SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers for the series premiere of “9-1-1: Nashville.”
Ryan Murphy’s latest addition to the “9-1-1” franchise made its debut on October 9 with the new spinoff “9-1-1: Nashville,” aimed at filling the void left in fans’ hearts by “Lone Star.”
Similar to Fox’s “9-1-1: Lone Star” with its signature cowboy theme, the ABC adaptation introduces a fresh cast including Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, and Hunter McVey, set against the backdrop of a new city and the complex personal lives of first responders filled with long-lost family, conniving ex-partners, and rivalry between siblings.
The show is set to return for its second episode on October 16, continuing immediately from the premiere with a multi-episode storyline involving a tornado and a stadium collapse. Despite having featured a tornado in the series before, showrunner Rashad Raisani, who previously worked as the head writer on “Lone Star,” promises that “Nashville” creates a distinctive identity separate from its L.A. origins and “Lone Star.” Additionally, the highly anticipated crossover with “9-1-1” will take place in the second episode of “Nashville.”
“We have a smaller crossover coming up soon that fits more into the ‘9-1-1’ hour,” Raisani shared with Variety before the second episode’s release, adding that they are actively planning a larger crossover, possibly towards the end of Season 1 or early in Season 2.
Regarding the chance of any beloved characters from “Lone Star” making a return, Raisani expressed enthusiasm but noted that it would depend on the storyline and the actors’ availability.
“We certainly want to incorporate them, but we also want to allow our new ‘Nashville’ characters to establish their presence and shine before integrating other characters from the franchise,” he explained.
Raisani noted that the character Owen from “Lone Star,” played by Rob Lowe, ended up in New York, which is “not too far away” from Nashville. Additionally, with Lowe’s brother, Chad Lowe, serving as a producer on the “Nashville” set, there are plenty of chances for the characters to reconnect.
For more insights, here’s what Raisani shared with Variety during the discussion about the premiere of “9-1-1: Nashville.”
Was there consideration given to naming “9-1-1: Nashville” something different, like “9-1-1: Music City?”
We did brainstorm various titles. However, as we explored Nashville and interacted with locals, we felt that simply using “Nashville” would be more evocative, avoiding any assumptions that it was solely focused on music. The city’s essence is broader than just a musical identity, encompassing many vibrant and intriguing aspects.
What inspired the narrative surrounding Don (Chris O’Donnell), his son Ryan (Michael Provost), and his estranged son Blue (Hunter McVey)?
Ryan Murphy originally wanted to explore a father-son dynamic disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. This central theme resonated deeply with me because I’ve always been intrigued by the biblical story of the prodigal son and identified with the narratives surrounding siblings feeling overshadowed. The core concept clicked for us almost instantaneously.
What led to LeAnn Rimes landing the role of Dixie, Blue’s mother and Don’s ex-girlfriend?
LeAnn got involved through a traditional audition process. Post audition, we received feedback stating that we had experienced something special. Watching her audition was electrifying; she transformed into Dixie so convincingly that I hardly recognized her. Her portrayal included subtle nuances, especially in the way she held a cigarette, indicating her embodied character. It was a standout audition that truly amazed me.
Is there a connection between Blue’s name and LeAnn Rimes’ famous song, “Blue”?
Indeed, it seems like destiny. Ryan Murphy suggested naming the character Blue before we knew LeAnn would be involved, describing the name as something audiences would embrace. When I shared this with LeAnn, she found the coincidence amusing.
How was the major opening emergency for “Nashville” conceived?
The idea stemmed from a mixture of real events, particularly a tragic stadium collapse that was previously explored during the development of “Lone Star.” We aimed for a dramatic entry into “Nashville,” and this incident felt perfect. Our collaboration with ABC emphasized needing authentic representation, leading us to feature a real artist like Kane Brown in a significant storyline.
We caught a glimpse of Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s character, the dispatcher Cammie, in the premiere. Can you provide more insight?
Cammie serves as the emotional fiber of the show, embodying both warmth and humor. Kimberly brings a delightful energy to the role. While her past in music production before transitioning to dispatching will unfold, we will also reveal deeper layers of her character through a significant personal tragedy.
In the premiere, Don offers his long-lost son Blue a cadet position at the fire station alongside his brother Ryan. Is there a real cadet program, and how will this unfold?
The cadet program is indeed legitimate, designed to prepare young recruits for emergencies. This episodic inclusion may seem far-fetched, especially as it relates to such extreme conditions, but it exists. Expect to see Ryan and even the fire chief questioning Don’s decision, leading to complications stemming from his guilt and motivations as a captain.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
