Is Angela Bassett leaving ‘9-1-1’? Actress addresses Athena’s future ahead of season 9 finale

Angela Bassett has addressed speculation surrounding her future on 9-1-1 ahead of the ABC drama’s season 9 finale, following growing concern among viewers about whether her character Athena Grant could leave the series.

Questions about Athena’s fate intensified after the penultimate episode, in which Detective Hooks, played by Josh Stamberg, persuaded Athena to assist with arrests connected to a trafficking investigation before turning a weapon on her during the operation.

Speaking to Good Morning America before the finale aired on May 7, Bassett remained cautious when discussing Athena’s survival on the series.

“It remains to be seen,” Bassett said. “I wish I could say. But Athena is strong.”

9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear also hinted that the season finale would include significant developments for several characters, including Athena.

“I’m excited for all the characters, actually. I can’t really spoil where we’re going in the last three episodes, but I’m also excited and scared about what’s going to happen to Athena,” Minear told Decider. “I think it’s going to be a really thrilling story.”

Minear also confirmed that events from the season finale would continue into season 10.

“I’m going to start a story here at the end of this season that’s going to carry over into next season. I’m pretty excited about it!” he added.

The speculation surrounding Athena follows backlash earlier this season after the series killed off Peter Krause’s character Bobby Nash, one of the programme’s central figures.

Bassett previously suggested that Athena’s response to Bobby’s death would involve focusing heavily on work rather than openly grieving.

9-1-1 airs on ABC on Thursdays at 8pm ET.