We did not see this coming. 9-1-1 and NCIS are two franchises that have had to contend with cancelations in recent years, while at the same time launching plans for new spinoffs. We knew announcements regarding both franchises were coming, but we did not expect them to be inter-connected.
9-1-1: Nashville, the upcoming 9-1-1 spinoff, has unveiled its first major casting decision, and its someone NCIS fans have gotten to know well over the years: Chris O'Donnell. The actor who got a second wind playing G. Callen on NCIS: Los Angeles for a decade will now be spearheading a new chapter of the 9-1-1 franchise.
Chris O'Donnell will play Capt. Don Sharpe
O’Donnell is going to play Capt. Don Sharpe. The character has already been given a description, one which makes clear that he has plenty facets for the show to unpack. "[Sharpe is] a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider," the Hollywood Reporter explains. "Who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse alongside his beloved son. Don is a devoted husband and family man, but he has his secrets."
Sharpe is going to be a far cry from the character O'Donnell played on NCIS: Los Angeles. He spent ten seasons playing Gallen as a lone wolf who had endured psychological trauma throughout his life and struggled to collaborate with others. The actor may have nailed it playing a stern officer, but he admitted that he had a difficult time saying goodbye to the NCIS: LA team when the finale wrapped.
"The 14-year thing, we say it, it doesn't seem real because it feels like we just started this and saying goodbye, it's emotional," O'Donnell explained to Entertainment Tonight. "It was more emotional than I anticipated... So grateful for the opportunity and the success and the fans tuning in and for the friends that I made along the way."
9-1-1: Nashville will premiere 2025-26 season
O'Donnell will get the chance to tap into his emotive, family man side as Don Sharpe, and he will also get a chance to join a flourishing 9-1-1 franchise. The actor's NCIS: LA co-star, LL Cool J, decided to continue playing his franchise character in NCIS: Hawai'i, but the show was ultimately canceled.
Here, with 9-1-1, O'Donnell is venturing beyond the franchise that made him a small screen star and trying something that will reframe the way we know him. We're excited to see how he acclimates and how his presences helps to anchor this exciting new spinoff. 9-1-1: Nashville will premiere during the 2025-26 TV season.