Season 9 of 9-1-1 is the first without Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), opening with a six-month time jump and a touching ceremony naming the 118’s firehouse after him. The show has finally moved past mourning, returning to its signature mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes emergencies.
But one thing still hangs in the air — who officially leads the 118 now? Since stepping up in the Season 8 finale, Chimney (Kenneth Choi) has proven himself as the team’s steady, compassionate leader. Yet he’s still listed as temporary captain. It’s time for 9-1-1 to stop delaying and make it official. Chimney has earned the title — and the 118 deserves a leader who truly understands Bobby’s legacy.
In ‘9-1-1’ Season 9, Chimney Still Isn’t the Official Captain of the 118
The 9-1-1 Season 9 premiere proves just how far Chimney (Kenneth Choi) has come as a leader. From rescuing a billionaire (Mark Consuelos) swallowed by a whale to saving poisoned kids with a creative alcohol cure, Chimney confidently guides the 118 through chaos. He even delivers a heartfelt speech at Bobby’s (Peter Krause) dedication ceremony — something he admits Bobby would’ve hated — showing just how much he’s grown into the role.
Still, Chimney isn’t ready to call himself captain. In a lighthearted subplot, he, Buck (Oliver Stark), and Eddie (Ryan Guzman) compete to be Hen’s (Aisha Hinds) plus-one for her space trip. But things get tense when Eddie challenges Chimney’s authority, reminding him he’s only the temporary captain. Later, Chimney opens up about his guilt — Bobby died saving him, and he worries taking the captain’s title might dishonor his mentor’s memory. Eddie reassures him that he’s earned it, encouraging him to finally take the captain’s exam.
‘9-1-1’ Needs to Keep Moving Forward From Bobby’s Death — Starting With the 118
After Chimney and Eddie’s heart-to-heart, 9-1-1 needs to take the next step: make Chimney the official captain of the 118. His survivor’s guilt is understandable — Bobby (Peter Krause) died saving him — but it’s time for both Chimney and the show to move forward. As Eddie reminded him, Chimney is the right person to lead the team. He’s earned the position, and more importantly, he’s one of their own. Bringing in an outsider would only disrupt the firehouse’s chemistry, especially after everything the 118 has endured.
Without Bobby, the team dynamic has naturally shifted, but it still works. Chimney, Hen (Aisha Hinds), Buck (Oliver Stark), Eddie (Ryan Guzman), and Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody) have a rhythm that keeps the heart of 9-1-1 alive — equal parts chaos, humor, and heart. Season 9’s time jump already helped the show find its footing again, bringing back the fun energy that fans love.
Bobby will always be a part of 9-1-1’s DNA, but the show can’t stay stuck in mourning. The best way to honor his legacy is to let Chimney officially step into the role he’s already proven he can handle — captain of the 118. No more hesitation, no more tests. It’s time to let the team, and the show, move forward.
