9-1-1 crossovers have been rare over the years — due to scheduling and budget — for the original series and Lone Star, which ended after five seasons on Fox in February 2025. Besides one in which three members of the 118 (9-1-1) headed to Austin to help out with a wildfire, there were just mentions and minor characters appearing. But could that change with the newest spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville, joining ABC’s lineup this fall? Rob Lowe, who played Captain Owen Strand for all five seasons of Lone Star, is open to it. “Well, I’ll have to ask Chad Lowe, my brother,” he told Decider. (Chad Lowe played Owen’s half-brother and directed episodes of 9-1-1 and Lone Star.) “Chad Lowe is the executive producer, director of 9-1-1: Nashville. And so I’m just waiting for my phone to ring. I mean, you know, I hired him on Lone Star. I think turnabout is fair play.

If you’ve been anywhere near fan forums or social media lately, you’ve probably seen the buzz: Could Rob Lowe actually return as Owen Strand in the upcoming ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ spinoff?
And honestly… it’s a question worth asking.

The ‘9-1-1’ franchise has a long history of surprising crossovers, emotional reunions, and larger-than-life character arcs. So when news of a Nashville-based spinoff dropped, fans immediately began wondering whether the beloved ‘Lone Star’ captain might show up once again. This article dives deep into the speculation, the cast possibilities, the franchise strategy, and what it would really mean if Rob Lowe brings Owen Strand into a brand-new city. Buckle up—because we’re going to break down every angle.

Why Fans Are Convinced Owen Strand Could Return

The Legacy of Owen Strand in ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’

Owen Strand isn’t just a character—he’s a force. From his fiery leadership to his complex family storyline and heroic arcs, he became the emotional backbone of ‘Lone Star.’ Fans weren’t ready to say goodbye, especially with the show ending earlier than expected.

That unresolved energy? It fuels speculation.

Franchise Patterns Hint at Crossovers

The 9-1-1 franchise loves a crossover moment. We’re talking emergency-packed event episodes, character mentions, and surprise calls for backup. Mixing universes is practically tradition.

So why wouldn’t they bring in one of the biggest stars?

Rob Lowe’s Close Ties to the Franchise

Let’s keep it real: Rob Lowe isn’t just any actor in this universe. He’s a franchise anchor. He promoted the show, shaped its tone, and brought a signature flair that fans instantly recognized.

If a spinoff wants to launch with buzz? Bringing Lowe back is a power move.

How ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Expands the Universe

A New Setting, Same High-Intensity Drama

Nashville is the perfect playground for a fresh branch of 9-1-1. Between the music industry, tourism chaos, unpredictable weather, and tight-knit Southern culture, the emergencies practically write themselves.

Opportunity for Legacy Characters to Pop In

A new location doesn’t mean a clean slate. Instead, it creates the ideal backdrop for legacy characters—like Owen—to drop in via mutual aid calls, training programs, or even personal journeys.

Think about it:
What’s more “Owen Strand” than showing up to whip a new team into shape?

Would Rob Lowe Actually Say Yes?

His Open Support for the 9-1-1 World

Even after ‘Lone Star’ wrapped, Lowe continued praising the cast, crew, and fan community. That warmth suggests he’d be open to special appearances.

A Spinoff Cameo Could Boost Both Brands

Let’s be strategic: A cameo by Lowe wouldn’t just hype up Nashville. It would reignite interest in ‘Lone Star’ reruns, merchandise, streaming numbers—you name it. The studio knows this. The fans know this.

Everyone wins.

What a Nashville Appearance Could Look Like

Scenario #1 – Owen Comes to Train the New Team

Owen’s leadership was one of the strongest elements of Lone Star. If the Nashville station is newly formed or undergoing restructuring, bringing in a seasoned captain would make perfect sense.

Imagine the drama, the tension, the father-like speeches. Fans would eat it up.

Scenario #2 – A Multi-Episode Emergency Crossover

The franchise is known for its massive emergency arcs—wildfires, storms, pile-ups. A Nashville tetralogy that requires multi-state collaboration?
Totally plausible.

Owen showing up for a few episodes would feel organic.

Scenario #3 – Personal Storyline Intervention

Let’s not forget: 9-1-1 often blends emergency action with personal drama. Owen could fly to Nashville for a family matter, a health complication, or to help an old friend.

And of course, chaos would break out while he’s there.

Scenario #4 – Owen Strand as a Nashville Resident?

This is the bold one. Some fans wonder whether ‘Nashville’ might become the spiritual successor to ‘Lone Star.’ Meaning:
A long-term move.

It’s a stretch, but not impossible.

Impact on the 9-1-1 Franchise

It Strengthens the Universe

Crossovers help fans connect the dots across storylines, characters, and locations. Bringing back Owen gives the new spinoff instant legitimacy.

It Honors the Legacy of ‘Lone Star’

Fans were heartbroken when ‘Lone Star’ concluded. Allowing its lead to live on in another branch gives closure—and continuity.

It Supercharges Hype for the Nashville Premiere

Let’s be honest: Nothing trends faster than a returning fan-favorite. A 30-second clip of Lowe on set would break X (Twitter) in minutes.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz

TikTok Theories Are Exploding

Creators are stitching clips of Owen’s best moments with “WHAT IF HE RETURNS?!” captions. And those videos?
Millions of views.

Reddit Threads Are on Fire

Subreddits for Lone Star and the main 9-1-1 show are filled with theories, leaked set hints, speculations, and wishlists.

X (Twitter) Has Already Decided He’s Returning

Fans have practically manifested it into existence. Once the internet collectively believes something, it becomes a phenomenon.

What Would It Mean for New Characters?

Owen Could Become a Mentor Figure

Giving the Nashville team a seasoned firefighter to look up to instantly adds emotional depth.

Possible Conflict with the Nashville Captain

What’s a 9-1-1 series without some leadership tension? Owen’s strong personality could clash beautifully with a new captain.

A Bridge Between Old and New Fans

Bringing him in draws Lone Star fans to Nashville and gives existing 9-1-1 viewers another reason to tune in.

Will It Really Happen?

The Evidence Suggests: Maybe Yes

While nothing is confirmed, the foundation is there:

• Fan demand? Massive.

• Franchise precedent? Strong.

• Actor willingness? Likely.

• Business incentives? Huge.

But Until There’s an Announcement…

All we can do is speculate, theorize, and keep refreshing casting news.

And honestly?
That’s part of the fun.

Conclusion

The idea of Rob Lowe returning as Owen Strand in ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a compelling franchise opportunity. From cross-universe storytelling to fan engagement, emotional continuity, and strategic marketing, everything points toward the possibility being very real.

While we wait for official confirmation, the excitement and speculation alone prove just how powerful Owen Strand remains within the 9-1-1 universe. And if he does walk onto the Nashville set?

It’ll be one of the biggest moments in the franchise’s history.