Thank God ABC Is Making Up For 9-1-1’s Most Infuriating Mistake In 2025

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Okay, let’s talk about season 9 of 9-1-1. After a really questionable creative choice back in 2025, it’s clear ABC listened to the fans. This season feels like a genuine attempt to get things back on track. The death of Bobby Nash – and wow, was that a shock – completely shifted the show’s dynamic. While the 118 and Athena are doing their best to keep serving the community, there’s just a huge hole in the cast. Honestly, unless Peter Krause pulls off a miracle and comes back, it’s going to be tough to fill.

It’s highly unlikely he’ll reappear, and while some fans still hope he’s alive, the ninth season of 9-1-1 has strongly suggested Bobby is gone. At least showrunner Tim Minear provided a reason for the character’s death, though whether that reason was a good one is debatable. However, a decision made by ABC in 2025 regarding the show itself was confusing to many viewers.

ABC Doesn’t Significantly Delay 9-1-1’s Winter 2026 Return (Unlike In 2025)

ABC (via MoviesStillsDb)

When season 8 of 9-1-1 premiered in September 2024, it released only eight episodes before taking its usual break for the winter. This schedule was consistent with previous years, remaining largely the same during the 2025-2026 television season.

The unexpected delay of the show’s return until March 2025 meant fans had to wait three months for season 8 of 9-1-1. Most network shows typically return in January or February. This year, ABC is sticking to a more typical winter schedule. Season 9 briefly paused before Thanksgiving, but new episodes are already scheduled to begin airing around January 8, 2026.

The show’s early return suggests future breaks will be shorter – likely just a week or two – which is preferable to the long, roughly 90-day waits viewers experienced previously. This approach allows ABC to manage the cast and crew’s workload while still delivering new episodes at a reasonable pace.

Why 9-1-1 Season 8’s Odd Scheduling Was Detrimental To Its Success

©ABC/Disney / Courtesy MovieStillsDB

Season 8 of 9-1-1 will be particularly remembered as Peter Krause’s last season with the 118. The show’s delayed return in 2025 made it feel like fans didn’t have much time to enjoy his character before his departure. Had ABC followed a more typical winter schedule, it would have created the feeling of a longer build-up to the ‘Contagion’ event, even though the total number of episodes remained the same.

Long breaks mid-season are usually disruptive to a show’s story flow, and ABC has used this approach with several series, including Grey’s Anatomy and Doctor Odyssey. However, it was especially noticeable with 9-1-1 because the latter half of season 8 ended up being very action-packed. Fortunately, this isn’t happening this season.

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2026-01-06 17:38