Why Oliver Stark Supports ‘9-1-1’ Not Naming New Captain (Exclusive)

9-1-1 fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out who the new Station 118 captain is following the shocking death of Bobby Nash (Peter Krause).

Oliver Stark told PEOPLE on the red carpet at the Disney 2025 Upfront presentation in New York on Tuesday, May 13 that a new chief won’t be revealed by the end of the ABC series’ eight season.

“The chair will be empty come the end of the season,” the 33-year-old actor — who plays Evan “Buck” Buckley on the show — explained. “Which I think is wise because it gives some time to let the dust settle and let the chips land where they may and and you know, let these people grieve and then we can start to see what the future will look like.”

When asked who should become the next chief of Station 118, Stark joked, “Ravi. No, definitely not Ravi,” referring to Anirudh Pisharody’s character.

Instead, he suggested that Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi) and Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds) might be better fits for the job.

“I think Chimney would be the next choice, experience wise, skill wise, leadership ability wise, and just overall good person wise,” he said. “If not Hen, my vote goes to Chimney.”

On the April 17 episode of 9-1-1, Bobby sacrificed himself by using the final antidote for the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever to save Chimney (Kenneth Choi). 

Krause, 59, explained the shocking death in a statement to Variety, calling the move “more than a bold creative choice on a bold show.” 

“Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day,” the actor explained at the time. “His story arc honors them.”

Krause’s costar Angela Bassett, who plays Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash and Bobby’s wife on the show, told PEOPLE at the 2025 Met Gala earlier this month that she is still coming to terms with the loss.

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“I’m in mourning,” she admitted. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. It wasn’t my choice. I don’t know.”

She then offered an encouraging message to fans: “Keep hope alive. Maybe he’ll return in my dreams, you know, my memories.”

She also shared a tribute to Krause on Instagram following his departure alongside a photo of their two hugging.

“For eight seasons, this kind, funny, compassionate, talented actor became not only my trusted colleague, but also a dear friend. #peterkrause as #bobbynash helped to introduce @911onabc to the homes and hearts of fans around the world. I know this is hard for all of you. It’s hard for us, too,” Bassett wrote.

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New episodes of 9-1-1 premiere Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.