TV veterans bring real history to Ryan Murphy’s newest spin-off — and make franchise firsts in the process
It’s been over two decades since Jessica Capshaw and Chris O’Donnell last shared the screen on David E. Kelley’s The Practice, but the stars are now reuniting in a big way. Capshaw and O’Donnell are leading 9-1-1: Nashville, the highly anticipated new spin-off from Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Lone Star showrunner Rashad Raisani.
Premiering Thursday, October 16 at 9 PM ET on ABC, the series marks a major moment for the 9-1-1 universe: not only does it expand the beloved franchise to a third city, but it also features its first main couple from the outset — Don and Blythe Sharpe, played by O’Donnell and Capshaw.
“I Adore Him”: Capshaw Reflects on Working with O’Donnell Again
Capshaw opened up about her longtime connection to O’Donnell on the Call What It Is podcast, which she co-hosts with former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Camilla Luddington. Reflecting on their history together, Capshaw shared:
“I adore [him] and have known him for a really long time. I remember feeling like a baby actress, and I remember feeling like he was not a baby actor. He was accomplished, and I’d seen so many movies he’d done that I love so much.”
The two previously crossed paths on The Practice — Capshaw as attorney Jamie Stringer, and O’Donnell in a memorable guest role as a man accused of killing his wife. Although they’ve both appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, their timelines never overlapped.
From Courtroom Drama to Firehouse Intensity
In 9-1-1: Nashville, the pair will play Captain Don Sharpe and Blythe Ward, a married couple at the heart of the series. With natural on-screen chemistry and years of mutual respect, their reunion promises to bring a fresh and grounded dynamic to the fast-paced procedural format.
Unlike the other 9-1-1 installments, Nashville breaks new ground by introducing a married couple as its central figures — a storytelling choice that could deepen the emotional stakes from the very first episode.
Meet the Cast of 9-1-1: Nashville
Alongside Capshaw and O’Donnell, the ensemble includes a dynamic lineup:
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Hailey Kilgore as Taylor
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Michael Provost as Ryan Sharpe
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Juani Feliz as Roxie
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Hunter McVey as Blue Bennings
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LeAnn Rimes as Dixie Bennings
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Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Cammie Raleigh
Chemistry Could Be Key to Nashville’s Success
With 9-1-1: Nashville expected to usher in a new tone for the franchise, much will ride on the performances of Capshaw and O’Donnell. As seasoned TV pros with real-life history, they may just have the perfect formula to ground the show in authentic emotion while navigating life-or-death stakes.
“Too often in procedurals, couples feel like cardboard cutouts still trying to figure out their backstory,” one insider noted. “But with Chris and Jessica, there’s a sense of lived-in chemistry — and that could be the show’s secret weapon.”
As 9-1-1: Nashville gears up for its fall premiere, one thing’s clear: this reunion is more than just a nostalgic callback — it’s the foundation for a bold new chapter in the 9-1-1 legacy.
