ABC teases potential 911 crossovers: 'It's an incredible opportunity'

It's a good time to be a 911 fan. Sure, it stung when FOX decided to cancel 911: Lone Star, but the mothership series is thriving on ABC, and plans for a Nashville spinoff are underway. We will finally be getting two 911 shows on the same network again, and according to President of Disney Television Group Craig Erwich, this means potential crossovers.

Erwich revealed, per Deadline, that the franchise intends to produce crossover events between 911 and 911: Nashville in the future. Nothing has been set in stone, but the executive made it clear he was optimistic about this plan coming to fruition. "Although we haven’t discussed [crossovers], I think it’s an incredible opportunity that I’m sure at some point we'll figure out how to capitalize on," Erwich stated.

NBC plans to integrate its new 911 lineup

9-1-1 - ÒThe Last AlarmÓ - Following the tragic events at the lab, the 118 must come together to lay their fallen hero to rest. Meanwhile, despite her own grief, Athena re-investigates the death of a child to help a grieving mother. THURSDAY, MAY 1 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) KENNETH CHOI, ANGELA BASSETT, AISHA HINDS, OLIVER STARK

A crossover between two shows in the same franchise may not seem like a big deal on the surface. Law & Order and One Chicago have done it for years, and 911 even did it with Doctor Odyssey a few months ago. There was also a crossover between 911 and Lone Star back in 2021. Here's the thing, though. 911 and Lone Star ceased being able to stage crossovers between its characters when the former went to ABC and the latter stayed at FOX.

Erwich's enthusiasm is warranted because the Nashville spinoff will also be on ABC, meaning it will be much easier to integrate it with the mothership series and create a continuity that's closer in tone to a Law & Order or One Chicago. It helps that 911 and 911: Nashville will air consecutively during the 8-10 PM time slots on Thursday nights. This will allow the shows to drop characters in for a cameo on occasion, and tell a continuous story the way Law & Order did during its recent premieres.

ABC wants to 'event-ize' 911 crossovers

9-1-1 - ÒInvisibleÓ - After the 118 responds to several calls from the same person, Hen steps in to offer them advice. Meanwhile, Eddie confronts his parents and takes a big step in his relationship with his son. THURSDAY, APRIL 3 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) KENNETH CHOI, OLIVER STARK, ANGELA BASSETT, PETER KRAUSE, ANIRUDH PISHARODY

The President of Disney Television Group is confident that 911 co-creators Tim Minear and Ryan Murphy will be able to tell engaging, epic stories with these additional tools at their disposal. "What the 911 [team has] been able to do, it’s really a master class in television," he opined. "Consistently event-izing that show to keep it fresh after all these many years... My hat's off to Tim and Ryan."

Erwich also assured fans that ABC does not plan to end the 911 franchise anytime soon. As far as the network is concerned, the franchise is vital as ever, and Erwich dismissed the notion that its too "old" to connect with younger audiences. "They continue to deliver performance and a lot of joy and entertainment to those viewers," he asserted. We agree.

Like we said at the onset, it's a great time to be waving the 911 banner.