After five seasons, 9-1-1: Lone Star aired its final episode earlier this year, bidding farewell to Rob Lowe’s Captain Owen Strand for what appeared to be the final time. Now, ABC is turning to a new spin-off to fill the void in 9-1-1: Nashville, complete with a new team all under the control of the canceled series’s old showrunner, Rashad Raisani. Strand’s story may not be over just yet, however. In a recent conversation with Decider about his Atkins partnership, Lowe was asked about the possibility of popping in for the Tennessee-based show when it premieres this fall, and not only did he express an openness to the idea, but he cited a more personal connection to the show he could hit up about making that a reality — his brother, Chad Lowe.
“Well, I’ll have to ask Chad Lowe, my brother,” the star responded. “See, all my family are gatekeepers to my own future business now.” The younger Lowe is no stranger to working with his Brat Pack brother or the 9-1-1 universe. He’s previously directed episodes of both the flagship series and Lone Star, where he also appeared on-screen as Strand’s brother, Robert. According to Lowe, “Chad Lowe is the executive producer, director of 9-1-1: Nashville. And so I’m just waiting for my phone to ring.” He also joked that bringing back Captain Owen would only be fair now that the shoe is on the other foot and Chad’s the one with the power to decide instead of him. “I mean, you know, I hired him on Lone Star. I think turnabout is fair play.”
Lowe has always kept the door open for future overtures from 9-1-1. Like fans, he was relieved the series finale didn’t kill off the captain of the 126 in Austin after 72 episodes of service and even expressed interest in coming back for a spin-off when there were still talks of sending the franchise to Hawaii. However, his key stipulation was that he wanted whatever came next to honor the history of Lone Star if Strand made his return, saying “I think we leave a legacy, not to put too fine a point on it, on storytelling, big spectacle, big cast, great actors, stars, and if there’s an appetite for that that still exists, I’m down.” 9-1-1 co-creator Tim Minear, for his part, previously said there weren’t plans for the Lone Star characters to cross over into other shows, but similarly said, “it’s not impossible.’ Nashville might be the perfect fit to turn possibility into reality, between the familial connection and letting Lowe reunite with his former showrunner.
The world of 9-1-1 is expanding, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The latest addition to the franchise, 9-1-1: Nashville, is set to premiere in fall 2025. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: Will Rob Lowe reprise his iconic role as Captain Owen Strand from 9-1-1: Lone Star?
Rob Lowe’s Open to Returning
In a recent interview, Rob Lowe expressed his openness to returning to the 9-1-1 universe. He mentioned that he’s “just waiting for the phone to ring,” indicating that he’s ready to step back into Owen Strand’s boots if the opportunity arises .
The ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Connection
Interestingly, Lowe’s brother, Chad Lowe, is involved in 9-1-1: Nashville as an executive producer. This family connection adds an intriguing layer to the possibility of Owen Strand’s return. Rob humorously remarked that he’s “waiting for my brother to call me” about the potential crossover .
Owen Strand’s Fate in ‘Lone Star’
At the end of 9-1-1: Lone Star, Owen Strand’s character was left in a position that allowed for future storylines. This open-ended conclusion leaves room for his return in the new series, keeping fans hopeful for a reunion .
The ‘9-1-1’ Universe Expands
With the introduction of 9-1-1: Nashville, the franchise is expanding its universe. The new series will feature Chris O’Donnell as Fire Captain Don Sharpe, along with other notable names such as Jessica Capshaw and LeAnn Rimes. This expansion opens up exciting possibilities for crossovers and character returns .
Rob Lowe’s Legacy in the ‘9-1-1’ Franchise
Rob Lowe’s portrayal of Owen Strand in 9-1-1: Lone Star was widely acclaimed. His character’s depth and the emotional storylines resonated with audiences, making him a standout in the franchise. Returning to this role would be a treat for fans who have followed his journey.
The Importance of Family in Lowe’s Career
Family plays a significant role in Rob Lowe’s career. Working alongside his brother Chad and his son John Owen Lowe on 9-1-1: Lone Star added a personal touch to the series. This family dynamic could continue in 9-1-1: Nashville, enhancing the storytelling experience .
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are eager to see Owen Strand return. Social media platforms are filled with discussions and speculations about Rob Lowe’s potential involvement in 9-1-1: Nashville. The excitement is palpable, with many expressing their hope for a crossover event.
The Future of ‘9-1-1: Nashville’
9-1-1: Nashville is set to debut later this year, and the anticipation is building. The series promises to bring fresh storylines and characters to the 9-1-1 universe, while still maintaining the core elements that fans love.
Could There Be a Crossover?
The possibility of a crossover between 9-1-1: Lone Star and 9-1-1: Nashville has fans buzzing. While nothing is confirmed yet, the shared universe and family connections suggest that a crossover event could be in the works.
Rob Lowe’s Other Projects
Outside of the 9-1-1 universe, Rob Lowe is keeping busy. He is set to host the third season of The Floor, a game show that will premiere following the 2025 Super Bowl. This new venture showcases Lowe’s versatility and continued presence in the entertainment industry .
Conclusion: The Possibility of Owen Strand’s Return
While nothing is set in stone, the possibility of Rob Lowe returning as Owen Strand in 9-1-1: Nashville remains open. His willingness to reprise the role, combined with the familial ties to the new series, keeps fans hopeful for a reunion. As the premiere date approaches, all eyes will be on the 9-1-1 universe to see what surprises are in store.
