The “Timeless” actress’ Det. Amber Braeburn will help Jennifer Love Hewitt and Angela Bassett’s characters hunt a serial killer on season 8 of the ABC drama.
9-1-1 just got a little more Timeless.
Abigail Spencer joins the ABC drama starting Thursday as Det. Amber Braeburn, who’ll help hunt a serial killer who has it out for Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Maddie — and Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive first look at the Timeless, Suits, and Mad Men alum in action on the first-responder series.
“Maddie takes a call, as she often does, as that is her gig. She takes a call from somebody who has possibly abducted a young girl, and she tries to reason with this caller who is threatening to kill this person,” 9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear tells EW of the series of events that brings Spencer’s Det. Braeburn into the picture. “And when Maddie almost succeeds but then fails, it becomes her mission to try to figure out if this call was real and if there really is an abducted teenager out there somewhere.”
In the exclusive preview clip above, Athena (Angela Bassett) describes Braeburn as “a bloodhound: tough, blunt, she doesn’t suffer fools,” and reveals, “She has found more missing kids than anyone in the past 15 years.” Minear calls the detective “a hotshot missing persons detective who really listens to Maddie, who really takes her seriously.”
Hewitt, for one, was thrilled with the casting of Spencer, with whom she previously worked in 2007. “She and I were together on Ghost Whisperer a hundred years ago, and I loved working with her then. In fact, when I saw her, I was like, ‘Wait, last time I saw you, you were a sexy mechanic with a ghost attached to you.’ So it was great,” Hewitt says of reuniting with her former guest star.
“Abigail is such a credible presence on screen. I mean, she’s obviously beautiful, but she’s got incredible range,” Minear adds of Spencer, who also produced the upcoming Neon film The Actor starring André Holland and Gemma Chan. “Seeing her work with Maddie and seeing her work with Athena, I just think it’s like this great kind girl-power triumvirate that I find really interesting.” Well, a triumvirate at least until Maddie is kidnapped, as EW revealed last month in an exclusive preview of the season 8 midseason premiere.
“I’m really excited about it,” Hewitt says of fans finally seeing her kidnapping when 9-1-1 returns tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. “They’re not ready. No one is ready.”
The hit procedural drama 9-1-1 is turning up the intensity with the addition of a brand-new character played by none other than Abigail Spencer. Known for her stellar performances in Timeless and Suits, Spencer is stepping into the role of a sharp-witted detective who will be working closely with Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Athena (Angela Bassett). Here’s an exclusive first look at how her character shakes up the series and what fans can expect from this exciting addition!
Who Is Abigail Spencer Playing in ‘9-1-1’?
Spencer takes on the role of Detective Megan Foster, a seasoned investigator with a no-nonsense attitude and a passion for uncovering the truth. With a history of working complex cases, she’s set to bring a fresh dynamic to the LAPD team, especially as she crosses paths with Athena and Maddie in a high-stakes investigation.
How Detective Foster Will Impact the Show
1. A Formidable Ally for Athena
Athena Grant (Angela Bassett) is known for her strong presence and ability to handle tough situations. But now, with Detective Foster entering the scene, Athena will have a new ally—or possibly a rival—depending on how their relationship unfolds.
2. A Support System for Maddie
Maddie Kendall (Jennifer Love Hewitt) has faced her fair share of trauma. With Detective Foster stepping in, there’s a possibility that Maddie finds a supportive figure who understands the psychological toll of high-pressure emergencies.
3. A Deep-Dive Into Unsolved Cases
With Spencer’s character specializing in cold cases and investigative work, we can expect 9-1-1 to explore even more intricate crime stories that intertwine with the first responders’ emergencies.
Exclusive First Look: What We Know So Far
Fans have already caught a glimpse of Abigail Spencer in her role through exclusive first-look photos, showcasing her character’s tough demeanor and sharp instincts. From gripping interrogation scenes to high-speed chases, Detective Foster is poised to become a major force in the series.
Why Abigail Spencer Is Perfect for ‘9-1-1’
Abigail Spencer has a knack for portraying strong, independent women with a mix of charm and grit. Her performances in Timeless, Rectify, and Suits have proven she can handle complex roles, making her a seamless fit for the action-packed world of 9-1-1.
What Sets Her Apart?
- Versatility: Whether it’s drama, action, or mystery, Spencer delivers on all fronts.
- Charisma: Her presence on screen is compelling, making viewers instantly invested in her character.
- Emotional Depth: She brings layers to every role, ensuring her character will be more than just a typical detective archetype.
How Fans Are Reacting to the News
Since the announcement, fans have taken to social media to express their excitement. Many are eager to see how Spencer’s character will blend into the existing dynamics of the show.
“Abigail Spencer in ‘9-1-1’?! This just made my day. She’s going to be amazing!”
“Finally, a detective character that will add depth to Athena’s world. Can’t wait to see Abigail in action!”
How This Casting Choice Will Shape Future Episodes
Spencer’s addition suggests that 9-1-1 will delve deeper into criminal investigations, giving the show an extra layer of intrigue beyond the usual high-adrenaline rescues. We might also see Athena and Detective Foster team up on a long-term case, adding an ongoing mystery element to the series.
When Will Abigail Spencer’s Episodes Air?
While an official premiere date for Spencer’s first episode hasn’t been confirmed, sources hint that her character will be introduced in the upcoming midseason episodes. Stay tuned for more details!
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for ‘9-1-1’
With Abigail Spencer stepping into the 9-1-1 universe, fans can expect thrilling investigations, intense drama, and a fresh perspective on the stories unfolding within the LAPD and emergency response teams. Her portrayal of Detective Megan Foster is bound to be a standout, making this one of the most anticipated casting additions of the season.
