The 9-1-1: Lonestar cast keeps growing in anticipation of its Season 1 premiere this fall.
The ABC series is a spin-off to the OG 9-1-1 series that is entering its ninth season. And instead of being set in Los Angeles, we’re heading over to Tennessee’s “Music City” of Nashville. There we’ll experience a “high-octane procedural about heroic first responders, as well as their family saga of power and glamour set in one of America’s most diverse and dynamic cities.”
Now there have been new recurring cast announcements that will joining the main cast of 9-1-1: Nashville!
MORE: Do you know there’s a 9-1-1 podcast by our very own Lyra (me) and Lizzie? Learn more about Tales From the 118!
First up we have Gregory Alan Williams.
Gregory Alan Williams has been in everything from The Sopranos to most recently Martin Imari in The Righteous Gemstones. But procedural TV viewers might recognize him as Bert Goodwin, the ex-husband of Sharon Goodwin, on NBC’s Chicago Med.
Williams will be playing Harold Foster, a fire station chief according to Deadline. And his addition is a welcome one because even though 9-1-1: Nashville is selling itself as a show set in “America’s most diverse” cities… there are only 2 POC main cast members. So here’s hoping Williams Foster character is one of many additions.
Next up is MacKenzie Porter.
MacKenzie Porter is this writers personal favorite new addition to the recurring cast because she worked on the Canadian gem of a show called Travelers. She played Marcy Warton, a medic who traveled into the past to try and save the world with a group of travelers. Porter is apparently also a country singer who has released two albums and achieved four Canada Country number ones.
Porter will be playing Samantha Hart, an ER doctor at a Nashville hospital. This could signal a change in 9-1-1 where they enter a more hospital setting in the same vein as NBC’s One Chicago franchise of shows. But it could also be as simple as Porter is a recurring romantic interest for one of the main cast members.
Finally there’s Tim Matheson.
Tim Matheson is a veteran within the industry. And he’s best known for National Lampoon’s Animal House and for playing Vice President John Hoynes on The West Wing. Most recently Matheson has appeared on the Netflix hit series Virgin River as Dr. Vernon Mullins, the husband of Mayor Hope McCrea. The mayor is notably played by Smallville‘s Annette O’Toole.
MORE: When Will Virgin River Season 7 Premiere?
Matheson will be playing Edward. No last name so far. Just Edward, someone from Southern old money who is “utterly ruthless.” This theme of glamour and money is also different from any of the 9-1-1 shows. Previously the focus has been on working and middle class firefighters. That made the show and its characters relatable.
Between these themes of power and money, and the lack of diversity on the show, these are the weakest points when it comes to 9-1-1: Nashville. But we’ve been surprised before when it comes to TV. So who knows how this is going to turn out.
9-1-1: Nashville premieres on October 9 at 9 p.m. ET.
