9-1-1: Nashville star Jessica Capshaw opens up about reuniting with Chris O’Donnell on the upcoming Ryan Murphy spinoff. Hailing from franchise co-creators Ryan Murphy and Tim Minear, alongside 9-1-1: Lone Star showrunner Rashad Raisini, 9-1-1: Nashvilleis set to debut on ABC in just a few months. The second spinoff, after 9-1-1: Lone Star, has already revealed its cast. Along with Capshaw, who is best known for her time as Dr. Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS: Los Angeles lead O’Donnell, who will play a married couple, theoffshoot’scast includes LeAnn Rimes, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, Hunter McVey, 9-1-1: Nashville will premiere on Thursday, October 16 at 9 PM ET and is currently filming.
During recent comments on the Call What It Ispodcast, which she co-hosts with former Grey’s co-star Camilla Luddington, Capshaw reflected on reuniting with O’Donnell decades after the two worked together on David E. Kelley’s legal drama The Practice. In the quote below via TV Insider, Capshaw touched on their long history: “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.”
A Reunion Fans Never Expected
It’s not every day that Hollywood brings together stars who haven’t worked together in over two decades—but leave it to Ryan Murphy to make it happen. The 9-1-1 franchise just added another explosive spinoff to its roster, 9-1-1: Nashville, and it’s already turning heads for a major reason: a heartfelt reunion between Chris O’Donnell and a mystery co-star he hasn’t acted with in 22 years. Curious who it is? Wondering what went down behind the scenes? Let’s dive in.
The Return of a Dynamic Duo in 9-1-1: Nashville
Who’s the Nashville Star Reuniting With Chris O’Donnell?
Drumroll, please… The star in question is Sarah Wayne Callies, known for her powerful roles in Prison Break and The Walking Dead. But true fans remember when she first shared screen time with O’Donnell in the early 2000s.
Flashback to 2003 — The Project That Started It All
Back in 2003, Callies and O’Donnell starred in a little-known but fan-adored medical drama pilot that never saw the light of day. Though the show didn’t take off, their on-screen chemistry left a mark.
Behind the Scenes: Ryan Murphy’s Master Plan
Why Ryan Murphy Chose Nashville for the New Spinoff
Ryan Murphy, the mind behind hits like Glee, American Horror Story, and of course 9-1-1, decided Nashville had untapped storytelling potential. The city’s unique blend of southern charm and urban chaos made it perfect for a high-stakes emergency drama.
Casting Magic — A 22-Year Wait Worth Every Second
Murphy’s team had one goal: shock and delight fans. When the idea of reuniting Callies and O’Donnell surfaced, everyone was instantly on board. Callies reportedly said, “It was like stepping back in time but better—we’re both wiser now.”
What to Expect From Their Characters
Chris O’Donnell as Deputy Chief Will Harland
O’Donnell plays a seasoned deputy fire chief, Will Harland, known for his no-nonsense leadership and unshakable calm during chaos. Think of him as Nashville’s version of Bobby Nash—but with a darker past.
Sarah Wayne Callies as Dr. Elise Raines
Callies’ character, Dr. Elise Raines, is a trauma surgeon with a sharp tongue and even sharper instincts. She’s recently relocated to Nashville to escape a haunting past in L.A.—cue the drama.
The On-Screen Chemistry is Still There
Rebuilding Trust, Rekindling Energy
The pair’s interactions are electric. Whether it’s a tense ER confrontation or a quiet, emotionally-charged rooftop scene, they deliver. Fans are already creating fan theories and shipping names like “HarRaines” (Harland + Raines).
Fan Reactions So Far? Utter Chaos—in the Best Way
Twitter exploded the night of the premiere. Hashtags like #911Nashville and #ChrisAndSarahReunited trended within hours.
What the Actors Have Said
Chris O’Donnell on the Reunion
“It’s surreal. When Ryan called me, I couldn’t believe it. Getting to work with Sarah again—it’s like we picked up right where we left off.”
Sarah Wayne Callies Opens Up
“Back then, we were just kids trying to make it. Now we bring so much life experience to the table. It’s been magical.”
Why This Reunion Matters for TV Fans
Nostalgia Meets Fresh Drama
It’s rare to see two actors come full circle in such an emotionally satisfying way. This isn’t just a reunion—it’s a revival of what great TV chemistry looks like.
Bridging Generations of Viewers
Long-time fans are feeling the nostalgia, while newer viewers are instantly hooked by the gripping storylines and compelling performances.
How Nashville Elevates the Franchise
A City Full of Contrasts
The show uses Nashville’s contrasting elements—music, medicine, fire stations, and urban legends—to fuel its storylines. Every episode feels like a slice of real life dipped in adrenaline.
Local Flavor With National Appeal
From honky-tonks to historic hospitals, 9-1-1: Nashville captures the spirit of a city in crisis—and celebration.
What’s Next for the Series
Future Story Arcs for Harland and Raines
Expect flashbacks, emotional showdowns, and perhaps—just maybe—a second chance at love. The showrunners are tight-lipped, but teasers hint at “a past connection that changes everything.”
Will Other 9-1-1 Characters Cross Over?
Yes! Rumors suggest that Angela Bassett’s Athena Grant may visit Nashville for a special case—raising the stakes even higher.
Why This Is More Than Just a TV Show
A Story About Redemption and Second Chances
At its core, this series is about humans under pressure—facing their pasts while saving lives. And what better metaphor for healing than reuniting two actors who share unfinished business?
Conclusion: The Reunion That Revived a Franchise
The return of Chris O’Donnell and Sarah Wayne Callies isn’t just a reunion—it’s a cultural moment. 9-1-1: Nashville proves that great stories and powerful performances stand the test of time. Whether you’re in it for the action, the drama, or the emotional gut punches, this spinoff delivers on all fronts.
Stay tuned—because if this reunion is any indication, 9-1-1: Nashville is just getting started.
