When you look at the likes of Glee and American Horror Story, there is something that stands out. Murphy loves to bring music to his projects, and that usually means some sort of musical episode. Sure, Glee was all about an a cappella group, but American Horror Story had nothing to do with music, and yet the second season had a whole number within an episode. It’s surprising that the 9-1-1 franchise hasn’t done something like that yet.
After eight seasons, the 118 has managed to avoid being caught in some sort of emergency that has them singing, and that’s surprising considering it’s set in Los Angeles and the home of movies and TV. 9-1-1: Lone Star also failed to bring a musical number or episode, despite Owen and TK coming from New York, the home of Broadway. With a new 9-1-1 spinoff on its way, it’s time for the franchise to correct this wrong and bring in Murphy’s signature move for TV.
If you’re a die-hard fan of Ryan Murphy’s work, you’ve probably noticed a glaring omission in one of his most thrilling shows, 9-1-1: there hasn’t been a musical episode. For a creator known for turning drama into Broadway-caliber performances, this feels like a plot twist no one asked for. Let’s dive deep into why 9-1-1 has yet to break into song — and why fans are still holding their breath.
Who Is Ryan Murphy? A Quick Refresher
The Man Behind the Hits
Ryan Murphy is basically the Midas of television. Everything he touches turns into an Emmy magnet — Glee, American Horror Story, Pose, Feud, and more. He’s known for weaving music and drama into beautiful chaos.
Music Is in His DNA
From Glee to musical numbers in AHS and even unexpected music scenes in The Politician, Ryan Murphy has a deep-rooted obsession with musical storytelling. So why not bring that flair to 9-1-1?
A Brief Look at What Makes ‘9-1-1’ Tick
The Show’s DNA
9-1-1 is a high-octane procedural that mixes emergency rescues with intense personal drama. It’s raw, gritty, and often grounded in real-world emergencies.
Can It Even Handle a Musical?
That’s a fair question. A musical episode would be a major tonal shift. But Grey’s Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer pulled it off — so why not 9-1-1?
The Signature Murphy Musical Touch
Glee: The Origin Story of Murphy’s Music Obsession
Let’s not forget Glee, the show that turned a high school glee club into a global phenomenon. It proved that Murphy can take music and embed it into any story, no matter how dramatic.
American Horror Story Did It Too
Remember Jessica Lange belting “Life on Mars” in AHS: Freak Show? Yep, Murphy made musicals work even in horror. Surely, he can do the same in a first responder drama.
What Would a Musical Episode of ‘9-1-1’ Even Look Like?
Imagine Buck Singing During a Rescue
Sounds wild, right? But hear me out — a musical dream sequence during a traumatic rescue could be the emotional gut-punch fans didn’t know they needed.
Chimney Doing a Karaoke Night Flashback
You know Chimney would own a karaoke bar. A flashback episode set during karaoke night? Tell me that wouldn’t go viral.
The Balancing Act: Drama vs. Musical Moments
Too Much Drama for Dance Numbers?
It’s true — musical episodes risk trivializing serious plotlines. But Murphy is a master at this balance. Just look at Pose, which juggled heartbreaking reality with joyful music.
Musical Therapy in Traumatic Storylines
Think about it: a musical episode could serve as a coping mechanism, a narrative device for PTSD, or a shared hallucination. In Murphy’s world, music is healing.
Possible Reasons It Hasn’t Happened Yet
Network Restrictions
Let’s be real: FOX might not want to rock the boat with something as risky as a musical episode in a rescue drama.
Cast Comfort Zones
Not every actor signs up to sing on national television. It’s possible the cast just isn’t game — or maybe they’re waiting for the perfect moment.
Fear of Backlash
Musical episodes are love-it-or-hate-it territory. Murphy might be holding off until he’s absolutely sure the audience will embrace it.
Fan Reactions & Speculations
Reddit Theories Are Wild
From fan-made playlists to full-on scripts, Reddit is filled with 9-1-1 musical episode dreams. The fanbase isn’t just ready — they’re begging for it.
Twitter Campaigns and Hashtags
Hashtags like #911MusicalEpisode have popped up sporadically during hiatus periods. There’s definitely noise — now we just need Murphy to hear it.
Creative Directions a Musical Episode Could Take
Alternate Reality Episode
Imagine an alternate timeline where the 118 is part of a show choir in high school. It’s wacky, yes — but Murphy thrives on wacky.
Fever Dream Format
Think Scrubs or Buffy. A character in a coma or under severe stress imagines life as a musical. It’s weird, but it works.
Tribute to Frontline Workers
Music could be a heartfelt tribute to real-life first responders. Combine that with original songs? Emmy bait.
Will It Ever Actually Happen?
Murphy’s Track Record Says Yes
Eventually, Ryan Murphy gives in to his musical urges. It’s more a matter of when, not if.
Season Finale Special?
The perfect way to cap off a milestone season? A musical event. Ratings gold and social media fireworks.
Other Shows That Successfully Pulled Off Musical Episodes
Grey’s Anatomy — “Song Beneath the Song”
Initially controversial, now iconic. It broke the mold — and 9-1-1 could follow suit.
Scrubs — “My Musical”
It used a medical condition as the gateway to song. Genius, right?
H3: Buffy the Vampire Slayer — “Once More, with Feeling”
Still one of the most legendary musical episodes ever. It was risky — and it paid off big time.
Viral Clips = Instant Buzz
People love shareable, musical moments. Think TikTok. Think YouTube. Think Spotify playlists.
Crossover Fan Appeal
Bring in fans of Glee or Pose. A musical episode broadens the audience. Everybody wins.
Our Dream Musical Episode Cast Breakdown
Buck – Rock Ballad Hero
Give him a moment of emo glory mid-rescue. You know it’s what the fans want.
Maddie – Emotional Power Ballad
A song about survival, motherhood, and mental health? Tearjerker alert.
Athena – Beyoncé Vibes Only
She would OWN a solo like “Run the World.” Make it happen, Murphy.
Conclusion: The Musical Episode We Deserve
For a series so daring, emotional, and character-driven, 9-1-1 is prime real estate for a musical episode. Ryan Murphy has the vision. The fans have the passion. All that’s missing? The green light. And when it finally happens, it’ll be one for the television history books — complete with harmonies, heartbreak, and high notes.
