On March 20, the worlds of 9-1-1 and Doctor Odyssey will collide with a crossover episode on the latter ABC drama series. Ahead of the crossover, 9-1-1 star Oliver Stark has shared why he hopes the show’s next crossover will be with the Nathan Fillion-led The Rookie.
Speaking with TV Fanatic, Stark — who has portrayed firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley on 9-1-1 since its 2018 premiere — shared that he really wanted to pop up on another television series, remarking with a laugh that he would go on “as many as they’ll have me in.” The actor then noted how “The Rookie seems like an obvious and easy crossover” given that both shows are set in Los Angeles, “so that seems to make sense to me that there could be some mass casualty event that all the police stations and all the firehouses are at.” Stark also pitched “a more fun route” for a crossover. “I believe they do police versus firefighter football games or whatever. So maybe we rock up on The Rookie and take them down in some sporting event,” he pitched. “Although, if we’re going over to their show, I assume they’d have them win. So maybe not. But yeah, that just seems like a fun and easy, real kind of way to go about it. So, I’m still game for, one day, The Rookie crossover.”
A crossover between 9-1-1 and The Rookie would have originally been deemed impossible to achieve given that the former originally aired on Fox for its first six seasons. However, after Fox canceled the series, ABC picked it up for a seventh (and later eighth) season, opening the door for 9-1-1 to crossover with other dramas on the network, like Doctor Odyssey, which were both created by Ryan Murphy.
The Worlds of 9-1-1 and The Rookie Continue to Expand on ABC. ABC is currently developing new spinoffs for both 9-1-1 and The Rookie, which were announced in February 2025 and December 2024, respectively. The 9-1-1 spinoff will be set in Nashville and has former NCIS: Los Angeles series regular Chris O’Donnell on board in the lead role of Captain Don Sharpe, a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse with his beloved son. 9-1-1: Nashville will be the second spinoff in the franchise after 9-1-1: Lonestar, which concluded after five seasons on Fox in February 2025.
As for The Rookie, Lionsgate Television and 20th Television are in early development on a new spinoff series that will be set in Washington state and focus on a male cop who is stepping into a new phase of life in his second act. Alexi Hawley is writing the spinoff and will also executive produce alongside Fillion. This would be ABC’s second crack at a Rookie spinoff after The Rookie: Feds, which aired a single season back in 2022-23.
Television crossovers have a magical way of bringing fans together, and two of ABC’s biggest action-packed dramas, 9-1-1 and The Rookie, seem like a match made in TV heaven. Recently, a 9-1-1 star stirred excitement by calling this crossover “obvious and easy.” But will it really happen? Let’s break it down.
Why Fans Are Obsessed with a 9-1-1 and The Rookie Crossover
Both shows thrive on high-stakes action, relatable characters, and dramatic rescues. A crossover could deliver:
- Adrenaline-pumping emergencies
- Unexpected team-ups
- Emotional character arcs
- Iconic guest appearances
It’s a no-brainer. But what’s stopping it?
What Did the 9-1-1 Star Say About the Crossover?
Recently, a major 9-1-1 cast member hinted that bringing the two worlds together wouldn’t be complicated. Their exact words? It’s an “obvious and easy crossover.”
So Why Hasn’t It Happened Yet?
Despite the clear synergy between the two series, there are a few logistical hurdles:
- Network Issues – 9-1-1 aired on Fox before moving to ABC, while The Rookie has always been on ABC. Now that both shows share a network, the odds of a crossover have significantly increased.
- Scheduling Conflicts – Both casts are packed with busy actors, making coordination tricky.
- Storyline Compatibility – Finding a compelling narrative that justifies the crossover is crucial.
How a 9-1-1 and The Rookie Crossover Could Play Out
If it happens, how would these two powerhouse teams collide? Here are a few exciting possibilities:
1. A High-Stakes Multi-Agency Emergency
Imagine an earthquake or a massive crime spree that forces the LAPD (The Rookie) and LAFD (9-1-1) to work together. Officers Nolan, Bradford, and Chen alongside Bobby Nash and Athena Grant? Instant TV gold.
2. A Criminal Investigation Turns Deadly
What if an LAPD case requires emergency response from 9-1-1 first responders? Perhaps a firefighter witnesses a crime, leading to an intense collaboration with The Rookie’s officers.
3. A Shared Antagonist Between Both Shows
A notorious arsonist or serial criminal wreaking havoc in both universes would be the perfect excuse for their worlds to merge.
4. Romantic Crossovers?
Fans love a good romance subplot. Could a cop from The Rookie fall for a first responder from 9-1-1? Sparks would fly.
Have We Seen Small Crossovers Before?
Technically, yes! There have been small Easter eggs and references, but nothing major. However, other ABC shows have crossed over successfully (Grey’s Anatomy & Station 19), proving it’s possible.
What Do the Showrunners Think?
While no official confirmation has been given, insiders suggest that the idea has been tossed around. The biggest green light came when 9-1-1 moved to ABC, aligning with The Rookie.
Why This Crossover Would Be a Ratings Juggernaut
TV crossovers generate massive hype, and this one has all the ingredients to dominate:
✅ Massive fanbases – Both shows rank among the most-watched in their genres.
✅ High-action potential – A thrilling emergency would be unforgettable.
✅ Character chemistry – Strong personalities could lead to unforgettable interactions.
What Would a Crossover Mean for the Future of Both Shows?
If successful, this could open doors for more crossover events. 9-1-1 and The Rookie could become part of a larger ABC crime/emergency universe, much like Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med.
Final Thoughts: Will It Happen?
The pieces are aligning for this crossover to become reality. Now that 9-1-1 and The Rookie are on the same network, and with stars hyping up the possibility, fans might finally get the collaboration they’ve been waiting for.
