After the abrupt conclusion of the frustrating exit of Grace Ryder, played by Sierra McClain.

Ryder was a 9-1-1 operator and the wife of firefighter Judson “Judd” Ryder. The character was written out of the series after season 4 due to failed contract negotiations with star McClain. Due to this, it is revealed that Ryder left Texas to volunteer with Mercy Ships. This non-governmental Christian organization provides medical care and surgery for people desperately needing help. Ryder’s storyline with Mercy Ships would be a more intriguing 9-1-1 spin-off compared to Nashville because it is an opportunity to revive a beloved character and continue her story.

9-1-1's Next Spinoff Is Set In Nashville, But I Have Problems With It

A New 9-1-1 Show Should Be New And Not Rehashed Material

9-1-1: Nashville is currently a work in progress, meaning not much is known regarding the show’s cast and premiere date. However, a brand new update reveals that NCIS: Los Angeles alum Chris O’Donnell will star as Captain John Sharpe, a firehouse leader and rodeo rider. The new series is also anticipating a premiere during the 2025-26 season on ABC.

While starting another 9-1-1 show in a vibrant music city like Nashville appears fun and joyful, it should have a clear focus on story and character development, which is what Lone Star had before its abrupt finish.

According to showrunner Tim Minear, the setting of Nashville, Tennessee is considered production-friendly, which means the show won’t cost as much as its predecessor, Lone Star. The primary reason why 9-1-1: Lone Star ended was because of its high production budget, concluding its run after five seasons. While starting another 9-1-1 show in a vibrant music city like Nashville appears fun and joyful, it should have a clear focus on story and character development, which is what Lone Star had before its abrupt finish. Nashville should seek out its own premise without replicating what was already done in Lone Star.

Why Grace's Mercy Ships Adventures Is A Better 9-1-1 Spinoff

A New Series Based On Grace's Journey Would Be Refreshing

Rather than create another 9-1-1 spin-off series with new characters and a new setting that retreads a similar premise about the daily lives of first responders, there should be a spin-off show that features a beloved character with a unique premise. Sierra McClain's Grace Ryder was a pivotal character in 9-1-1 Lone Star because of her effectiveness in communicating with people going through life-threatening situations. Her relationships with her husband Judd, her daughter Charlie, and her stepson Wyatt also established the importance of raising a family despite Grace's stressful career.

ittedly, Grace's horrible exit can never be fixed now that 9-1-1: Lone Star is over. That said, the franchise can retroactively soften its blow by continuing her story through her time in Mercy Ships. The proposed spinoff could highlight the importance of the work that she does now. Beyond that, since Grace's work will still involve responding to emergencies, it could be a natural way to expand Ryan Murphy's first-responder universe. That way, it changes what a premise for a spinoff can be while also putting a familiar face at the forefront of its storytelling.

Will The 9-1-1 Franchise Ever Show Grace's Adventures In Mercy Ships?

Grace's Chances Of Returning Depend On The Future Of The 9-1-1 Franchise

Considering that 9-1-1: Lone Star has ended, and the showrunners intend to create 9-1-1: Nashville with a fresh cast and a production-friendly budget, it seems unlikely that fans of the Texas-based show will get to see Grace Ryder again on-screen. However, it wouldn't be out of the question because Ryan Murphy and the producers could form a 9-1-1 show where Ryder is the protagonist and reveal her work on Mercy Ships. Ryder's potential spin-off could be a combination of the 9-1-1 franchise and Murphy's latest hit drama Doctor Odyssey, which also takes place on a ship.

If Ryder doesn't get her spin-off series in the foreseeable future, she could make her return in 9-1-1: Nashville since the new show will take place in the South, providing some familiarity for Ryder after working in Texas in Lone Star.

Since Ryder didn't receive a proper ending in 9-1-1: Lone Star, she deserves her show to provide closure for the character or to continue her remarkable journey as a caring, hard-working first responder. If Ryder doesn't get her spin-off series in the foreseeable future, she could make her return in 9-1-1: Nashville since the new show will take place in the South, providing some familiarity for Ryder after working in Texas in Lone Star. Regardless, there are plenty of potential scenarios for Ryder's return. The most important part is figuring out whether there's room to enhance this beloved character's comeback.

Source: TVLine

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