What to Expect from 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1: A New Beginning

From the very beginning, 9-1-1 has been a series that has captivated fans, offering high-octane action, romance, and relatable characters, naturally pulling people in week after week.

That’s why it was no shock when the franchise expanded with 9-1-1: Lone Star, which concluded with its fifth season. Now, ABC is doing it yet again.

On 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” the franchise evolves once more, introducing a new set of first responders. It’s centered around Captain Don Hart, portrayed by Chris O’Donnell, a veteran firefighter and former rodeo star who now leads a firehouse with his son, Ryan (portrayed by Michael Provost).

9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1, "Pilot." What to Expect from 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1: A New Beginning — 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.” | Chris O’Donnell as Captain Don Hart and Michael Provost as Ryan Hart (Disney/Jake Giles Netter)

As the promo video for the season highlights, Don will have to face a brand new dynamic in the firehouse when he comes face-to-face with his estranged son, Blue Bennings (portrayed by Hunter McVey). Blue is the bad-boy type, working as an exotic dancer when a medical emergency reunites him with his father.

When offered a job working alongside the family members he’s never interacted with, Blue’s mother, Dixie (portrayed by LeAnn Rimes), pushes him to be in their presence as much as possible, hoping their connections and influence will play in his favor.

Rounding out the rest of the main cast are Blythe Hart (portrayed by Jessica Capshaw), Don’s wife and Ryan’s mother; firefighters Taylor Thompson (portrayed by Hailey Kilgore) and Roxie Alba (portrayed by Juani Feliz); and 911 dispatcher Cammie Raleigh (portrayed by Kimberly Williams-Paisley).

Here’s everything you need to know about this episode, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.

9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1 Details

Title: “Pilot”
Air Date: Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Time: 9/8c
Network: ABC
Writer: Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Rashad Raisani
Director: Bradley Buecker

How to Watch 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1

Live: ABC at 9/8c
Streaming: Available next day on Hulu

9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1 Description

When a powerful tornado tears through Nashville and endangers a country music festival, Captain Don Hart leads fire station 113 on a harrowing rescue mission. Meanwhile, the Hart family contends with the fallout when a long-held secret is revealed.

Guest Stars & Returning Characters

Main Cast: Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, and Hunter McVey.
Guest Stars: Kane Brown as himself.

Promo & Photos

Check out the photos from 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1:

Promo Video:

What are your hopes for the premiere of 9-1-1: Nashville? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

9-1-1: Nashville premieres on Thursday, October 9th, at 9/8c on ABC.

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Cade Taylor

Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.