starring Rob Lowe in May 2019. After five successful seasons on the air, Fox recently renewed 9-1-1 for its sixth season in May 2022.
Britton stars as 9-1-1 operator Abby Clark as the show kicks off season 1. As the series begins, it is apparent that Abby's relationship with firefighter Evan "Buck" Buckley (Stark) is paramount to the season. Their ultimate romantic connection aids in helping tame Buck's wild side, simultaneously allowing Abby to emerge from her shell after tending to her ailing mother. Nevertheless, as season 1 closes, Abby's mother es away, catalyzing Abby to embark on a path of self-discovery in Ireland. And as Abby sets out, Britton makes her exit from the show as well.
Speaking to Deadline, 9-1-1 showrunner Reidel discusses whether or not Britton will ever return to the show. After breaking down various series points, Reidel reveals that they can still feel Britton's absence and, although moving on to other projects, thinks the actress enjoyed partaking in the show's first season. Reidel also revealed that the door is always open for Britton to make a return should she ever decide to explore or wish to develop Abby's character further. Check out Reidel's exact comments on the topic below:
We miss Connie. I think she liked doing the season and then she moved on to other things. We would love to have her back if she is ever interested in doing that. I will never say never.
Beyond the storyline element, Britton's contract only lasted for one season, and the actress never intended to stick with the series for the long run. While the creators of 9-1-1 maintain Britton was not replaced, a void needed to be filled. Casting Love Hewitt as Buck's sister Maddie began to fill that void for the show. However, given Britton's connection to show creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear of American Horror Story, in which she has also starred, there is clearly an opportunity to reprise the role again on 9-1-1.
Although Britton briefly shows up in the final two episodes of season 3, it seems unlikely that Britton would return to the show again. Series co-creator Tim Minear has further corroborated this notion, revealing that he believes Abby's storyline in the show is complete. At the end of season 3, Abby returns to Los Angeles to bring closure to her relationship with Buck and reveal she is engaged to someone else. Nevertheless, with or without Britton in the starting lineup, 9-1-1 remains one of Fox's top drama series, easily ing the network's decision to renew for season 6.
Source: Deadline