Peter Krause Addresses 9-1-1 Exit and Premieres NBC Thriller Line of Fire

3 min read
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Peter Krause Addresses 9-1-1 Exit and Premieres NBC Thriller Line of Fire
Photo: The Hollywood Reporter
TL;DR

Peter Krause has returned to television as the lead in NBC's new action-thriller Line of Fire, premiering September 21. In a recent interview, he discussed his controversial departure from 9-1-1, where his character was killed off after eight seasons, and highlighted the family dynamics of his new role. The series, created by Joshua Safran and produced by Jenna Bush Hager, features a complex plot involving a law enforcement family and a secret regarding a presumed dead sibling.

Key points

  • Krause stars as Secret Service agent Mike Hollingsworth in Line of Fire, a series centered on a family working across various federal agencies.
  • The showrunner, Joshua Safran, confirmed that the series will not resurrect characters who die, maintaining a realistic tone for the thriller.
  • Krause acknowledged that the death of his 9-1-1 character, Bobby Nash, was a significant event for the cast and viewers, describing it as a 'bigger deal' than anticipated.
  • The premiere introduces a major twist where a character presumed dead is revealed to be alive, creating tension within the family unit.
  • Jenna Bush Hager serves as an executive producer, though she clarified that the show's plot does not reflect her personal life or experiences in the White House.

Background

Krause’s return to NBC follows his eight-season run on 9-1-1, which concluded in April 2025 with the death of his character, Bobby Nash. The series Line of Fire was previously covered as a potential hit for NBC, blending procedural elements with family drama, though early reviews noted plot complexity. This marks Krause’s first lead role in a new scripted series since his departure from the fire drama.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes Krause’s emotional connection to his 9-1-1 cast and the physical demands of that show, noting his relief at moving to a different genre. USA Today highlights the production details, including the involvement of Secret Service consultant Steve Hughes and the clarification that the show’s plot is not autobiographical for producer Jenna Bush Hager. TV Insider focuses on the narrative structure, specifically the premiere’s twist regarding a dead character and the showrunner’s commitment to realism. While THR and USA Today focus on the actor’s career and production logistics, TV Insider provides insight into the specific plot mechanics and character fates in the new series.

Why it matters

The launch of Line of Fire represents a significant move for NBC’s fall lineup, aiming to capture the audience that followed 9-1-1. Krause’s public discussion of his previous exit helps manage fan expectations and addresses the controversy surrounding the death of Bobby Nash. The show’s success will depend on its ability to balance procedural thriller elements with the emotional depth of family drama, a formula that has proven successful for other network dramas.

What to watch

Viewers can watch Line of Fire on Mondays at 10/9c on NBC, with episodes streaming on Peacock the following day. The series is currently in production, with Krause filming episode seven. Future episodes will likely explore the consequences of the premiere’s twist and the ongoing tension between Mike and Jane Hollingsworth.

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