The 9-1-1 cast is still coming to terms with Peter Krause’s departure. Fans were shocked last season when Captain Bobby Nash, who Krause has played since the show’s premiere in 2018, sacrificed himself and died to save Chimney (Kenneth Choi). It was a move that Krause, 59, described as “a bold creative choice on a bold show” and a twist that “honors” the first responders whose lives inspired the series in a statement to Variety at the time.
Now that season 8 has ended, though, and production on season 9 is picking up, the reality of a story without Bobby Nash is a hard pill to swallow for many, Jennifer Love Hewitt said. The show has changed irrevocably from Krause’s character’s death. The whole cast is “sad” without Krause on set, Hewitt, 46, told Entertainment Tonight at the L.A. premiere of I Know What You Did Last Summer on July 14. “It’s not the same,” she shared. “Nothing is the same.” “But I do think that, you know, when you’re telling a story about first responders, unfortunately, those are the things that happen,” she said of the show’s true-to-life nature. “He was the person that mattered to everyone in the cast the most,” she continued of Krause. “He was our hero. And he always will be.”
Hewitt is still really excited to get back into the swing of things as Maddie.
“I mean, it’s my favorite,” the actress said of the procedural, on which she plays 9-1-1 dispatcher Maddie Han. “I miss my people. I oddly miss crying every day, all day long. So I’m excited to go do that again and see what emergencies we have.” The shocking twist left the whole cast reeling, and even by the time the episode aired months later, they were still in shock. Angela Bassett, who plays Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash on 9-1-1 and wed Krause’s character Bobby in season 2, said that the thought of Bobby dying was “inconceivable” to her.
“I didn’t see that coming. None of us saw that coming,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “It was incredulous to me that it was Bobby, so it was just very surprising. Sometimes, you’re just struck dumb — and that’s one of those moments, because their bond has been so wonderful and so strong these past four or five years.”
A Painful Return: The 9-1-1 Cast Feels the Loss
There’s something deeply unsettling about returning to a familiar place and realizing the soul of it is missing. That’s the emotional landscape Jennifer Love Hewitt and her co-stars are navigating as the 9-1-1 cast steps back onto set for a new season—this time without Peter Krause.
Krause’s absence is more than just a cast shake-up. According to Hewitt, it’s left a hole in the heart of the show. “He was our hero,” she said in a recent interview, her words resonating with fans who’ve grown attached to the actor’s role as Bobby Nash.
Who Is Peter Krause in 9-1-1?
The Character That Anchored the Series
Peter Krause played Fire Captain Bobby Nash—strong, steady, and emotionally complex. He wasn’t just another character; he was the show’s moral compass. Week after week, Krause grounded 9-1-1 with a commanding presence, giving viewers someone they could always count on.
Why Fans Connected to Bobby Nash
He wasn’t perfect—and that’s exactly why we loved him. He battled addiction, survivor’s guilt, and the pressure of leadership. His vulnerability made him real. In a show packed with adrenaline-pumping emergencies, Bobby Nash reminded us what it means to be human.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Speaks from the Heart
“He Was Our Hero” Isn’t Just a Line
Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays Maddie Buckley, didn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s not the same without Peter,” she admitted. The chemistry, the rhythm, the unspoken trust—it’s all shifted.
Cast Chemistry Can’t Be Replaced Overnight
Hewitt emphasized how close the cast had become. “We weren’t just co-workers; we were a family. Peter was our leader, on and off set.” That kind of bond doesn’t come around often in Hollywood—and when it breaks, the ripple effect is undeniable.
Why Peter Krause Left 9-1-1
A Sudden Shake-Up
Fox confirmed Krause’s exit as part of a broader creative shift. Although details remain vague, it appears the decision came from the top. Was it mutual? That’s still unclear. But for the actors on set, the emotional weight is crystal clear.
The Fan Reaction
Fans were stunned. Social media exploded with questions, concern, and heartfelt tributes to Krause’s character. Some even threatened to stop watching. The sentiment was universal—Bobby Nash mattered.
What Happens to the 118 Now?
A Leadership Void
With Bobby gone, who steps up? That’s the million-dollar question. The 118 has always relied on Bobby’s calm under pressure. Filling that space isn’t just about plot—it’s about trust.
A Test of Strength for the Cast
This transition isn’t just happening on screen. It’s real, raw, and happening behind the scenes. The actors are adjusting, the writers are pivoting, and the fans are holding their breath.
The Emotional Toll on Jennifer Love Hewitt
Returning Without Peter Krause Was “Surreal”
Hewitt described walking back onto set as a bittersweet moment. “We laughed, we cried. It’s like showing up to a family reunion and realizing someone’s missing.”
Mourning On-Screen and Off
The beauty of Hewitt’s performance has always been her emotional depth. Now, with this loss, that emotion is even more palpable. She’s not just acting—she’s grieving in real time.
Behind-the-Scenes Without Bobby Nash
A New Vibe on Set
The energy on set has undeniably shifted. Cast and crew are navigating the loss, and while there’s still laughter, there’s also a shadow.
Leadership Redistribution
Angela Bassett, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds—they’re all stepping up. But as Hewitt said, “You don’t replace a Peter Krause. You just try to honor what he built.”
Can the Show Survive This Shake-Up?
The Writers Have a Tough Road Ahead
Let’s be honest—writing out a central character like Bobby Nash isn’t easy. But with clever storytelling and emotional nuance, 9-1-1 might just find its footing.
Risk or Opportunity?
This could be a turning point. Will the show spiral, or rise from the ashes with a bold new direction? Only time will tell.
What the Fans Are Saying
Twitter Reacts to Krause’s Exit
Some call it a betrayal. Others are cautiously optimistic. Either way, the fans are invested. Hashtags like #BringBackBobby and #911WithoutBobby have trended since the announcement.
Fan Art, Tributes, and Tears
From TikTok tributes to emotional Twitter threads, the fandom is pouring its heart out. Krause’s impact isn’t fading—it’s amplifying.
Jennifer’s Hope for the Future of 9-1-1
Moving Forward With Respect
“We’re still telling stories that matter,” Hewitt assures. But she’s honest about the challenges ahead. “It’s different. It’s harder. But we’re trying.”
Honoring Peter Krause’s Legacy
Don’t expect the show to brush past his exit. Word is, there will be an in-universe explanation that gives Bobby the tribute he deserves.
What’s Next for Jennifer Love Hewitt?
New Depths for Maddie Buckley
Without Bobby, Maddie’s storyline might shift into new emotional territory. Expect vulnerability, strength, and a lot of soul-searching.
Leadership in Real Life and Fiction
As a veteran actress, Hewitt is ready to step into a new role—both on the show and as a leader behind the scenes. Her passion for the series hasn’t dimmed.
The Legacy of Peter Krause in 9-1-1
More Than Just a Character
He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t loud. But Peter Krause’s quiet strength held this show together. That legacy? It’s not going anywhere.
Forever the 118’s Captain
Even if Bobby’s story ends, his influence lingers. In every rescue. In every scene. In every heartbeat of the show.
Final Thoughts
9-1-1 is entering a new era—one filled with uncertainty, emotion, and evolution. Peter Krause may no longer be on set, but he’ll always be part of the show’s DNA. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s heartfelt words remind us that behind the lights and scripts, these are real people, feeling real loss.
Let’s hope the writers honor that truth and that the 118 rises to the challenge—not in spite of the loss, but because of it.
