9-1-1: Nashvillehas a chance to continue a niche franchise trend, but one roadblock could prevent Angela Bassett’s Athena Grant from appearing. The9-1-1: Nashvillecast of charactersincludes many promising new additions to the first-responder universe, but Bassett’s police sergeant has arguably been the most important character in the franchise since her 2018 debut alongside the LA-based flagship series.
In addition to troubleshooting9-1-1’s over-the-top emergencies, Athena Grant has been at the center of the overarching plot since the pilot episode. Alongside her husband, Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), Athena has been invaluable to9-1-1’s found family, bringing characters together through heart-to-heart conversations and backyard barbecues. Following Bobby’s tragic death, however,the9-1-1universe needs Athena now more than ever.
Angela Bassett’s Athena Has Appeared In Every 9-1-1 Universe Title
Sergeant Grant Is The One Connecting Piece
The importance of Athena’s character in9-1-1cannot be overstated, but she’s also branched out to the franchise’s first sequel and Ryan Murphy’s 2024 medical drama.9-1-1: Lone Starpremiered in 2020 as the franchise’s first spinoff, set in Texas and led by Rob Lowe as Captain Owen Strand. Meanwhile,Doctor Odysseyfollowed Joshua Jackson’s cruise ship doctor Max Bankman.
In9-1-1: Lone Starseason 3, episode 11, Athena Grant became the first original series character to crossover independently (following the season 2 episode where LAFD station 118 appeared to contain a wildfire). After Grace (Sierra McClain) and Carlos (Rafael L. Silva) spend the episode investigating a homicide,Athena apprehends the suspect in LA with the Texans on video call.
Similarly,Athena’s role inDoctor Odyssey’s crossover episoderevolved around a case. After a suspect locks her in a room,Athena is stuck in the titularOdyssey. Captain Massey (Don Johnson) then asks for her help in protecting the ship’s vault from high-profile thieves. In the end, Athena takes down the burglary ring and overcomes her fear of cruise ships.
Prior to herDoctor Odysseyappearance, Athena and Bobby were trapped on a cruise ship in the9-1-1season 7 premiere that ends up commandeered, capsized, and caught in a hurricane.
Of course, Athena is also a main character in the original series. Up until Bobby’s untimely demise in season 8, he and Athena were even one of thebest couples in the9-1-1franchise. Aside from being9-1-1’s main police officer, Athena is close to Hen Wilson (Aisha Hinds), Maddie Han (Jennifer Love Hewitt), and Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark).
No Other 9-1-1 Franchise Can Break Athena’s Record
Recent Cancelations Have Secured Her Top Spot
While Hen, Buck, and other LA firefighters were present during9-1-1: Lone Star’s first crossover episode, Athena is the only9-1-1character to appear inDoctor Odyssey. Though the medical drama’s fate hung in limbo for months,Doctor Odysseyhas been canceledby ABC following contract expiration. Rather than a traditional cancelation,Doctor Odysseyis on indefinite hiatusby default.
The fate ofDoctor Odysseywas reportedly left up to creator Ryan Murphy, but creative direction was cited as a reason for not renewing the medical drama.
Even ifDoctor Odysseyeventually returns with season 2, it’s not guaranteed the campy procedural would opt to cross paths with9-1-1again, even if it would involve other original characters. As such, regardless of what the future holds forDoctor Odyssey, Athena will likely remain the only franchise character to have appeared on9-1-1,Lone Star, andDoctor Odyssey.
That much is set in stone for the Texas spinoff, thanks to9-1-1: Lone Starendingin early 2025. Following the series finale, it’s still possible for one of the Texan characters to appear on the flagship series. Yet, due toDoctor Odyssey’s default cancelation, any character who crosses over still won’t be able to beat Athena’s record.
The best a franchise character can do is tie Athena’s appearance record, which would require a character who crossed over in9-1-1: Lone Starto appear on9-1-1: Nashvillewithout Athena also being there. Alternatively, a9-1-1: Lone Starcharacter could show up in the original series and the second spinoff, but that once again requires the absence of Athena.
Why It’s Tricky To Stage Athena’s Cameo In 9-1-1: Nashville
Her Past Appearances Included One Important Caveat
Nevertheless, it’s possible that Athena won’t appear in the first season of9-1-1: Nashville— which, depending on the pilot season’s success, may be the only chance she has. Theset of9-1-1: Nashvilleis truly on location, butAthena traveling to Tennessee would require a strong narrative justification. Compared to her prior cameos, that may be too much to ask.
All episodes of9-1-1,9-1-1: Lone Star, andDoctor Odysseyare streaming on Hulu.
In both9-1-1: Lone StarandDoctor Odyssey, Athena stayed in LA. In the Texas spinoff, Athena stayed on the West Coast and only interacted with characters via phone. Although she unintentionally boardedDoctor Odyssey’s luxury cruise ship, it originally docked in LA. Aside from an episode of9-1-1where she temporarily went to Florida,Athena never leaves California.
Furthermore, it wouldn’t make sense for Athena to appear on9-1-1: Nashvillefollowing her character’s storyline in9-1-1season 8. In the overarching storyline, Athena just lost her husband and her dream home, leaving her in possibly the most vulnerable state she’s ever been in on the show. Consequently,Athena’s unresolved grief will prevent an easy crossoverany time soon.
Having Athena appear via video call would be more than repetitive; it would be boring.
9-1-1: Nashvillecould theoretically pull the same trick as9-1-1: Lone Star, but having Athena appear via video call would be more than repetitive; it would be boring. Everything about the Tennessee-based spinoff has promised excitement, intrigue, and a fresh take on the familiar format. Borrowing from9-1-1: Lone Star— even if it resulted in Athena’s presence— would undercut that.
Is There Still A Way For Athena To Guest Star In 9-1-1: Nashville?
In The Campy Franchise, Anything Is Possible
Regardless of the many obstacles, there are still ways for9-1-1: Nashvilleto pave the way for Athena to appear. Perhaps9-1-1’s most tragic deathis what enables Athena to leave California, whether on a cross-country road trip or a visit to her hometown. It’s even possible for Athena to inadvertently cross paths with the9-1-1: Nashvillefirst responders.
9-1-1: Nashville’s Station 113may cut off the road because of a major emergency, leaving Athena to try and help as a simple passerby. Alternatively, Athena could come across a criminal and need to earn local law enforcement’s cooperation to bring them to justice. Regardless of how she gets there,it’s only natural for Athena to become9-1-1: Nashville’s saving grace.
Of course, the opposite is just as plausible. Similar to how9-1-1: Lone Stargot station 118 down South, the Nashville first responders could come fight a Californian wildfire. Yet, it’s still more likely that a character or two from the original series will appear on9-1-1: Nashvilleinstead, in order to promote the new series.
9-1-1: Nashvillepremieres fall 2025 on ABC.
Given that Angela Bassett is already involved in9-1-1: Nashvilleon the production side of things,it’s likely just a matter of time before Athena Grant visits Music City. If she doesn’t come alone, however, Bassett can take comfort in knowing that nobody will appear on as many9-1-1universe titles as she has.
