Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy, Tell Me Lies) will star opposite Chris O’Donnell in ABC‘s 9-1-1: Nashville in a series-regular role. She is set to play the mother of the as-yet-uncast series lead character Ryan and wife of O’Donnell’s character Captain Don Sharpe, sources tell Deadline. ABC and 20th Television declined to comment on the casting. O’Donnell’s character is described as a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse with his beloved son. Don’s a devoted husband and family man, but he has his secrets.
It’s official – Jessica Capshaw is making a bold return to network television, and fans are buzzing! Best known for her iconic role as Dr. Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy, Capshaw is now stepping into Ryan Murphy’s high-octane universe in the upcoming series 9-1-1: Nashville. If you’re already on the edge of your seat, buckle up – this article dives into everything you need to know about her new role, what it means for the franchise, and why fans are already obsessed.
The 20th Television and Ryan Murphy Television project received a straight-to-series order from the network in February. The new offshoot joins the mothership series 9-1-1 on ABC, where it moved in 2023 following its cancellation at Fox. The second series from the franchise, 9-1-1: Lone Star, was canceled after five seasons in 2023 and completed its run early this year. 9-1-1: Nashville is written and executive produced by the franchise’s co-creators Ryan Murphy & Tim Minear and 9-1-1: Lone Star showrunner Rashad Raisani and will premiere during the 2025-26 season. The drama also will be executive produced by Brad Falchuk, co-creator of the first two 9-1-1 series with Murphy and Minear, and 9-1-1 star Angela Bassett, who executive produced Lone Star.
Capshaw perhaps is best known for her role as Dr. Arizona Robbins in the hit medical drama ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy from Seasons 5-14. She also appeared in the Hulu original series Tell Me Lies. On the big screen, she will be seen next as part of the ensemble cast in the indie comedy Miracle on 74th Street from director Rachel Israel. Film credits also include Netflix’s Holidate, Minority Report and Dear Zoe. She is repped by CAA and Gang Tyre Ramer.
Jessica Capshaw’s return to TV in 9-1-1: Nashville is more than a career move—it’s a cultural moment. It blends star power, storytelling, and the kind of character depth that makes us tune in week after week. With Murphy’s vision and Nashville’s grit, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated premieres of the year.
