9-1-1’s first main character death sparked major controversy, but ABC lost its perfect Thursday night alternative. Peter Krause leaving the first-responder drama was a palpable loss in the closing episodes of season 8, butBobby Nash’s death in9-1-1will permanently alter the series, starting with the upcoming season 9. For many viewers, the fallen captain was an irredeemable decision.
Beyond forcing a total restructuring of LAFD Station 118,9-1-1threatened Peter Krause’s TV legacyby writing out his iconic character. The backlash remains severe, but one series could have ironically benefited from Bobby’s divisive death. Whilehordes of fans are continuously threatening to abandon9-1-1unless Bobby miraculously reappears, ABC’s other drama,Doctor Odyssey— could’ve filled the void.
Doctor Odyssey Was The Perfect Low-Stakes Replacement For 9-1-1 After Bobby’s Death
Prior to Bobby’s devastating departure,9-1-1was adored for its absurd storylines and easily watchable feel. There weren’t high stakes, but that worked in the procedural’s favor; in a sea of character-killing melodramas,9-1-1was a blissful reprieve, rooted in a lovable found family. Of course, everything changed when the procedural’s father figure was cruelly killed during9-1-1: Contagion.
It will be difficult— if not impossible— for9-1-1to recapture its former gloryas low-stakes entertainment, meaning shows like Doctor Odyssey could have taken up the mantle during the 2025-26 TV season. Everything fromDoctor Odyssey’s luxury cruise shipsetting to its star-studded guest stars made the medical drama feel like a spectacle rather than something to take seriously.
Beyond hooks likeDoctor Odyssey’s ridiculous theme weeks, the procedural was already connected to the9-1-1universe, which could have facilitated a relatively painless transition.Doctor Odysseycould have further leaned into its outrageous characteristics and fully committed to becoming a casual viewing hit. While heartbreaking,9-1-1taking such a drastic and dramatic turn was Doctor Odyssey’s golden opportunity.
Why Doctor Odyssey Isn’t Returning For Season 2 On ABC
Sadly,Doctor Odysseywill never get to reap the rewards of succeeding a season of post-Bobby9-1-1. From the beginning, thefate ofDoctor Odysseyseason 2was left to creatorRyan Murphy, who reportedly had concerns regarding the procedural’s creative direction. After the cast options officially expired in June, ABC confirmedDoctor Odysseywouldn’t return in fall 2025.
Theoretically,Doctor Odysseycould be picked up elsewhere or have a belated return to ABC, but by then, it would be too late to pick up9-1-1season 9’s slack. IfDoctor Odysseydoes eventually release a second season, it could still provide low-stakes fun for the audience— but it will have missed its potentially most successful opportunity.
