As the fifth season of 9-1-1: Lone Star gears up for its fall premiere, speculation mounts that this may be the show’s final chapter. According to Deadline, the series has experienced significant cast changes, with Sierra McClain, who played 9-1-1 operator Grace Ryder, quietly departing the show.
The 9-1-1 spinoff, set in Austin, Texas, follows the lives of first responders led by Captain Owen Strand, portrayed by Rob Lowe, and his son T.K., played by Ronen Rubinstein. Alongside Lowe and Rubinstein, the series stars Gina Torres, Natacha Karam, Brian Michael Smith, Rafael Silva, Julian Works, Kelsey Yates, Skyler Yates, Brianna Baker, and Jim Parrack.
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Adding to the uncertainty, actress Robyn Lively, who plays Marlene Harris, hinted at the show’s possible conclusion in a now-deleted Instagram post. Lively referred to the upcoming season as the “final season,” a sentiment echoed by other cast members who have reportedly begun seeking new roles.
Production on the 12-episode fifth season has resumed following delays due to the recent strike. In May, Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade expressed optimism about the series’ return, suggesting that renewal decisions would be made after observing the fall season’s performance. However, recent reports indicate that these decisions might come sooner than anticipated.
Deadline also revealed that the cast faced a “take it or leave it” ultimatum regarding their contracts, leading to McClain’s departure after protracted negotiations. Other main cast members have been operating under the assumption that the series would end after Season 5, following failed attempts at renegotiating their contracts over the past two years.
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The show’s economics have also been a point of contention. As a high-budget drama, 9-1-1: Lone Star has faced financial challenges, particularly after its parent network Fox was no longer corporately affiliated with 20th Television post-Disney acquisition. These economic issues have cast doubt on the long-term viability of the series on Fox, despite its popularity.
Despite the challenges, 9-1-1: Lone Star remains a critical part of Fox’s lineup, offering a dramatic glimpse into the lives of Austin’s police, fire, and ambulance departments. The show, produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television and Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, will return this fall, potentially for its swan song.
Despite the uncertainties, fans can catch up on the first four seasons of 9-1-1: Lone Star, currently streaming on Hulu.