Art Streiber/Disney
If you’ve ever watched an episode of the hit TV series 9-1-1, you’re familiar with the pulse-pounding drama that has fans glued to the screen every episode, as well as the remarkable cast of actors who bring these terrifying, high-pressure scenarios to life. Created by Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear, and Ryan Murphy, the original 9-1-1 follows a cast of courageous first responders navigating emergencies in Los Angeles. The show premiered in 2018 and has been captivating fans for eight seasons, with a ninth set to premiere this October. Following the show’s success, the spinoff 9-1-1: Lone Star debuted in 2020, lasting five riveting seasons set in Austin, Texas.
And now, Music City gets its turn in the spotlight with the upcoming premiere of 9-1-1: Nashville, set to air on ABC on October 9. Set in Tennessee “from Broadway to backroads” as the show’s official Instagram account teases, personal and professional lives collide as emergency responders navigate harrowing emergencies, all the while being intertwined in the drama of a powerful local dynasty. The show’s production has brought incredible excitement to Nashvillians, whether they’ve attended casting calls for extras, scouted out areas around town that they expect to see featured in the show, or maybe even passed an actor enjoying a day off from shooting by experiencing all Nashville has to offer. The show’s premiere is sure to shine an even bigger spotlight on Nashville; proving that our city is just as much a place for art, creativity, and entertainment in the world of television as it is for music.
Ahead of 9-1-1: Nashville’s highly anticipated arrival, we chatted with four of the series regulars on what to expect ahead of the October premiere, and what filming in Nashville meant to them.
Jake Giles Netter/Disney
Chris O'Donnell — Don Hart
What can you tell us about your character? Don Hart is a family man; he has his wife and son, as well as his ‘family’ at the firehouse. He had a different upbringing than his wife, Blythe, and some of that he carries on. He is a strong leader and always tries to set an example with his team.
The 9-1-1 franchise has been such a hit among viewers across the country. What do you think makes Nashville a great fit for the show’s new location? The franchise is known for its energy and excitement; Nashville has the same qualities. I have loved my time in Nashville; I can see why so many people are moving here and why it is growing so rapidly. This is a great opportunity to showcase a world-class, one-of-a-kind city.
What can you tell us about your connection to Nashville and what it means to you? Any favorite Nashville spots to visit when you’re not working? I had never spent time in Nashville before filming, other than just passing through. I do have several friends who are local, so it has been great to spend time with them and get to know their city. The people are incredibly friendly and genuine. Other than the heat and lightning, it's been smooth sailing; really loving it here. I’ve been trying to try as many restaurants as possible. I tend to avoid the Broadway area as it is a little too crowded for me; out in the country a bit is a little more my style. [I’ve] been on some amazing hikes, played some really nice golf courses, and just love exploring neighborhoods I’ve never been to.
What can viewers expect from the show? What do you think they’ll enjoy most? I think they will get all the crazy emergencies they have come to expect from the show; the writers continue to come up with insane scenarios. I think they will also find a family drama that they may not have expected.
Jake Giles Netter/Disney
Jessica Capshaw — Blythe Hart
What can you tell us about your character? Blythe Hart is a force to be reckoned with… equal parts refined, proper, chic, strong, hardworking, and not afraid to get into it all. Whether she’s on her farm working with her horses or taking it one step at a time while wading through the drama that her boys bring home to her, she is honest, kind, compassionate, and centered.
What was the process of bringing your character to life like? The first thing I did when I landed in Nashville was head straight to the costume fitting. We have the coolest and most creative team of people putting together looks that consistently show how put together and chic she is, no matter where she goes. And it was also really important to bring her work life into the show, whether it was her equestrian looks or her straight-from-the-board-meeting looks. Needless to say, we had fun! T hen it was the dialect work and finding her voice, then it was straight to shooting, and putting it all together.
What do you think makes Nashville such a great fit for the show’s new location? And what do you think viewers will enjoy most? Nashville has it all: Music, culture, comedy, restaurants, dancing, nightlife, and wild weather! It’s a stunning backdrop for all the things. [I think they’ll enjoy] the back and forth between the high-stakes emergencies and life or death rescues (FYI: so far, they are creative), and the home life of the Harts and all the conflict, drama, and the love that lives in that home.
What has been your favorite thing about bringing this show to life? Exploring Nashville and meeting incredible people at work and at play.
Jake Giles Netter/Disney
Kimberly Williams-Paisley — Cammie Raleigh
What can you tell us about your character? I play Cammie, a 9-1-1 operator who is relatively new to the job. After a devastating loss, Cammie is now passionately devoted to her work.
What was the process of bringing your character to life like? I spent some time in Nashville’s call center, where everyone was really welcoming. They let me observe and ask a lot of questions. I learned so much about what goes into the job. Those people are true heroes. They have to remain calm under pressure, and the health and safety of so many people depend on their work. I think about those operators every time I show up on set.
What do you think makes Nashville such a great fit for the show’s new location? The city of Nashville is a great character for this show and this franchise. The stories feel fresh, and often quite funny. There’s music, too, of course. And weather! This city has been greatly impacted by the weather, and you’ll see that depicted onscreen (with a dose of “y’all” and “sweetheart”).
What has been your favorite thing about bringing this show to life? I love shooting here in Nashville, which has become my home over the last 20 years. I love welcoming these people from California and introducing them to thunderstorms. I love working with the local Nashville crew here, many of whom I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. We are all really grateful to have a job like this here in Tennessee. It’s a dream come true.
Jake Giles Netter/Disney
LeAnn Rimes — Dixie Bennings
What can you tell us about your character? Dixie is twisted and very layered. She’s a single mom with a good heart, who loves her son more than anything. But there’s a darker side to Dixie, she is a master manipulator who will go above and beyond to get what she wants and what she believes she’s owed.
What can you tell us about your connection to Nashville and what it means to you? Nashville and I have a bit of a complicated relationship. I love the town, but when I lived there, I felt like I couldn’t walk out my front door without being inundated with business. It’s actually really nice to be back in Nashville from this angle. It’s not about music for me this time around, and it feels like I get to build a new relationship with the city. I’m amazed by how much it’s changed since I’ve lived there. What an incredible city it’s blossomed into!
In what ways does 9-1-1: Nashville differ from the rest of the franchise? I mean, we’ve got Music City and a whole music component, which I think sets the show apart.
What has been your favorite thing about bringing this show to life? I have really loved getting to work with my castmates. Everyone is so kind and fun. We’re really having a great time, and I love getting to spend some quality time back in Nashville.