ABC has set the 2026 return date for its biggest franchise. The network has revealed that fresh episodes of 9-1-1 Season 9 and the first season of its spin-off 9-1-1: Nashville will return on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Both shows maintain their current airing day and time, with the flagship series kicking off the night at 8 p.m. ET, followed by 9-1-1: Nashville at 9 p.m. ET, and Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 closing the night at 10 p.m. ET. It’s currently unclear when the shows will break for Winter. The midseason premiere also sees the return of fan-favorite dramas Will Trent (Season 4) and The Rookie (Season 8).
ABC has set the 2026 return date for its biggest franchise. The network has revealed that fresh episodes of 9-1-1 Season 9 and the first season of its spin-off 9-1-1: Nashville will return on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Both shows maintain their current airing day and time, with the flagship series kicking off the night at 8 p.m. ET, followed by 9-1-1: Nashville at 9 p.m. ET, and Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 closing the night at 10 p.m. ET. It’s currently unclear when the shows will break for Winter. The midseason premiere also sees the return of fan-favorite dramas Will Trent (Season 4) and The Rookie (Season 8).
The 9-1-1 universe has been a massive success for ABC since 9-1-1 moved to the network after six seasons on Fox. The flagship series found a new home after cancellation on Fox, and the first spinoff, 9-1-1: Lone Star, concluded its run on Fox. 9-1-1: Nashville recently joined 9-1-1 during the 2025-2026 TV season and has posted good ratings in the three weeks it has been on the air. The pilot episode drew 12 million viewers after 7 days. This number includes the live viewers and those who streamed on Hulu and Disney+. The series is a streaming sensation, coming second only to ABC’s hit dramedy High Potential. Meanwhile, 9-1-1 Season 9 debuted with 5.97 million viewers, a figure that rose to 8.3 million after seven days of availability on Hulu and Disney+. The Season 9 premiere marks the highest viewership since Bobby’s (Peter Krause) funeral episode, which aired in May.
9-1-1 Season 9 stars Angela Bassett, Kenneth Choi, Aisha Hinds, Oliver Stark, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Guzman, Gavin McHugh, and Anirudh Pisharody. 9-1-1: Nashville stars Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, and Hunter McVey. Ryan Murphy serves as an executive producer on both shows alongside Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear, Bassett, Krause, John J. Gray, Brad Buecker, Lyndsey Beaulieu, Ted Griffen, and Robert M. Williams on 9-1-1. 9-1-1: Nashville is executive produced by Rashad Raisani, Minear, O’Donnell, Buecker, Falchuk, and Bassett.
If you’ve been counting down the days to see your favorite heroes back in action, the wait is almost over! Fox has officially revealed the mid-season return dates for ‘9-1-1’ and its spin-off ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ in 2026 — and fans are absolutely buzzing. Both shows are set to deliver more high-octane rescues, emotional twists, and life-or-death moments that have defined the franchise since its debut. Let’s dive into all the exciting details — the premiere dates, what to expect, cast updates, and why 2026 might just be the most explosive year yet for the ‘9-1-1’ universe.
The Big Reveal: When Will ‘9-1-1’ and ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Return?
Mark your calendars!
‘9-1-1’ Season 9 is slated to make its mid-season comeback in February 2026, while ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ will follow shortly after, premiering in March 2026. Fox has timed the releases perfectly to keep viewers hooked through spring, ensuring both series dominate the TV conversation once again.
Both shows will air back-to-back on Thursday nights, making it a must-watch block of edge-of-your-seat television.
Why Fans Are Hyped for the Return
There’s something magnetic about the ‘9-1-1’ universe — its ability to blend raw emotion, real-world heroism, and shocking rescues that hit close to home. After the intense finale cliffhangers of 2025, fans have been left with burning questions.
Will Athena and Bobby’s relationship survive another storm?
Can the Nashville team live up to the high expectations set by the original series?
Get ready — we’re about to find out.
What’s New in 2026: Bigger Rescues, Deeper Stories
If the teasers are any indication, both shows are going bigger, bolder, and more emotional than ever. Expect multi-episode disaster arcs, crossover events, and powerful storylines tackling modern crises — from natural disasters to cyber attacks.
‘9-1-1: Nashville’ will reportedly dive deeper into southern culture, community bonds, and moral dilemmas, setting it apart from its Los Angeles-based predecessor while keeping that same adrenaline-pumping pace.
Inside ‘9-1-1: Nashville’: The New Spin-Off Everyone’s Talking About
‘9-1-1: Nashville’ is shaping up to be Fox’s next big hit. Set in the heart of Tennessee, it follows a diverse team of first responders navigating personal challenges and large-scale emergencies — all against the backdrop of the vibrant, music-filled city.
Think twangy charm meets high-stakes drama.
With showrunners Tim Minear and Juan Carlos Coto steering the series, fans can expect the perfect blend of heart, humor, and heroics that define the franchise.
Returning Heroes and New Faces
For longtime fans, the best news is that the core cast of ‘9-1-1’ — including Angela Bassett (Athena Grant), Peter Krause (Bobby Nash), and Oliver Stark (Evan “Buck” Buckley) — are all returning.
Meanwhile, ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ introduces a fresh lineup of heroes, including newcomer Lauren Cohan as Captain Avery Reed and Taye Diggs as Fire Chief Marcus Hill. Their chemistry, according to early reports, is electric.
Why the Mid-Season Return Strategy Makes Sense
You might wonder — why not bring them back earlier? Simple: Fox wants the spotlight.
By launching both shows mid-season, they avoid the crowded fall lineup, giving ‘9-1-1’ and its spin-off maximum attention and ratings potential.
It’s a smart play — and one that mirrors past success stories. Remember when ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ exploded in popularity after a January debut? History might just repeat itself.
A Universe That Keeps Expanding
With ‘9-1-1,’ ‘9-1-1: Lone Star,’ and now ‘9-1-1: Nashville,’ Fox has built an interconnected world of first responders that rivals any major TV franchise.
Rumor has it that a three-way crossover event could be in the works for late 2026 — a massive storyline connecting Los Angeles, Austin, and Nashville. Imagine the chaos, teamwork, and emotional payoff when these heroes finally meet.
Fan Theories Running Wild
Reddit and Twitter (or X, if you prefer) are flooded with theories.
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Will Buck transfer to Nashville for a special mission?
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Could we see a surprise cameo from Rob Lowe’s Owen Strand from ‘Lone Star’?
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And will a major character meet a shocking fate?
Fans are speculating, analyzing trailers frame by frame, and creating buzz that’s already making the 2026 season one of the most anticipated yet.
Nashville’s Music Scene Meets Rescue Drama
Here’s where ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ really stands out — music will play a central role.
Each episode will weave local soundtracks and emotional performances into the storylines, grounding the chaos in the soul of the city. Expect intense rescues scored by haunting country ballads and rock anthems that amplify every moment. It’s not just a show — it’s an experience.
The Creative Team’s Vision for 2026
Series creator Ryan Murphy has promised a return to the show’s emotional roots while pushing its storytelling boundaries.
Expect tighter scripts, deeper character arcs, and visuals that rival blockbuster films.
In Murphy’s words, 2026 will be “the most cinematic year yet for the ‘9-1-1’ universe.”
Behind the Scenes: Production Updates
Filming for ‘9-1-1’ resumed in late September 2025 in Los Angeles, while ‘Nashville’ began shooting its debut season in early October across Tennessee. Early set photos reveal massive stunt setups — including what appears to be a tornado sequence that will kick off the Nashville premiere. Yep, they’re going all in.
