9-1-1
"Welcome to la-va land."
Overview
Explore the high-pressure experiences of police officers, paramedics and firefighters who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives.
Latest
- ABC sets fall premiere date for 9-1-1 — July 27, 2026
What critics are saying
Critical reception for 9-1-1 was notably divided upon its debut. Many reviewers criticized the procedural for its wildly over-the-top emergencies, melodramatic storylines, and formulaic scripts, arguing that the series often veers into unintentional absurdity and fails to give its talented ensemble material worthy of their abilities.
At the same time, critics almost universally praised the central cast—led by Angela Bassett, Connie Britton, and Peter Krause—for anchoring the chaos and elevating the drama. More favorable reviews embraced the show's uninhibited, fast-paced nature, describing it as an entertaining, adrenaline-fueled guilty pleasure that succeeds when leaning into its own high-stakes ridiculousness.
“This is adrenaline-rush TV. It’s instantly compelling, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and a pretty solid way to start 2018.”
“Despite a terrific cast trying its best, 9-1-1 relies too heavily on ludicrous twists and hackneyed dialogue to earn a second viewing.”
“Not even Angela Bassett can save this terribly over-the-top and at times wooden series from the same team that brought the world Glee”
“No matter what elements of 9-1-1 run the risk of disappointing you, the three leads are sturdy pillars...”
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The aesthetic of 9-1-1 leans into pure, relentless momentum. Set across Los Angeles, the series pushes its police officers, paramedics, and firefighters through a gauntlet of emergencies that range from localized disasters to threats of terrorism. It treats every shift like an escalation, maintaining a frantic pace that rarely slows for a breather.
The drama functions as a contrast between massive public crises and quiet, private frustrations. Angela Bassett anchors the procedural chaos, portraying a character trying to maintain professional composure while navigating a volatile personal life. It avoids the polished calm often associated with the genre, leaning instead into the angry reality of people working in constant high-pressure environments, even occasionally finding space for references to the outside world, including Barack Obama. Grounding the absurdity of the plot in the messy lives of its staff keeps the show from feeling purely mechanical.
Cast
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Crew
Similarity
Where 9-1-1 overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.
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Keywords
Details
- First Aired
- January 03, 2018
- Status
- Returning Series
- Origin
- US
- TMDB Votes
- 2,862