911: Lone Star's 'launchpad' status for Rescue: Hi-Surf is worrying

911: Lone Star is being used as a launchpad for the new FOX show Rescue HI-Surf. Is this actually a sign of worry for fans of the drama?

Since its debut in 2020, the procedural has been a good spinoff of the hit drama, 911. It’s a similar setup, exploring the emergency responders in Houston, Texas, with Rob Lowe leading the team with some great storylines and wild stunts.

Like all network shows, season 5 was delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. It was also affected by the mothership 911 jumping to ABC. When FOX announced their post-strikes schedule, 911: Lone Star was confirmed as held back until the fall of 2024. 

It was a logical move as the show required a lot of work, and the network felt it was better to hold it off, even if it meant almost a year and a half between seasons 4 and 5. In Fox’s new schedule, 911: Lone Star will lead off Mondays before the new lifeguard drama Rescue HI-Surf. 

Speaking to Deadline, FOX Entertainment CEO Rob Wade talked of how the 12 episode season 5 is going to be used as the lead-in for HI-Surf.

"Lone Star was not on the schedule this year because of the strike, and we’re really looking forward to getting it back on in the fall. We are excited about the new season. We’re going to see how that goes as always, and then make decisions on that about the future of that franchise. But at the moment, we’re very focused on that being a launchpad for a new show, Rescue HI-Surf, we’re excited to have it on the schedule."

This has fans worried about the fate of Lone Star and that FOX seems more interested in its follow-up than continuing the drama. 

Why 911: Lone Star could be in trouble

911: Lone Star was already in a tricky position. While not as expensive as the mothership, it is a show with a high budget thanks to the large cast and the stunts, meaning it's a lot for FOX to handle. It’s also suffering without 911 as a lead-in, and the long delay since season 4 isn’t helping.

The series has always been in the shadow of the mothership 911, which is thriving in its new home at ABC. It not only has a bigger budget for flashier rescues but is deepening the character work and writing. With that show going on, FOX may be more resistant to continuing the spinoff. 

The show is trying to push season 5 with Rob Lowe speaking about a big three-part premiere involving a train crash. However, it’s in a tough spot with its budget as Fox is still recovering from lost revenue from the strikes. Season 5 is usually when actors start asking for more money and that can add to the network considering cutting it loose. 

FOX seems pretty high (no pun intended) on HI-Surf, which is already being compared to mega-hit Baywatch. Its mix of a Hawaii setting with a photogenic cast and thrilling rescues might appeal to viewers more than Lone Star does. That FOX gave it a large straight-to-series order shows that they have faith in its being a hit. 

It's a blunt but brutal truth of the TV business that a network would prefer a flashy new series over a longer one not doing as well in the ratings. If HI-Surf takes off more than Lone Star does, the ratings could spell doom for the latter.

When a network seems higher on one show than another, it’s a warning signal that the other show may be facing an end. There are hopes 911: Lone Star could continue with its audience but the fact it’s been positioned as a launchpad to a new show is a worrying concern that the end could be near for the procedural.

911: Lone Star season 5 premieres this fall on Fox.