Angela Bassett Teases Peter Krause’s 9-1-1 Return: What Fans Should Know

Fans of the ABC crime drama 9-1-1 should temper their expectations regarding Peter Krause’s possible return to the series. Angela Bassett, who portrayed Krause’s television wife for eight seasons, revealed on August 21 that she is uncertain if the actor will appear in upcoming episodes, leaving fans in suspense.

Angela Bassett’s Thoughts on Peter Krause’s Future with 9-1-1

Angela Bassett shared with Today.com that she cannot make any guarantees about Krause‘s return, admitting,

“I’m wondering like you, just like the fans.”

Although Bassett does not know if the actor will rejoin the cast, she hinted that her character, Athena Grant, will find ways to honor the memory of Bobby Nash, Krause’s character, when season nine premieres this fall.

Bassett also noted the emotional impact of Nash’s death on both fans and her family. Her sister, who is equally upset by the character’s fate following a lab accident that caused a deadly virus, is persistent about the possibility of a comeback. Bassett recounted,

“My sister’s one of the fans, and she won’t stop talking about it,”

adding that she is mad. Her sister’s recurring question is,

“It don’t make sense, is he coming back?”

The actress further explained that if any plans involve Krause’s return, she would likely hear about them last due to the nature of on-set secrecy. Bassett described the usual process, saying,

“Maybe I have to go in for a fitting, so maybe I’ll hear, ‘Oh, you’re going to be doing something crazy,’ because a lot times the heads of the department will get, if not the script, the idea of what it’s going to be about before we do so they can get a little head start. And then sometimes they can’t help but share.”

She admitted that hearing about potential storylines often feels more dramatic in her imagination than in reality:

“And then the script comes, and I’ve always made it out to be crazier in my head, just hearing about it, then when I read it, it’s like, ‘OK, this is doable. I guess.’”

Cast Reactions to Peter Krause’s Departure

Jennifer Love Hewitt, a fellow castmate, expressed to Entertainment Tonight how much Krause’s absence has affected the set atmosphere. She said,

“It’s not the same,”

reflecting on the show’s shift following his departure. Hewitt highlighted the reality that storytelling about first responders sometimes includes difficult events, explaining,

“When you’re telling a story about first responders, unfortunately, those are the things that happen.”

She added a tribute to Krause’s importance within the cast,

“He was the person that mattered to everyone in the cast the most. He was our hero. And he always will be.”

9-1-1 is set to return for a new season starting October 9 on ABC, leaving viewers waiting to see how the show will continue without Krause’s character.

Peter Krause’s Exit from 9-1-1: A Breakdown

Peter Krause concluded his role as the Los Angeles Fire Department captain Bobby Nash in a dramatic episode of 9-1-1 aired in April 2025. The departure followed what the actor described as “one wild adventure.” Krause reflected on the character’s ending, emphasizing its significance to real first responders:

“Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice, and he was built for this,”

he said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.

“First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them.”

Showrunner Tim Minear acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, explaining in an interview with Variety,

“But after eight years, it just felt like, if we have any hope of creating stories going forward that have actual stakes, then someone’s got to die.”

The choice to kill off Nash was aimed at increasing dramatic tension and stakes for future episodes.

Other TV Stars Who Had Unexpected Departures

Peter Krause’s exit from 9-1-1 is part of a wider trend of significant cast changes across popular television series. Below is a detailed look at several other actors who recently left shows under circumstances that surprised fans.

Personal Challenges and Departures: Jax Taylor from The Valley

Jax Taylor announced in July 2025 that he would not return for season three of The Valley, citing his focus on personal recovery and family. The Bravo star, who has been navigating a difficult divorce from Brittany Cartwright, publicized his priorities:

“Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting,”

he said.

“Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself—especially for our son, Cruz.”

Long-Time Soap Veteran Sofia Mattsson Leaves General Hospital

After seven years playing Sasha Gilmore, Sofia Mattsson departed from General Hospital in summer 2025. Her character‘s exit was written as a move from Port Charles to Paris, allowing the actress a graceful departure from the long-running soap opera.

Mehcad Brooks’ Exit from Law & Order

Mehcad Brooks stunned viewers when he left NBC’s Law & Order after three seasons as Detective Jalen Shaw. Having joined the series in 2022, Brooks’ surprise departure ahead of season 25 shocked fans of the crime drama.

Tracy Ifeachor’s Departure from The Pitt

The breakout star of HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt, Tracy Ifeachor, exited after the show’s first season. On Instagram, she reflected on the experience, writing,

“It was an absolute privilege to play Dr. Heather Collins in such a groundbreaking season and piece,”

and expressing gratitude to fans:

“Thank you to everyone who has watched & supported Season 1 & shared their stories with me.”

Pedro Pascal’s Shocking Death in The Last of Us

Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel Miller in The Last of Us ended dramatically in April 2025 when the character was brutally killed onscreen in a manner faithful to the video game‘s storyline. Pascal, known for memorable onscreen deaths, joked to Entertainment Weekly about his frequent character demises, saying,

“I get killed a lot. I like to die.”

Paige DeSorbo Bids Farewell to Summer House

Paige DeSorbo announced her exit from Bravo’s Summer House after seven seasons in June 2025. The Giggly Squad podcast cohost thanked fans and reflected on her growth:

“You’ve seen me grow up over these last 7 summers. I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me,”

and added,

“But like all good things (and some bad decisions), it’s time for this chapter to close.”

Camille Razat Steps Away from Emily in Paris

French actress Camille Razat confirmed she would not return for Netflix‘s Emily in Paris season five in April 2025. She shared on Instagram,

“After an incredible journey, I’ve made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris,”

and added,

“It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories.”

Reneé Rapp’s Departure from The Sex Lives of College Girls

Reneé Rapp announced she was leaving HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls ahead of its third season in July 2023. She expressed gratitude for the community formed through the show:

“College Girls moved me out to LA and introduced me to some of my favorite people,”

and emphasized,

“2 and a half years later—it’s given me y’all and this community.”

Co-creator Mindy Kaling acknowledged Rapp’s exit warmly:

“We love @reneerapp so much and of course will be so sad to say goodbye to Leighton Murray!”

Kaling added her excitement for Rapp’s music career, stating,

“We can’t wait to see our friend on tour!!”

Kevin Costner Confirms No Return to Yellowstone

Kevin Costner made official in June 2024 that he would not be returning to Paramount’s Yellowstone for its fifth and final season. This announcement followed earlier rumors of him unexpectedly stepping away after four and a half seasons.

Ellen Pompeo Ends Regular Role on Grey’s Anatomy

After 19 years of portraying Meredith Grey, Ellen Pompeo concluded her regular role on Grey’s Anatomy in February 2023. Discussing her decision, she told The Drew Barrymore Show,

“I gotta mix it up a little bit,”

explaining her need for new challenges. Pompeo, now 53, remains involved as a narrator and made a guest appearance in May 2023. She humorously remarked,

“I’m 53, my brain is like scrambled eggs. I gotta do something new. You can’t do The New York Times crossword puzzle every single day.”

Henry Cavill Passes Geralt Role in The Witcher to Liam Hemsworth

Henry Cavill announced in October 2022 that he would step down from playing Geralt of Rivia on Netflix’s The Witcher after its third season. He shared on Instagram,

“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures,”

concluding,

“Alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4.”

Liam Hemsworth was announced as his replacement.

Jesse Lee Soffer Leaves Chicago P.D. After a Decade

Jesse Lee Soffer, an original cast member of NBC’s Chicago P.D., departed the series after ten seasons. Following his final appearance in October 2022, Soffer stated,

“To create this hour drama week after week has been a labor of love by everyone who touches the show,”

adding,

“I will always be proud of my time as Det. Jay Halstead.”

Other Notable TV Departures and Their Impacts

A range of other prominent actors have also exited major TV roles in recent years, impacting storylines and fan expectations. For example, Damian Lewis left Showtime’s Billions after five seasons in 2021, while Emily VanCamp ended her role in Fox’s The Resident in August 2021.

Madeleine Mantock exited The CW’s Charmed reboot before its fourth season, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to work with the creative team. Megan Boone left NBC‘s The Blacklist after season eight, her character’s story ending before uncovering a major revelation about Raymond Reddington.

Rege-Jean Page, who captured hearts in Netflix’s Bridgerton during its first season, did not return for the second season, succinctly explaining to Vanity Fair,

“I signed up to do a job and I did the job and then I did some other jobs. That’s it. That’s the story. I wish it was more glamorous than that.”

Ruby Rose made history as Batwoman’s first lead but departed after one season in 2020. The character underwent recasting, with Javicia Leslie and later Wallis Day taking over the role. Similarly, America Ferrera left NBC’s Superstore after five seasons but returned for the series finale to provide closure.

Jason Ralph sacrificed his character Quentin in Syfy’s The Magicians but did not return for the final season. Emily Bett Rickards announced her departure from Arrow ahead of its last season in a poetic farewell but made a guest appearance in the finale.

Lauren Cohan left The Walking Dead due to contract disagreements but eventually returned. Danai Gurira also bid farewell to the show in 2020. Nicollette Sheridan exited Dynasty to care for her family, and George Eads left MacGyver mid-season in 2019 for personal reasons.

Damon Wayans’s exit from Fox’s Lethal Weapon followed cast issues, with Wayans citing age and health concerns:

“I’m going to be quitting the show in December after we finish the initial 13, so I really don’t know what they’re planning, but that’s what I’m planning,”

he said in 2018.

“I’m a 58-year-old diabetic and I’m working 16-hour days… Murtaugh said, ‘too old for this.’”

Cameron Monaghan left Shameless during its ninth season but returned for subsequent seasons, while Emmy Rossum’s 2018 departure was noted by executive producer John Wells as significant for the series. Chelsea Peretti announced her Brooklyn Nine-Nine exit in 2018 but left the door open for future appearances, having taken maternity leave previously.