Ryan Murphy is gearing up for another exciting chapter in the 9-1-1 franchise as one spinoff concludes and a new one prepares for takeoff. With 9-1-1: Lone Star nearing the end of its run, Murphy has confirmed that he and co-creator Tim Minear are working on a fresh addition to the first-responder drama universe.
“We’re writing a new spinoff that we’re aiming to debut next fall,” Murphy told Variety exclusively. “We all love Lone Star, but financially, it didn’t make sense to continue. It was a Disney-owned show on Fox, and that just wasn’t sustainable. But we had a good run, and now we’re ready to launch something new in a new city, which I can’t reveal just yet. But it’s going to be fun!”
The specifics of the new spinoff’s location and concept are still under wraps, but the decision comes on the heels of 9-1-1’s successful transition to ABC. The original series, created by Murphy, Minear, and Brad Falchuk, debuted on Fox in 2018. It follows first responders in Los Angeles as they tackle a range of emergencies from natural disasters to personal crises. The show features an ensemble cast led by Angela Bassett as LAPD Sergeant Athena Grant and Peter Krause as Captain Bobby Nash. Additional fan favorites include Aisha Hinds as firefighter Hen Wilson, Oliver Stark as Buck, and Jennifer Love Hewitt as 911 operator Maddie Kendall.
After six seasons on Fox, 9-1-1 moved to ABC in 2023, where it has quickly become one of the network’s top Thursday night shows. Its blend of intense rescue scenarios and personal drama has resonated with viewers, making it a cornerstone of the network’s fall lineup.
Meanwhile, 9-1-1: Lone Star, which premiered on Fox in 2020, focuses on a firehouse in Austin, Texas, and has carved out its own space within the 9-1-1 universe. The series stars Rob Lowe as Captain Owen Strand, a New York firefighter who relocates to Texas to rebuild a firehouse after a tragic explosion. Alongside Lowe, the cast includes Gina Torres as Paramedic Captain Tommy Vega, Ronen Rubinstein as Owen’s son T.K., and Rafael Silva as Officer Carlos Reyes.
Lone Star kicked off its fifth and final season on september 23. Despite its impending conclusion, the series opened strong, drawing in 3 million viewers and becoming Fox’s largest scripted telecast in Live +3 ratings since its last season finale in 2023. Rob Lowe shared with Variety that the cast and crew went into the season knowing it would likely be their last, which pushed them to give their all.
“We wanted to show everyone what’s still possible in network TV if there’s a desire for it,” Lowe said. “This feels like the end of an era for a certain type of show, and I’m proud of what we accomplished. We made mini-movies every week.”
As Lone Star bids farewell, Murphy’s upcoming spinoff could further cement his dominance on ABC, with the potential to pair alongside 9-1-1 and his other hit series Doctor Odyssey. Fans of the 9-1-1 franchise can look forward to a new city and a fresh set of emergencies when the next installment finally hits the airwaves.
For now, 9-1-1 continues to air on Thursdays on ABC, while 9-1-1: Lone Star can be seen Mondays on Fox.