Grab the tissues, 9-1-1 fans—the show just hit a massive ratings milestone with its gut-wrenching farewell to Captain Bobby Nash. The May 1 episode, “The Last Alarm,” pulled in 9.18 million viewers across ABC, Hulu, and digital platforms in Live+7 multi-platform viewing, marking the show’s best numbers in six months. The emotional send-off for Peter Krause’s beloved character has sparked a firestorm of buzz, proving that even in tragedy, 9-1-1 knows how to keep us glued to the screen. Here’s why this episode’s a game-changer and what it means for the show’s future.
A Tearful Goodbye Drives Huge Numbers
The 9-1-1 episode “The Last Alarm” (Season 8, Episode 16) saw Athena Grant-Nash (Angela Bassett) and the Station 118 crew grieving the loss of their captain, Bobby Nash, who died heroically in the prior episode, “Lab Rats.” According to Deadline, those seven-day numbers—9.18 million viewers and a 1.75 rating among adults 18-49—beat the previous episode’s 8.45 million viewers by 9% and edged out its 1.74 demo rating. It’s the show’s strongest performance since November 7, 2024, and a big leap from its live TV haul of 6.48 million viewers and a 0.63 demo rating. Streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ clearly gave it a boost, showing fans couldn’t wait to see how the 118 coped.
The episode’s power came from its raw emotion. Bobby’s funeral, paired with Athena’s quest to reinvestigate a child’s death to help a grieving mother, hit hard. Showrunner Tim Minear’s bold choice to kill off Bobby in “Lab Rats”—where he sacrificed himself by giving the only antiviral dose to Chimney (Kenneth Choi) during a deadly virus outbreak—set the stage for this ratings spike. Fans were shook, and the numbers prove they tuned in to mourn.
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking
Bobby’s death wasn’t just a plot twist; it was a seismic shift for 9-1-1. The show, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Minear, has always thrived on high-stakes drama, but killing off a core character like Bobby Nash after eight seasons was next-level. Krause himself called it a “bold creative choice” in a heartfelt letter to fans, saying, “Bobby was written in sacrifice… His story arc honors [first responders].” The move sparked a viral storm on social media, with X posts buzzing about the loss—some fans even launched petitions and billboards to bring him back.
Not everyone’s thrilled, though. User ratings tanked, with “Lab Rats” (Episode 15) and “The Last Alarm” (Episode 16) hitting record lows on IMDb at 2.7 and 2.3, respectively, compared to the show’s usual 7-8 range. Rotten Tomatoes reviews for these episodes also plummeted to a 58% audience score, with many giving half-star ratings. Fans are clearly torn—loving the drama but hating the loss. Still, the social media frenzy and ratings surge show 9-1-1 knows how to get people talking.
What’s Next for the 118?
Bobby’s exit leaves a gaping hole at Station 118, and the show’s not rushing to fill it. Minear told Entertainment Weekly that Krause will pop up again this season in flashbacks or dreams, but the focus is on the team’s grief. Episode 17 throws them into chaos as Athena eyes Hen (Aisha Hinds) for captain, though Hen’s not sold on the role. Oliver Stark, who plays Buck, told People that Chimney (Kenneth Choi) could be a contender, but the season finale won’t settle the captain question. Instead, it’s gearing up for a massive disaster—an apartment building explosion that has Athena yelling, “Send everybody!”
ABC’s already locked in a ninth season, with Angela Bassett staying on as Athena and executive producer, plus a spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville, in the works. ABC boss Craig Erwich called Bobby’s death a “great night of television” that’s fueling momentum for the show’s Thursday slot next year. With the Season 8 finale looming, the 118’s facing a mass casualty event that’ll test their strength without Bobby.
Why It Matters
9-1-1’s ratings win shows its knack for blending heart and chaos. Bobby’s sacrifice—dying from a super-strain of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever to save Chimney—honors the real risks first responders face, as Krause noted. The 9.18 million viewers for “The Last Alarm” outpaces the season’s average of 8.98 million, and its streaming numbers highlight how 9-1-1 thrives across platforms. Even with fan backlash, the show’s ability to pull these numbers proves it’s still a powerhouse.