Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for 9-1-1.Jennifer Love Hewitt is an integral part of9-1-1, but the actress just made an announcement that could put Maddie’s role in jeopardy. Maddie has had very little development leading up toepisode 9 in9-1-1season 8, but the few storylines she’s been a part of have been memorable. Though she has mostly supported other characters throughout the first half of9-1-1season 8, Maddie revealed one major arc for herself in the first batch of episodes: a second pregnancy. However, the show may now have to push that story to9-1-1season 9.
While characters have exited9-1-1in the past, none have been as instrumental to the plot as Maddie is. Jennifer Love Hewitt assumed the main dispatcher role in9-1-1season 2 and has been present in every season since (only missing a few episodes aside from her9-1-1season 5 break). Maddie is the connecting piece for the main cast, as Buck’s (Oliver Stark) sister, Chimney’s (Kenneth Choi) wife, and the voice of LA Dispatch Center. Maddie’s absence would be felt,but it may be necessarydue to Jennifer Love Hewitt’s new (and old) role.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Is Confirmed To Return In The I Know What You Did Last Summer Movie
She Will Reprise Her Iconic 1997 Role
Ever since 2025’sI Know What You Did Last Summerwas announced, fans have wondered which actors from the original film, if any, would appear. Both previous sequels to the 1997 slasher garnered negative reviews, but the new movie has viewers cautiously optimistic. Their hope was not unfounded, asJennifer Love Hewitt has confirmed her return to the reboot: Love Hewitt will return as Julie James.Julie James was the role that solidified Love Hewitt as a scream queen, with horror fanatics remembering her as an iconic final girl. Love Hewitt’s return is a major development in the movie’s favor.
Love Hewitt’s original co-star, Freddie Prinze Jr., will also return for the 2025 reboot.
However, reprising one role means Love Hewitt may have to postpone another.I Know What You Did Last Summerannounced the start of its production on December 3, while Jennifer Love Hewitt officially confirmed her involvement on June 23, 2025. With9-1-1on its winter hiatus to complete the second batch of episodes for season 8, it’s possiblescheduling conflicts could arise and prevent Maddie from appearingin every episode. The promo for9-1-1season 8, episode 9 reveals a dramatic plot in the midseason premiere, but it suggests a more permanent absence for Maddie in themodern procedural show.
How 9-1-1 Season 8 Can Explain Maddie’s Potential Absence
The Actress Has Missed Episodes Before
Despite the teaser revealing that Maddie will be kidnapped by a serial killer,the ABC procedural has never killed off a main characterin its nearly seven-year history. There’s very little chance9-1-1breaks that pattern with the pregnant, fan-favorite dispatcher. Plus, with Ryan Guzman’sEddie already potentially leaving9-1-1season 8, it would be difficult for the first responder drama to offer a serious reason for Maddie’s absence within the narrative. IfI Know What You Did Last Summerprevents Jennifer Love Hewitt from appearing on set for9-1-1, there will have to be a more creative explanation.
9-1-1 Season 8’s Ignored Team-Up Is The Key To Buck’s Healing
When 9-1-1 season 8 returns, there’s one pair that the ABC first responder procedural needs to remember for the sake of Buck’s character.
Still,there are casual ways for9-1-1to explain a potential absence.Once Maddie survives her abduction, she may take an extended vacation with Chimney and their daughter, Jee-Yun. One of9-1-1’s intense disasterscould hit and leave her isolated from the main action. Her parents might call Maddie and Buck back to Pennsylvania, or she could be going somewhere special for prenatal care. Simplest of all,9-1-1could focus storylines on other characters without Maddie being necessary to the plot. It would be for the best. Julie James and Maddie Buckley are two ofJennifer Love Hewitt’s best roles, and both deserve her full attention.
9-1-1returns Thursday, March 6 on ABC.
9-1-1
9-1-1 is a television series that explores the intense experiences of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Premiered in 2018, it follows these emergency responders as they navigate high-pressure situations and attempt to balance their demanding work with personal challenges in their own lives.
