Ryan Phillippe joins 9-1-1: Nashville season 2 as new series regular

Ryan Phillippe joins 9-1-1: Nashville season 2 as a detective, bringing new drama to ABC’s hit first responder series

Ryan Phillippe has officially joined 9-1-1: Nashville as a series regular for its upcoming second season, according to Deadline.

The ABC first responder drama, which is still airing its debut season, is already making major casting moves ahead of its renewal for the 2026–27 television cycle. Phillippe is set to play a brilliant and unconventional detective who relocates from New York to Nashville. Described as a charismatic yet troubled figure, his character is expected to shake up the dynamic among the city’s first responders while leading an intense investigation into a mysterious criminal threat.

He joins an established ensemble cast that includes Chris O'Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, and other returning stars.

9-1-1: Nashville, a spinoff of the popular 9-1-1 franchise, expands the universe to Tennessee, focusing on the lives of emergency responders and their families. The series has experienced fluctuating ratings during its first season but has maintained a strong overall performance, averaging nearly 8 million viewers across platforms including ABC, Hulu, and digital streaming services.

The show is produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television, with executive producers including Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Rashad Raisani.

Season 1 of 9-1-1: Nashville is set to resume on April 30, with its finale scheduled for May 7. Phillippe’s addition signals a creative shift as the series continues to evolve heading into its second season.