“9-1-1″ is one of the most outrageously fun shows on TV right now, and though it’s one of many first responder shows currently airing, nothing beats “9-1-1” when it comes to over-the-top disasters and big emotions. Indeed, we love the show’s entertainingly unrealistic emergencies just as much as we love its focus on the wholesome found family of Station 118.
The audacious procedural — created by Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Brad Falchuk — is in the midst of its 10th season, with no signs of slowing down (though the city of Los Angeles might be tired of a new doomsday-esque catastrophe every year). If those 100+ episodes of firefighting drama — and two spinoffs — aren’t enough for you, we’ve got you thrill-seekers covered. Here’s a handful of shows that will remind you of “9-1-1” while bringing a new set of emergencies to the table. If you love experiencing an adrenaline rush (and the occasional tear-fest) from the comfort of your couch, these series are for you.
Chicago Fire
Though Dick Wolf didn’t create “Chicago Fire” with franchise aspirations, it has since evolved into a Chicago-based universe looking at different groups of first responders (and a few lawyers). Still, “Chicago Fire” remains the best “One Chicago” TV show, and it’s one of the most solid firefighter shows we’ve seen. As in “9-1-1,” the firefighters and paramedics at Firehouse 51 in “Chicago Fire” are like a family, and their bond is the show’s emotional anchor.
Plot-wise, the series centers the emergencies above all else (though later seasons have become a bit more melodramatic when it comes to interpersonal issues), and focuses on the gritty, dangerous work of firefighting. Despite the peril the protagonists find themselves in on a daily basis — and indeed, no one is safe from grievous injury or death on this show — “Chicago Fire” transmits a message of hope and resilience, balancing the heartbreak with plenty of heartwarming moments.
SkyMed
If you like the silliness of “9-1-1” and the general sense of optimism it portrays, you may really dig “SkyMed,” a Canadian series about a group of young, attractive nurses and pilots saving lives in rural Manitoba. These strapping heroes are a diverse crew, featuring Indigenous actors, LGBTQ characters, and a focus on mental health issues.
Though “SkyMed” adheres to the classic tropes of the first responder drama in many ways, the air ambulance concept and the gorgeous landscapes give it some added appeal. Plus, an interest in issues facing First Nations communities gives the show a unique perspective not often found in procedurals like this.
“SkyMed” is certainly soapy — one fan on Reddit described it as “Canadian Baywatch” — but the charming cast, dishy drama, and exciting rescues make for a great escapist watch. Fans of “9-1-1” are no stranger to cheese, and “SkyMed” almost feels like it could be a Canadian spinoff of Ryan Murphy’s emergency-based universe.
Station 19
As a “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff, “Station 19” transplants the familiar structure of the medical drama to a Seattle firehouse. The link between the two shows is Ben Warren (Jason George), a former surgical resident — and husband of Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) — who decides to switch careers and become a firefighter. The show follows Jaina Lee Ortiz’s Andy Herrera, who steps up as captain after her father has a close call. Unfortunately, she has to share the job with Jack Gibson (Grey Damon), her former flame.
The show improves as it goes on, and the crossover characters actually help flesh out the narrative. One of the highlights of “Station 19” is the relationship between serious-minded firefighter Maya Bishop (Danielle Savre) and charming — and very Italian — OB-GYN Carina DeLuca (Stefania Spampinato). Like “Grey’s Anatomy,” the show focuses on the personal lives of the characters at least as much as their workplace exploits, and the writing centers their growth as people.
Third Watch
Though it’s one of the best firefighter shows of all time, “Third Watch” has largely fallen out of the conversation in the decades since it premiered. Created by “ER” producer John Wells and former Chicago night shift police officer Edward Allen Bernero, “Third Watch” follows first responders in New York City who work from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., also known as the titular third watch. Though not technically a spinoff of “ER,” Chicago doc Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) does appear in one episode.
“Third Watch” features an ensemble cast and, like “9-1-1,” integrates different first responder jobs into one show. The show follows police officers, firefighters, and paramedics at neighboring police and fire stations. All of their stories are woven together, and their different perspectives offer a compelling take on the many social ills facing New York City.
Like “The Pitt,” another show from Wells, “Third Watch” depicts a fast-paced, high-stress environment and focuses on the emotional fallout these jobs can have. A great cast, which includes Michael Beach, Kim Raver, Bobby Cannavale, Eddie Cibrian, Molly Price, and Jason Wiles, elevates the material.
Fire Country
“Fire Country” is ultimately a show about redemption, something the characters on “9-1-1” can relate to. In “9-1-1,” Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) dedicates much of his work life to redemption, and Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark) spends a lot of time trying to prove his worth as well. Max Thieriot, who co-created “Fire Country,” plays Bode Leone, an incarcerated man who volunteers as a firefighter in California in order to lighten his sentence. He’s sent to work in his hometown, confronting his past and working alongside fellow inmates and former friends.
The incarceration narrative differentiates “Fire Country” from other first responder shows and spotlights a fascinating — if troubling — real-life practice. The firefighting scenes are stunningly realistic, and their spectacle is enough to keep the viewer hooked. Bode is a compelling enough protagonist, but the show excels when it expands beyond his limited perspective and considers the stories of his fellow volunteer firefighters. It’s now spawned a franchise, with the Morena Baccarin-led “Sheriff Country” as its first spinoff.
