✨ Let’s get into it ✨
⏱ 2 min read
💡 TLDR
From bee-nados to sinkholes, the 9-1-1 universe is pure chaos and we are obsessed. While the original show reigns supreme, Lone Star is a total vibe that deserved way more time before being axed!
The Ryan Murphy multiverse is officially getting out of hand, and honestly, I am living for every single second of the chaos. From sinkholes turning into volcanoes to bee-nados (yes, really), the 9-1-1 franchise has completely rewritten the rules for first-responder procedurals. But since there are now four different shows floating around this universe, we had to figure out which one actually deserves the crown.
The Heavy Hitters And The Heartbreak
At the very top, we have the original 9-1-1, which is currently hitting its massive 10th season on ABC. It’s unapologetically over-the-top, featuring everything from tsunamis to outer space adventures, but it stays grounded through characters like Hen, Karen, Chimney, Maddie, and the legendary Bobby Nash. Even though losing Bobby in Season 8 absolutely broke the internet, the show continues to top itself. Coming in at number two is the spin-off we are still collectively mourning: 9-1-1: Lone Star. This Fox drama was a total vibe, starring Rob Lowe as Captain Owen Strand and giving us peak relationship goals with Judd and Grace or the absolute phenomenon that is #Tarlos. Because the show was axed before its time, it didn’t last long enough to overstay its welcome on our screens. It remains a fan favorite for how it tackled nuanced stories about identity and immigration while keeping things incredibly engaging.
💫 Because the show was axed before its time, it didn't last long enough to overstay its welcome on our screens.
New Arrivals And Sinking Ships
The newer additions to the family are definitely interesting, even if they haven’t quite hit that top-tier status yet. 9-1-1: Nashville is sitting comfortably in the middle of the pack, acting as part first-responder procedural and part Southern soap opera. With LeAnn Rimes playing the scheme queen Dixie Bennings alongside veterans like Chris O’Donnell and Jessica Capshaw, it’s leaning hard into country music drama. It hasn’t been around long enough to claim a higher spot, but there’s massive potential here. Finally, we have Doctor Odyssey, which felt a little bit like Ryan Murphy doing his American Horror Story thing by having actors pop up in different roles across shows. Starring Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman on a luxury cruise ship, it officially joined the universe thanks to an Athena Bassett crossover featuring Angela Bassett. Unfortunately, ABC decided to sink this ship after just one season.
Are you team original 9-1-1 or did Lone Star steal your heart?
❓ People Also Ask
What are the different shows in the 9-1-1 universe?
The 9-1-1 universe currently consists of four distinct television series. The original flagship show is 9-1-1, which has reached its tenth season on ABC. The franchise also includes the spin-off 9-1-1: Lone Star, the Southern-themed 9-1-1: Nashville, and the cruise ship-based drama Doctor Odyssey. Each of these shows contributes to the chaotic Ryan Murphy multiverse through unique settings, ranging from first-responder procedurals to medical dramas set on luxury vessels.
How does Doctor Odyssey fit into the 9-1-1 franchise?
Doctor Odyssey joined the 9-1-1 universe through a specific character crossover involving Athena Bassett. Starring Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, the series takes place on a luxury cruise ship and features a style reminiscent of Ryan Murphy's other dramatic works. While the show utilized familiar actors popping up in different roles across the franchise, ABC ultimately decided to cancel the series after it completed only one season of television.
Why is 9-1-1: Lone Star considered a fan favorite?
9-1-1: Lone Star is a fan favorite because it successfully balanced engaging first-responder action with deeply nuanced storytelling. The show starred Rob Lowe as Captain Owen Strand and was highly praised for its exploration of complex themes like identity and immigration. Viewers particularly connected with the emotional character dynamics, such as the relationship between Judd and Grace or the popular fan phenomenon known as #Tarlos, before the series was unexpectedly axed.
What makes the original 9-1-1 series unique compared to other procedurals?
The original 9-1-1 series stands out due to its unapologetically over-the-top and chaotic storytelling style. Unlike standard first-responder shows, it features extreme scenarios ranging from massive tsunamis and sinkholes to bizarre events like bee-nados. Despite these wild plotlines, the show maintains a sense of emotional grounding through its core cast of characters. Key figures like Bobby Nash, Hen, Chimney, and Maddie help keep the high-stakes drama connected to human experiences.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: TVLine