Warning: SPOILERS ahead for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 8!9-1-1showrunner Tim Minear has addressed whether characters like Brad or Tommy could return in future episodes of the procedural series.9-1-1season 8has seen the seemingly permanent exit of some important side characters as the story has developed. This includes Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.), who broke up with Buck (Oliver Stark) after learning he was still figuring out his sexuality, and Brad (Callum Blue), the lead actor of the in-universe showHotshots. Their recent appearances in the last two episodes make it unclear if they’ll ever return.
However, speaking withScreen Rant, Minear confirmed that, while9-1-1season 8, episode 8 was meant to end Brad’s storyline, it doesn’t mean he won’t show up again in the future. Briefly mentioning Tommy as well, the showrunner explains how their presence as “characters in [their] universe” means it will always be possible for them to return for more stories. Check out what Minear had to say below:
Yeah, yeah. It felt like this was a way to pay tribute to that story and to actually let it resolve into something that felt like it had an ending. So I am not in a big hurry to return to that world. But Brad, like Tommy, or these other characters—they’re characters in our universe. You never know when you may see them again.
What Minear’s Statement Means For Returning Characters In 9-1-1 Season 8
The Show Isn’t Beholden To Ending Character Storylines
Minear’s statement indicates the door isn’t closed permanently on Brad and Tommy, highlighting how anyone from the show’s past could come back because of their continued place in the franchise. They’re also not the only faces this applies to, with Gerrard (Brian Thompson) having his story resolved after Bobby (Peter Krause) returns as captain. However, he still appeared in season 8, episode 7, meaning other characters whose stories were resolved don’t need to wait as long as9-1-1season 9before coming back.
Buck’s Reaction To Eddie’s Potential 9-1-1 Departure Teased By Showrunner: “He Will End Up Spinning Like A Top”
Exclusive: Showrunner Tim Minear shares that Buck isn’t coping well with Eddie’s potential move to Texas when 9-1-1 season 8 returns in March.
9-1-1season 8, episode 8also teased the possibility of another character exit, with Eddie (Ryan Guzman) potentially leaving for Texas to be closer to his son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh). If he did decide to leave for good, the same rules would likely apply to him, though it could be harder since the loss of main cast members is often more permanent. Even so,it offers hope that familiar faces from the past always have a chance of returning, possibly even in unexpected ways, despite their initial storylines getting resolved.
Our Take On Possible Character Returns In 9-1-1’s Future
Minear Doesn’t Close The Door On Anything
By keeping the door open on future character appearances, Minear ensures plenty of open storylines for9-1-1in the future. Even though we don’t know how Tommy, Brad, or other guest stars could show up if they return, we’re confident the show’s storytelling would justify having them come back in whatever capacity they do. It also emphasizes the importance of having so many familiar faces to choose from, keeping upcoming episodes fresh and unique in the process.
New episodes of9-1-1season 8 will return on Tuesday June 10, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
9-1-1
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9-1-1 is a television series that explores the intense experiences of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Premiered in 2018, it follows these emergency responders as they navigate high-pressure situations and attempt to balance their demanding work with personal challenges in their own lives.
