Killer Bees Invade L.A. in Explosive ‘9-1-1’ Season 8 Premiere on ABC [TRAILER]

Los Angeles is buzzing with anticipation—and not just because of the 22 million killer bees. The first teaser for Season 8 of “9-1-1,” premiering September 26 on ABC dropped and it promises a swarming disaster that’s unlike anything the first responders of Firehouse 118 have ever faced. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, the hit drama continues to intertwine personal struggles with jaw-dropping catastrophes, drawing inspiration straight from real-world headlines.

Set to a haunting Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” the 30-second teaser plunges viewers into chaos, starting with a frantic 9-1-1 call taken by Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt). As she listens, a truck explodes on screen, spilling crates of bees that quickly descend upon the city. “That truck was hauling 22 million killer bees,” a dispatcher informs Maddie, before chillingly adding, “Enough bees to kill 44,000 people.” What follows is a chaotic montage of terrified citizens swatting at their faces and firehouse members scrambling to stay alive. “It’s a bee-nado,” declares Buck (Oliver Stark), proving once again that even in crisis, he never loses his knack for memorable one-liners.

Season 8 will pick up after the events of Season 7, which saw Captain Vincent Gerrard (Brian Thompson) taking over Firehouse 118, a twist that left fans reeling. Bobby (Peter Krause), now retired, is adjusting to life off the front lines while consulting on a TV show. Meanwhile, he and Athena (Angela Bassett) are searching for a new home after theirs was destroyed by arson. Maddie and Chimney (Kenneth Choi) are navigating the complexities of keeping Hen (Aisha Hinds) and Karen (Tracie Thoms) involved in the life of their foster daughter, Mara, despite obstacles from political figures.

Originally airing on Fox, “9-1-1” found a new home on ABC after being canceled in May 2023. The network swooped in, and the move paid off—Season 7 became ABC’s highest-rated premiere of the 2023-24 season, drawing in 13.47 million viewers. Now, with its eighth season, the series looks to keep that momentum going with 18 new episodes filled with tension, drama, and, of course, high-stakes rescues.

Beyond the bee invasion, Season 8 will explore the evolving dynamics within Firehouse 118. Eddie (Ryan Guzman), now sporting a mustache that fans are already buzzing about, faces a new reality as his son Christopher moves to Texas. Buck will struggle under Gerrard’s leadership, while Bobby’s retirement brings unforeseen challenges. And let’s not forget Maddie and Chimney, who will find themselves in the thick of personal battles that could affect their closest friends.

If the teaser is any indication, Season 8 of “9-1-1” is gearing up to be one of the show’s most thrilling yet. Between bee swarms, personal upheavals, and a brand-new firehouse captain, there’s no shortage of drama. Whether you’re tuning in for the high-octane disasters or the deep character arcs, this season seems to deliver on all fronts.

Catch the season premiere on Thursday, September 26 at 8/7c on ABC, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+. Don’t miss your chance to watch L.A. go full “Wicker Man”—with a twist only “9-1-1” could deliver.