ABC is developing two highly anticipated spinoffs, and with their differing approaches to their respective structures, the network has set up an intriguing experiment for itself. ABC has done relatively well with spinoffs in the past. Some have been misses, sure, but one can't deny that many have been hits. So, it'll be interesting to see how the two upcoming shows will perform.
From The Bachelor franchise to Grey's Anatomy's two offshoots, ABC has a lot of experience with developing successful spinoffs. It only makes sense to keep that streak going with two of its most popular current TV series. Only time will tell which one ultimately comes out on top, though.
9-1-1: Nashville Will Be Very Different Than The Original 9-1-1 In Tone & Story Focus
The 9-1-1 Spinoff Will Be Closer To A Soap Opera
LeAnn Rimes as Dixie Bennings in 9-1-1: Nashville.
9-1-1: Nashville will serve as the second spinoff in the 9-1-1 franchise, following in the footsteps of 9-1-1: Lone Star. However, while Rob Lowe's series was similar to the structure of the original 9-1-1, the upcoming offshoot will branch out and distinguish itself from its predecessors. Those who want 9-1-1: Nashville to be exactly like 9-1-1 are in for a surprise.
9-1-1: Nashville differentiates itself from ABC's hit show in a couple of ways. Firstly, it focuses on the music industry as much as it does on first responders. Given its setting, this choice shouldn't be too shocking. 9-1-1: Nashville will also be much more akin to a soap opera than its flagship series ever was/is. For reference, think of Succession or Dynasty.
The second 9-1-1 spinoff's tone will essentially be much more dramatic than 9-1-1, and its story focus and priority will differ. As such, viewers can expect to see a whole new side of the 9-1-1 universe. This isn't the only way to approach the making of a spinoff, though.
The Rookie North Will Reportedly Have A Very Similar Premise To The Original
The Rookie Spinoff Will Almost Be Like A Carbon Copy
Titus Makin Jr as Jackson West, Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen, and Nathan Fillion as John Nolan in The Rookie season 1, episode 16
While 9-1-1: Nashville is trying its best to stand out, The Rookie's upcoming spinoff will do the opposite. After ABC canceled The Rookie: Feds after only one season, the network is trying to expand the popular police procedural's universe again with another offshoot — The Rookie North. This time, it'll stick closer to the original show's structure.
ABC has yet to release many details about The Rookie North. However, what we do know is that its premise is essentially the same as The Rookie's; it just takes place in a different state (Washington). Reports reveal that the upcoming spinoff will follow a middle-aged man who undergoes a midlife crisis and decides to become a cop. Sound familiar?
The ABC Spinoffs Will Test How Different – Or Similar – To Original Shows Audiences Want Their Spinoffs
Will 9-1-1: Nashville Or The Rookie North Come Out On Top?
John and Celina in The Rookie season 7, standing together
As one could tell, ABC is taking two different approaches for the upcoming spinoffs of 9-1-1 and The Rookie. One is distancing itself from its flagship series, while the other is trying to copy it. Consequently, the network is seemingly setting up an intriguing test for itself.
9-1-1: Nashville premieres on Thursday, October 9, at 9 pm ET on ABC. A release date for The Rookie North is unknown, as of the writing of this article.
