Fans have been eagerly waiting for the return of Fox's 9-1-1: Lone Star since its fourth season ended in May 2023. However, the show has not aired as initially scheduled, prompting many to speculate about a potential cancellation.
But fans need not worry as 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 has not been canceled. The latest installment has simply been delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and Writer's strike. As per reports, season 5 is currently in production with 12 episodes expected to air in the fall of 2024.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Fox series, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4.
9-1-1: Lone Star renewed for a fifth season
After Fox canceled the original 9-1-1 series in 2023, fans were concerned about the fate of its spinoff 9-1-1: Lone Star. Despite being Fox's most-watched shows, it seemed like fans would have to bid farewell to the beloved first responders from both projects.
However, 9-1-1 gained new life at ABC after it was renewed by the network for a seventh season. Following its premiere in March 2024, an eighth season was greenlit for development. On the other hand, Lone Star escaped cancellation after Fox renewed it for a fifth season in May 2023.
Taking to Instagram, actress Gina Torres reacted to the news with a celebratory post. She wrote in the caption:
"In case you haven’t heard…YEAH BABY YEAH!!!! 🥂💃🏽💃🏽 Game on Season 5!!"
Fellow co-star Ronen Rubinstein also posted a video on Instagram showing his excitement for the upcoming season. Another Lone Star actor, Natacha Karam, joined in on the celebration with her own social media post, stating:
"Hey hey hey! So as most of you know by now- Lonestar was picked up for a season 5- YAY 🙏🏼 very grateful for all that is my life right now."
With 9-1-1 having jumped ship to ABC, 9-1-1: Lone Star will be Fox’s longest-running drama next season.
When will 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 be released? Production details explored
After being renewed for a fifth season at Fox, 9-1-1: Lone Star was scheduled to be part of the channel's roster for the 2023-2024 season. However, the double Hollywood strikes of the SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild in 2023 delayed the show's production.
According to a November 2023 article by Deadline, Fox and 20th Television had discussed an 18-episode order for Lone Star season 5 with six episodes for mid-season and 12 for fall. However, it was eventually changed to a total of 12 episodes only due to the delay caused by the strikes.
Fox's lineup for the 2023-2024 season was eventually revealed to include The Cleaning Lady, Accused and Alert: Missing Persons Unit, with Lone Star postponed to the 2024-2025 schedule. Filming reportedly began last month on March 5, 2024, as the actors of the show took to social media to make posts referencing the new season.
While no official release date has been announced, 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 is scheduled to release this fall. According to Deadline, the upcoming season will be used to launch Fox's two new series, Rescue HI-Surf and Doc.
What is 9-1-1: Lone Star about? Season 4 finale explored
A spinoff of the Angela Bassett-led show 9-1-1 about first responders, 9-1-1: Lone Star follows the story of Owen, a firefighter who relocates from New York to Austin, Texas with his son. Together, they struggle with challenges in their personal lives as they attempt to save lives at work. The show also prominently features other firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical personnel.
The series has received widespread praise for its LGBT+ representation. Owen's son, TK is a major character in the show who happens to be gay. He is in a relationship with police officer Carlos Reyes, and the two have been a fan-favorite since appearing onscreen together.
The finale of Season 4 saw the two getting married in a touching ceremony attended by family and friends. But the joyous occasion is marred by personal tragedies whose shadows loom over the newlyweds. Carlos' father Gabriel is murdered at the beginning of the episode and the killer is still on the loose.
Meanwhile, as the couple enjoys their honeymoon, Owen helps his brother Robert to die peacefully via assisted suicide as the latter had been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease. Season 5 is expected to dive into the aftermath of both deaths and their impact on the characters, especially TK and Carlos.
The cast of 9-1-1: Lone Star, full list
The award-winning Fox series 9-1-1: Lone Star has an ensemble cast full of strong performers. They include:
- Rob Lowe as Owen Marshal Strand
- Gina Torres as Tommy Vega
- Ronen Rubinstein as Tyler Kennedy "TK" Strand
- Rafael Silva as Carlos Tomas Reyes
- Sierra McClain as Grace Ryder
- Natacha Karam as Marjan Marwani
- Brian Michael Smith as Paul Strickland
- Jim Parrack as Judson "Judd" Ryder
- Julian Works as Mateo Chavez
- Brianna Baker as Nancy Gillian
- Kelsey and Skyler Yates as Izzy and Evie Vega
In addition, actors in recurring roles include Benito Martinez, Jackson Pace, Chad Lowe, and Andy Favreau, among others.
All four seasons of 9-1-1: Lone Star are currently available to stream on Hulu.