Please note: This news item contains spoilers if you haven't seen the final episode of 9-1-1.
9-1-1 co-star and executive producer Peter Krause is leaving the drama after eight seasons as LAFD Station 118 Captain Robert "Bobby" Nash, who died a heroic death in the April 17 episode "Lab Rats." Krause addressed his departure from the series in a lengthy, heartfelt letter to fans.
9-1-1 will continue without him, as the series has been renewed by ABC for a ninth season of eighteen episodes.
Angela Bassett has signed a deal to continue as an executive producer and lead actress on 9-1-1 . She plays LAPD patrol sergeant and Bobby's widow, Athena Grant-Nash. She is also producing the upcoming spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville and has a first-look deal with the franchise's studio, 20th Television.
In his letter to fans, Krause touched on Bobby's evolution on the series, which debuted on Fox in 2017 and aired for six seasons before moving to ABC. A milestone for the character was his final reconciliation with his estranged mother earlier this season.
“In October 2017, through him, we began tackling topics such as grief, guilt, anger and addiction while exploring his relationship with a higher power, forgiveness and grace,” Krause said of Bobby. “On his path of healing, we watched him join and embrace both his new family at the firehouse and his new family with Athena Grant where he found love and acceptance. We also had plenty of fun along the way. It was a joy.”
Krause is aware of the intense online reaction to Bobby's death, which has left many fans devastated, and has a message for them.
“I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be,” he said. “It is a loss. That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them.”
Following the airing of the episode Lab Rats, ABC released a promo for the next episode, titled The Last Alarm, featuring scenes from Bobby's funeral and his grieving wife and coworkers (see below). The episode airs Thursday, May 1 on ABC.