9-1-1killing off its first main character was a series-defining moment, but it may have consequences beyond the first-responder drama. Peter Krause’s Bobby Nash was indispensable in the main cast, acting as LAFD Station 118’s fire captain during9-1-1’s most over-the-top emergencies. Furthermore, he bridges the gap between the firefighters and police through his wife, Athena Grant (Angela Bassett).
Sadly, Bobby’stragic death in9-1-1season 8 was a shocking twist that caused immediate uproar from critics and fans alike. Peter Krause had been one of9-1-1’s headlining cast members since its 2018 premiere, and to lose his beloved character so quickly felt like a true loss. Yet, the full aftermath ofBobby’s death could impact Krause’s acting legacy.
Very Few Actors Can Boast Similar Streaks
Peter Krause had a lengthy career prior to9-1-1. The actor joined the industry in the late ’80s and quickly found his footing on television, culminating in his starring role inSports Night. Playing Casey McCall, Krause acted opposite Josh Charles' Dan Rydell as best friends and co-anchors on the titular sports news broadcast.
Immediately following the end ofSports Night, Krause joinedSix Feet Underas Nate Fisher,a lead role he retained from 2001 to 2005. After leaving this drama, Krause starred inThe Lost Room, which aired as a miniseries in 2006. Despite its limited run, Krause quickly moved on to his leading role of Nick George inDirty Sexy Money, premiering in 2007.
Peter Krause turned down the role of Nick George three times before finally joiningDirty Sexy Money.
From there, Krause landed some of his most memorable roles, starting with Adam Braverman inParenthood, whom he portrayed from 2010 to 2015. Krause also made his directorial debut with three episodes of this series (season 3’s “Politics,” season 4’s “Small Victories,” and season 6’s “A Potpourri of Freaks”). Though he’s been a producer on many projects,Parenthoodremains Krause’s only directing credit.
In 2016’sThe Catch, Krause played against type as a con artist named Benjamin Jones until 2017. The unlikely character makes the underrated Shondaland series a goodalternative show to9-1-1, which he started a year later in 2018. Due to constantly bouncing back from canceled titles,Krause has been a series regular since 1998, or 27 consecutive years.
9-1-1 Killing Off Bobby Jeopardizes Krause’s Hot Streak
The Beloved Fire Captain Never Got Closure
Whilemany assumed Krause would continue his streak by playing Bobby Nash for the foreseeable future,9-1-1abruptly cut his character off with a death that has been heavily criticized. The consensus suggests thatBobby’s death in9-1-1was merely for shock value, an emotionally-charged move to upset the show’s balance and ensure the audience never gets too comfortable.
Explanations were offered to justify the twist, ranging from claiming the death makes9-1-1more realistic to arguing that it was a natural conclusion to the main character’s life story. Regardless of why Bobby was killed off,9-1-1has potentially robbed Krause of making historyas the actor with the longest consecutive streak of starring roles on primetime television.
Even if9-1-1season 9 pays tribute to Bobby Nashby featuring Krause in flashbacks, hallucinations, and/or dream sequences, there’s no way for the actor to be credited as a lead, when he’ll still be absent for the majority of the season. Beyond writing off his character, though,9-1-1may have given Krause another obstacle to overcome.
…it’ll be almost impossible for Krause to move on to a new project.
For seven years,Peter Krause has been synonymous with Bobby Nash. Now that the captain’s gone, it’ll be almost impossible for Krause to move on to a new project. Furthermore, since9-1-1failed to give Bobby a satisfying send-off, Krause will be forced into a position where most people may stubbornly refuse to see him as anyone other than Bobby.
Krause Has A Bit Of Padding Room
Custom image by Milica Djordjevic
In order to continue his 27-year streak,Krause has to separate himself from Bobby Nash— and fast. It would be impossible for his many fans to accept the change so quickly, but Krause has to make a drastic shift for the sake of his career. Of course, moving on from such an iconic role is easier said than done.
It’s simply what he deserves — both a potential record and a new role to call his own.
Conversely, Bobby’s untimely demise in9-1-1season 8 may help Krause in whatever role he lands next. There’s no chance of the ABC procedural bringing the fire captain back to life — despite awild9-1-1fan theory— but viewers can support Krause in his next project and take comfort in Bobby’s actor finding success, even if Bobby is dead.
All episodes of9-1-1are streaming on Hulu.
Thankfully,9-1-1killing Bobby off so late into season 8 provides Krause a small safety net. To keep his streak alive,Krause has to land a main role in a network TV series that premieres before the end of 2026.Even if the series started on June 07, 2025, it would keep Krause’s impressive run going.
Peter Krause has already paid his dues, and if he takes a break from acting now that he’s done with9-1-1, I would understand. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope he continues his legacy-defining streak and shows up on my screen again next year. It’s simply what he deserves — both a potential record and a new role to call his own.
