9-1-1 Cast Exits Ranked: Is There Any Doubt Who's No. 1?

Parting is such sweet sorrow, and 9-1-1 fans are feeling pretty darn sorrowful right about now.

In the wake of the ABC procedural's latest shocking departure (R.I.P., Bobby!), TVLine is taking a look back at all of the major characters we've said goodbye to over the years, both on 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star.

The 9-1-1 franchise has a better track record than some other network procedurals when it comes to cast turnover, but we've still lost eight series regulars over the course of the shows' combined 13 seasons, only a few of whom have made guest appearances since their exits.

For the purposes of this list, I'm only including series regulars, so don't expect to see any recurring favorites, beloved as they may be.

Read on for our ranking of the characters whose absences left the biggest void on their respective show, then drop a comment with your own top pick — though I have a feeling I already know who it'll be.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1 Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "Outside Looking In" (9-1-1 Season 5, Episode 11)

During his time as a series regular on 9-1-1, Michael and Athena's son found himself at the center of several memorable moments, from his own kidnapping (remember that?!) to the time a white police officer pointed his gun at him after pulling Michael over. When Harry reappeared in Season 7, now played by Elijah M. Cooper, I had high hopes for the character's return to Athena's world... until that new actor scored a series-regular gig on Disney+'s Goosebumps. At least he's been able to occasionally guest-star alongside his sister. Like most mothers after their kids leave the house, I'll settle for any visits we can get.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "Austin, We Have a Problem" (9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1, Episode 10)

So much happened after Tyler's character drove off into the Austin sunset, it's kind of easy to forget about Michelle's existence entirely. It certainly didn't help that Gina Torres, whose character was introduced as Michelle's replacement in Season 2, delivered a considerably more captivating performance from the moment she appeared on camera.

First Episode: "Seize the Day" (9-1-1 Season 3, Episode 11)

Last Episode: "In Another Life" (9-1-1 Season 6, Episode 11)

Albert is a tricky case. I'm always happy to see John Harlan Kim on our screen, but Chimney's younger half-brother never seemed to stick around long enough to carve a true place for himself — even after Kim was promoted to series regular in Season 4 — which lessened the impact of his full-time departure. I was hoping he'd visit for Chimney and Maddie's wedding, but no dice.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1 Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "Defend in Place" (9-1-1 Season 5, Episode 8)

There was a time when I thought Michael and his surgeon husband might be the catalyst for a 9-1-1 spinoff — a medical drama, perhaps one co-starring then-student Hen? But I digress. Michael's sudden relocation to Haiti in Season 5, which came as the result of a behind-the-scenes dispute between Dunbar and 20th Television over COVID vaccine mandates, felt noticeably abrupt. Though he's been mentioned several times on the show since, it would be nice to see him again someday.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1 Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "All Fall Down" (9-1-1 Season 7, Episode 10)

Athena and Michael's daughter spent four seasons as a series regular, which included a memorable stint in the call center. While we fully support her decision to leave the nest and pursue an education, we do miss seeing her as part of the team. We'll just have to settle for occasional guest spots now.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1 Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "What's Next?" (9-1-1 Season 3, Episode 18)

Buck and Abby's courtship was among the highlights of 9-1-1's first season. Their dynamic was one not often seen on network TV, and the arc of their relationship was deeply satisfying. When Connie Britton's exit was announced ahead of Season 2, we couldn't imagine how the should continue without her. Fortunately, the arrivals of Eddie and Maddie kept Buck plenty busy and helped to make Abby's exit less jarring. By the time Britton reprised her role for a guest appearance in the third season finale, Buck had completely moved on from what they shared — and so had we.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "In Sickness and In Health" (9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4, Episode 18)

Grace wasn't just Judd's better half, she was his much better half. She was Tommy's best friend, Charlie's mom and a badass dispatcher. She had a full, busy life. So short of killing her off, which the producers decided early on was not the appropriate way to go, we couldn't imagine a satisfying explanation for why she would leave her entire life behind on a whim. The writers wisely leaned into Grace's faith, sending her off on a Mercy Ship to do God's work internationally, but it still didn't sit right with me — and I'm not sure any reason would.

First Episode: "Pilot" (9-1-1 Season 1, Episode 1)

Last Episode: "Lab Rats" (9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 15)

Oh, did you really expect to see a different character at the top of this list? Robert Wade Nash, aka Bobby, was the heart and soul — and basically every other vital organ — of the 118. His leaked-yet-still-shocking death in 9-1-1's eighth season wasn't just the most devastating on-screen loss in the franchise's history, it was also one of the most heartbreaking deaths on television. Period. His absence will loom large for seasons to come, if not for the remainder of the series, and no new character could ever fill the void that he has left behind.

Rest well, king.