When 9-1-1 hit the airwaves in 2018, it was a massive hit right away. With a cast boasting big names such as Angela Bassett and Peter Krause, and the pedigree of Ryan Murphy behind it, the first-responder drama instantly provided tons of fast-paced action and high-octane rescues. But by 2023, Fox was realizing that the series was costing them a pretty penny to produce. With enormous production costs of approximately $9 million an episode and a pricey licensing fee to Disney’s 20th Television (which owns the rights to the show), Fox decided to throw in the towel with 9-1-1. The series moved on over to ABC, but two years later, the network is still searching for a proper replacement for the first-responder procedural. The good news is that they just might have found it now.
In 2020, Fox released a spin-off of the original 9-1-1 series called 9-1-1: Lone Star, featuring Rob Lowe and Gina Torres at the helm and a brand-new location in Austin, Texas. However, as soon as the flagship series moved over to ABC in 2023, 9-1-1: Lone Star seemed to have lost some of its mojo (and definitely lost some of its viewers). The loss of synergy of the two shows airing on the same network definitely impacted the series, and its cancellation was announced in 2024, with its series finale airing in February 2025.
When 9-1-1 hit the airwaves in 2018, it was a massive hit right away. With a cast boasting big names such as Angela Bassett and Peter Krause, and the pedigree of Ryan Murphy behind it, the first-responder drama instantly provided tons of fast-paced action and high-octane rescues. But by 2023, Fox was realizing that the series was costing them a pretty penny to produce. With enormous production costs of approximately $9 million an episode and a pricey licensing fee to Disney’s 20th Television (which owns the rights to the show), Fox decided to throw in the towel with 9-1-1. The series moved on over to ABC, but two years later, the network is still searching for a proper replacement for the first-responder procedural. The good news is that they just might have found it now.
In 2020, Fox released a spin-off of the original 9-1-1 series called 9-1-1: Lone Star, featuring Rob Lowe and Gina Torres at the helm and a brand-new location in Austin, Texas. However, as soon as the flagship series moved over to ABC in 2023, 9-1-1: Lone Star seemed to have lost some of its mojo (and definitely lost some of its viewers). The loss of synergy of the two shows airing on the same network definitely impacted the series, and its cancellation was announced in 2024, with its series finale airing in February 2025.
Fox did its best to find another first-responder procedural to air, this time locating the action in Hawaii. Rescue HI-Surf premiered in fall 2024, but was decried by critics and viewers for having way too much melodrama. Audiences just seemed to have a hard time connecting with the characters and storylines. This led to the series being cancelled after one season, leaving Fox in need of another first-responder procedural to fill the void.
What Happened to ‘9-1-1’ on Fox? A Quick Recap
Let’s rewind a bit. The procedural drama 9‑1‑1 premiered on Fox Broadcasting Company in 2018 and became a reliable ratings success. However, by 2023-24 things began shifting: Fox decided to drop the show as a scripted tentpole. With that departure, a gap opened in Fox’s lineup—especially in the high-stakes first-responder genre.
Why Fox Needed a Replacement: Strategic Shift in Programming
When a network loses a flagship series like ‘9-1-1’, the void doesn’t just vanish—it needs filling. Fox’s decision wasn’t simply about finding any show; it was about finding something that hits a similar adrenaline-pulse, appeals to the same audience and aligns with its brand.
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Audience expectations: Viewers tuning in for rush, heroics, emergencies.
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Network branding: Fox has leaned into bold, high-action programming.
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Scheduling slots: The time slot previously occupied by the first responder drama needed a strong successor to retain viewers.
Enter the Lifeguards: Fox’s Big Bet on ‘Rescue: HI-Surf’
The new series Rescue: HI‑Surf was ordered by Fox, produced by the renowned John Wells (think ER, The West Wing) and showrunner Matt Kester. Set on the North Shore of O‘ahu, Hawaii, it follows elite lifeguards battling not just rough surf—but personal demons and life-or-death rescues. In essence, Fox is taking the high-adrenaline rescue formula and shifting it from firetrucks and sirens to surfboards and waves.
How It Mirrors the ‘9-1-1’ Formula – With a Twist
What makes Rescue: HI-Surf a smart replacement? Let’s break down the parallels and the difference.
Parallels:
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High stakes: life-saving missions, dramatic rescues.
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Ensemble cast with personal storylines woven through.
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Strong visual appeal, set pieces, viewer investment.
Twist:
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Different setting: from urban fire/police environment to coastal surf rescue.
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Unique brand identity: Hawaii beaches, ocean danger, lifeguard culture.
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Potential for fresh tone: same urgency, but new vantage point.
What Fox Is Counting On: Network Strategy & Audience Retention
Fox clearly cast Rescue: HI-Surf as more than just a filler. The network announced it as a major new franchise, giving it a post-Super Bowl slot and promoting it as beachfront action. The idea? Retain the first-responder audience, attract viewers with the novelty of surf-rescue drama, and build a new flagship.
Challenges Ahead: Will the Replacement Work?
Of course, replacing a popular show isn’t without risk. Here are some challenges Fox faces:
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Viewer loyalty: Fans of ‘9-1-1’ knew the formula; will they follow the change in setting and tone?
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Cost & production: Filming in Hawaii is expensive, which increases pressure on the show to deliver results.
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Differentiation: If it feels too similar to ‘9-1-1’, it might lack identity; if too different, it might alienate fans.
What We Know So Far: Production Details & Timeline
Rescue: HI-Surf premiered September 22, 2024 on Fox. It had 19 episodes for its first season. It was intended to debut earlier, but production was delayed due to strikes. Fox gave it a strong promotional lead-in and a premium slot, signaling big expectations.
Audience Reaction and Critical Reception
The show’s reception has been mixed: early reviews landed around the “average” mark—critics appreciated the premise and beach visuals, but noted it needed stronger distinction. That’s not unusual for a first season—the key will be growth and differentiation.
Will It Truly Outperform ‘9-1-1’? The Hard Metrics
Fox isn’t just trying to match ‘9-1-1’—they’re aiming to exceed it. Metrics they’ll watch include:
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Live + same-day and delayed viewership
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Retention from lead-in shows and previous time slot audience
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Social-media engagement (buzz, memes, talkability)
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Franchise potential (spinoffs, cross-promotions)
If Rescue: HI-Surf can carve its own identity and sustain viewership, it could prove the “perfect replacement” Fox is aiming for.
Why This Move Matters for TV Landscape & Genre Trends
This shift signals broader trends:
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Procedural fatigue: Networks are refreshing established formulas rather than repeating them.
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Setting matters: Changing the landscape—from firehouse to surf—offers novelty.
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Franchise thinking: The model of first-responder drama remains strong; Fox is betting on evolution, not abandonment.
What This Means for Fans of the Genre
If you loved 9-1-1 and similar dramas, here’s what to look out for:
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Expect similar “wow” rescue sequences, but in a sun-splashed, ocean-driven setting.
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Look for character arcs that may feel familiar (team dynamics, personal stakes) but with new flavor.
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Watch for crossover potential (e.g., summer special episodes, guest stars).
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Be open: this isn’t the same show, it’s a new take—and that’s the point.
How Fox Can Maximize the Opportunity
To truly hit the mark, Fox should:
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Market hard: emphasize the lifeguard angle, adrenaline + beach.
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Validate the change: show why the coastal setting adds fresh energy.
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Retain core audience: include callbacks to the “rescue drama” DNA that made ‘9-1-1’ a hit.
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Build forward: tease spinoffs, digital extras, behind-the-scenes content to engage younger viewers.
A Note of Caution: Replacement ≠ Seamless Continuation
It’s important to note: Rescue: HI-Surf isn’t simply season eight of 9-1-1. It’s a bold new path. That means some fans may resist the shift. Networks often struggle when viewers sense a show is “too safe” or “just recycled.” To win, this new series must bring novelty and authenticity.
Final Thoughts: Did Fox Pick the Perfect Replacement?
In many ways, yes. Fox clearly identified a gap and selected a series with strong production backing, high-stakes concept and visual appeal. The decision to shift from fire/rescue to lifeguards opens new terrain while staying within the “rescue drama” comfort zone. The key now is execution—will the storytelling match the ambition? Will viewers come along for the ride? If the answer is “yes”, then Fox may well have found the perfect replacement for 9-1-1.
Conclusion
Change can be scary—but sometimes it’s the spark that reignites everything. Fox’s move from 9-1-1 to a lifeguard-based drama shows they’re not just replacing a show—they’re reinventing a genre. While the success isn’t guaranteed, the pieces are in place: strong producers, a dramatic new setting, and a clear strategic motive. For fans of rescue dramas, this is one to watch. Will it ride the wave or wipe out? Time will tell—but I’m betting on traction.
