozens of industries quietly thriving behind the scenes — from catering companies and costume designers to drivers, set builders, and more. Every episode filmed injects real cash into the local economy.
“9-1-1: Nashville” Set to Deliver a Financial Windfall
City officials estimate that the production of “9-1-1: Nashville” could result in a multi-million-dollar economic impact for Music City. We’re talking millions flowing into hotels, restaurants, construction, transportation, and tourism.
Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs
This series means hundreds of job opportunities—not just for actors, but also for locals working in lighting, props, sound, logistics, and even as background extras.
Why Nashville Is the Perfect Backdrop
Southern Charm Meets Hollywood Drama
Nashville isn’t just a city; it’s a vibe. With its iconic skyline, rich music culture, and dramatic Southern charm, Nashville gives the show a distinctive feel that viewers haven’t seen in the previous franchise versions.
A Strategic Location for Fox Studios
Tennessee has been rolling out generous film tax incentives to attract major productions—and it’s working. These tax breaks make it cheaper to film in Nashville while providing a serious ROI for the city itself.
How “9-1-1: Nashville” Is Different from the Others
A Fresh Take on Familiar Drama
While “9-1-1” and “9-1-1: Lone Star” deliver explosive rescues and high-stakes drama, the Nashville version is rumored to lean deeper into community-driven storylines, making the city a character itself.
Music City Moments & Real-Life Emergencies
Expect scenes that blend Nashville’s iconic venues—think Broadway bars and historic landmarks—with fictional emergencies. It’s drama with a country twang.
Breaking Down the Economic Impact by the Numbers
How Much Money Are We Talking About?
Early estimates suggest “9-1-1: Nashville” could bring in $30 to $50 million annually to the city through:
-
Production Spending
-
Job Creation
-
Local Business Revenue
-
Tourism Boost
Local Businesses Get a Piece of the Pie
Cafés near set locations? Booked solid. Hotels for cast and crew? Full for months. Even local shops get featured in scenes, gaining exposure and increased foot traffic.
9-1-1: Nashville is already making waves months before its premiere. Production on the 9-1-1 spinoff kicked off in the titular Tennessee city in June, and it’s bringing in a lot of revenue. 9-1-1: Nashville is the first series in the first responder franchise to film outside of Los Angeles. The series has been employing locals for the crew, but that’s not all. According to Mastered in Tennessee, filming will take place through early 2026, with the show expected to generate over $50 million in economic impact for local businesses and labor, creating over 600 jobs. 9-1-1: Nashville will be highlighting several iconic locations across the area to national and international audiences, and even Tennessee’s governor, Bill Lee, is excited about the opportunities the spinoff is giving Nashville.
“From Beale Street to Broadway, to Bristol and beyond, Tennessee is known for our rich artistic heritage, and the entertainment sector creates a multi-billion-dollar economic impact each year,” said Lee. “I’m proud to announce that ABC has chosen to film in the Volunteer State, and I have no doubt this project will create greater opportunity for highly skilled Tennesseans.” “The state’s entertainment and music sectors play an integral role in Tennessee’s economy, generating $8.2 billion in economic impact in 2024 alone,” TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter shared. “With the birthplace of country music in Bristol and the home of blues and rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis, Tennessee, has historically been a melting pot for creatives, and we are proud to see the continued economic growth and additional jobs this new series will bring to the Nashville community and our state.”
“We couldn’t be more excited and inspired to shoot in one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities not just in America, but in the world,” showrunner Rashad Raisani said. “Nashville is home to so many artistic, historic, and cultural treasures, top-notch crew, and some of the kindest human beings on the planet. We are so grateful to the city and the entire state of Tennessee for welcoming us, and we look forward to sharing their wonderful community with our global audience.”
9-1-1: Nashville was ordered to series in February and “is a high-octane procedural about heroic first responders, as well as their family saga of power and glamour set in one of America’s most diverse and dynamic cities.” The series stars Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, and Hunter McVey.
