ABC's beloved procedural 9-1-1 has returned for its tenth season, and it's already making a splash in the ratings. The premiere episode, which aired on October 15, kicked off a massive new emergency—a volcanic eruption threatening Los Angeles. The episode masterfully built tension as first responders and residents realized something was terribly wrong, setting the stage for a multi-episode crisis that has fans on the edge of their seats.
While shows in their tenth season are often seen as past their prime, 9-1-1 continues to defy expectations. The series has explored nearly every conceivable emergency, but viewers keep coming back for the found family at Station 118. The show's over-the-top disasters have made it a streaming favorite among younger audiences, and last season it averaged 7.9 million viewers with a 1.28 rating in the key demo—numbers that put it in the same league as ABC's other hits like High Potential and The Rookie.
Now, the ratings for the Season 10 premiere are in, and they're impressive. 9-1-1 was the most-watched drama of the night, outpacing all other shows on ABC and competing networks. It was only beaten by CBS's sitcom Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, which pulled in 4.9 million viewers compared to 9-1-1's 4.3 million. The drama also scored a 0.45 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, solidifying its status as a Thursday night staple.
Coming in third for the night was NBC's The Traitors: New Blood with 2.1 million viewers, followed by FOX's Hell's Kitchen with 1.44 million. Clearly, 9-1-1 remains a dominant force in the competitive Thursday night lineup.
What's Next for Station 118?
This week's episode, titled "Fire in the Hole," promises even more chaos as the volcano fully erupts, sending lava flowing through the streets of LA. Commuters are trapped in their vehicles, and first responders face the harrowing task of rescuing them while managing their own emotions. Meanwhile, Athena (Angela Bassett) finds herself trapped in a collapsed tunnel, where she encounters a familiar face. And with Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) now in charge after taking over from Sue (Debra Christofferson), she's forced to make tough decisions in the face of this unprecedented disaster.
Fans of the show can catch the new episode Thursday on ABC. For more on the series, check out our breakdown of Buck's parenting journey in the premiere. And if you're looking for other shows to binge, our list of greatest drama films might be just what you need.
With ratings like these, it's clear that 9-1-1 isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The show's blend of high-stakes emergencies and heartfelt character moments continues to resonate with audiences, proving that even after a decade, it still knows how to deliver must-see TV.
