9-1-1 Cast Shockers: Who’s Returning For Season 9 And The Biggest Main Cast Exit

The landscape of the 118 Firehouse is changing. As of late 2025, the procedural drama 9-1-1 has been officially renewed for its ninth season, bringing with it a wave of both excitement and significant shake-ups to the beloved main cast. The biggest news rocking the fandom is the shocking departure of an original co-lead, whose character made the ultimate sacrifice midway through the intense Season 8 run. This monumental shift promises to redefine the core relationships and dynamics of the show's ensemble.

The upcoming season, slated to premiere in early 2026, will see the return of the remaining core heroes, including Angela Bassett, Oliver Stark, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, all navigating the emotional aftermath of the season-ending tragedy. Furthermore, two fan-favorite recurring actors have been officially promoted to series regulars, cementing their roles in the show’s future and expanding the scope of the Grant-Nash family storyline. Here is your complete, up-to-date guide to the current and future cast of the hit series 9-1-1.

The Main Cast: Who’s In and The Shocking Exit for Season 9

The heart of 9-1-1 lies in the interwoven professional and personal lives of the 118 Firehouse crew and the emergency dispatch center. While most of the main ensemble is set to return, one major character will be absent, leaving a void that will undoubtedly drive the emotional arc of the next season.

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The Core Returning Heroes

The following actors and their iconic characters are confirmed to return for the upcoming Season 9, continuing their roles as the pillars of the Los Angeles emergency services:

• Angela Bassett as Athena Grant-Nash: The formidable LAPD patrol sergeant and the emotional anchor of the series.
• Oliver Stark as Evan “Buck” Buckley: The adventurous, emotionally evolving firefighter.
• Jennifer Love Hewitt as Maddie Buckley: The 9-1-1 call center dispatcher and Buck's sister.
• Aisha Hinds as Henrietta “Hen” Wilson: The dedicated firefighter, paramedic, and former medical student.
• Kenneth Choi as Howie “Chimney” Han: The veteran firefighter and paramedic, known for his resilience and humor.
• Ryan Guzman as Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz: The single father and firefighter whose journey has resonated with many viewers.

The Major Departure: Captain Bobby Nash

The most devastating cast news is the official exit of Peter Krause, who played Captain Robert "Bobby" Nash. Krause was an original co-lead and executive producer on the series. His character, Captain Bobby Nash, tragically sacrificed himself in a heroic act midway through the eighth season, leaving the 118 Firehouse reeling.

Bobby Nash’s death is a monumental shift for the series, particularly for his wife, Athena Grant-Nash, and the entire team who viewed him as a father figure. The fallout from this emotional event is expected to be a central theme in Season 9, as the remaining cast members—especially Athena—grieve and attempt to move forward.

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New Series Regulars: May and Harry Grant

In a move that strengthens the Grant-Nash family storyline, two recurring actors have been promoted to series regulars for Season 9:

• Corinne Massiah as May Grant: Athena’s daughter, who previously worked in the 9-1-1 call center before pursuing college. Her promotion suggests a deeper involvement in the main storylines.
• Elijah M. Cooper as Harry Grant: Athena’s son. His character has been a part of several critical family storylines, and his promotion indicates a continued focus on the family's life following the loss of Bobby.

Meet the Stars: Full Cast Biography and Career Highlights

The success of 9-1-1 is heavily dependent on the caliber of its cast, many of whom are established veterans of film and television. Their individual career histories add significant depth and topical authority to the ensemble.

Angela Bassett (Athena Grant-Nash)

Angela Bassett is arguably the most decorated member of the cast. Born on August 16, 1958, Bassett is an American actress known for her powerful and commanding performances across a career spanning over three decades.

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• Notable Roles: She is famous for portraying real-life women, most notably Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She also earned critical acclaim and another Oscar nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
• Career Highlights: Bassett's stage work includes performances in August Wilson's plays like Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Her presence lends immense credibility to the 9-1-1 series.

Oliver Stark (Evan “Buck” Buckley)

Oliver Stark, born Oliver Leon Jones on June 27, 1991, is a British actor who has become a fan-favorite for his portrayal of the often-reckless but deeply caring firefighter, Buck.

• Early Career: Before his breakout role on 9-1-1, Stark worked as a sports writer. He trained in acting in North London and got his start in the UK film scene.
• Other Work: He is also known for his role as Ryder in the AMC series Into the Badlands.

Jennifer Love Hewitt (Maddie Buckley)

Jennifer Love Hewitt, born February 21, 1979, is an American actress, singer, producer, and director who joined the show in Season 2.

• Early Fame: Hewitt began her career as a child actress on the Disney Channel’s Kids Incorporated.
• Notable Roles: She is widely recognized for her roles in the films I Know What You Did Last Summer and Can't Hardly Wait, and the TV series Party of Five and Ghost Whisperer. Her character Maddie provides a crucial link between the dispatch center and the 118 Firehouse.

Aisha Hinds (Henrietta “Hen” Wilson)

Aisha Hinds, born November 13, 1975, is an American television, stage, and film actress known for her powerful supporting roles.

• Notable Roles: Before 9-1-1, Hinds had significant roles in series like The Shield, True Blood, and Under the Dome. She also gained acclaim for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the television film Underground.
• Impact on 9-1-1: Her character, Hen Wilson, is celebrated for representing the complexities of a working mother, wife, and dedicated emergency responder, adding layers of topical authority to the show's medical and fire rescue narratives.

Kenneth Choi (Howie “Chimney” Han)

Kenneth Choi, born October 20, 1971, is an American character actor who brings a mix of dramatic intensity and comic relief to the role of Chimney Han.

• Notable Roles: Choi is known to Marvel fans for his role as Jim Morita in Captain America: The First Avenger and Principal Morita (Jim’s grandson) in Spider-Man: Homecoming. He also played Henry Lin on the TV series Sons of Anarchy.
• Background: Interestingly, before pursuing acting, Choi studied accounting at Purdue University.

Ryan Guzman (Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz)

Ryan Guzman, born September 21, 1987, is a Mexican-American actor who joined the cast in Season 2 and quickly became a core member.

• Early Career: Guzman's career began as a model.
• Notable Roles: He is best known for his lead role as Sean Asa in the dance films Step Up Revolution and Step Up: All In, which launched his career. His character Eddie Diaz has been central to storylines involving parenthood, military service, and emotional trauma.

The Enduring Legacy of the 118 and Future Storylines

The casting changes, particularly the loss of Captain Bobby Nash, will inevitably lead to deep, emotional storylines in Season 9. The dynamic between Athena and the team, who now face the future without their Captain and friend, is the most anticipated element.

The Future of the 118 Firehouse

With Bobby Nash’s exit, the 118 Firehouse will need a new Captain, creating a major plot point. This could lead to one of the existing main characters—such as Hen, Chimney, or even Buck—stepping up into a leadership role, or the introduction of a new character entirely. The transition will be a powerful narrative driver, focusing on how the team handles the immense pressure of command while grieving their loss.

Topical Authority and Character Relationships

The show's topical authority is built on its exploration of complex character relationships, which will continue to be central:

• Athena and Bobby (The Aftermath): The enduring love story between Athena Grant-Nash and Bobby Nash has been a cornerstone of the show. Season 9 will focus on Athena’s journey of resilience and grief, likely showing her leaning heavily on her children (May and Harry) and the 118 crew.
• "Buddie" (Buck and Eddie): The intense, platonic bond between Evan "Buck" Buckley and Edmundo "Eddie" Diaz, affectionately dubbed "Buddie" by fans, will continue to be a key emotional relationship. Their mutual support in the face of tragedy and personal challenges is a major draw for the audience.
• Chimney and Maddie: The relationship between Howie "Chimney" Han and Maddie Buckley, including their family life with their daughter, will provide a stabilizing force amidst the upcoming drama.

As 9-1-1 heads into its ninth season, the cast remains a powerhouse of talent, ready to tackle the high-stakes emergencies and deeply personal drama that define the series. The shocking departure of a key figure ensures that the upcoming episodes will be some of the most emotionally charged and consequential in the show's history, solidifying its place as a top-tier procedural drama.