Fans of Virgin River have reason to celebrate and gasp at the same time. Tim Matheson, the beloved actor who has charmed audiences as Vernon “Doc” Mullins in Netflix’s small-town drama,
is heading to a very different frontier: ABC’s upcoming 9-1-1 spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville. Known for bringing warmth, wisdom, and heart to Virgin River, Matheson is about to step into a role that is bold,
ruthless, and entirely unexpected.
9-1-1: Nashville – A Fresh Spin on the Franchise
Set to premiere on Thursday, October 9, 2025, 9-1-1: Nashville continues the highly successful 9-1-1 franchise, showcasing the heroic—and often heart-wrenching—work of first responders in the Music City. Fans are already familiar with core cast members like Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, LeAnn Rimes, and Kimberly Paisley, whose characters will tackle emergencies ranging from fires and medical crises to complex personal stories that blend suspense and drama.
However, ABC has kept a few casting cards close to its chest, teasing additional actors joining the series, and the latest reveal has fans buzzing across social media.
Tim Matheson Joins the Nashville Scene
On August 15, 2025, Deadline confirmed that Tim Matheson would join 9-1-1: Nashville in a recurring role. But this isn’t just a cameo; he will play a character named Edward, described as a man of “Southern old money” who is utterly ruthless. This is a striking departure from the warm-hearted, fatherly Doc Mullins fans have adored in Virgin River.
The announcement instantly made waves online, with social media lighting up with reactions ranging from disbelief to sheer excitement. Fans who’ve followed Matheson’s work for decades were thrilled to see him step into a darker, edgier role while maintaining the charisma that makes him such a magnetic presence on screen.
“Omg it’s Doc!!! Does Hope know about this?? I love him on Virgin River! ,” one fan wrote on Instagram. Another chimed in, “Congrats, Tim! I was already planning on watching the show, but now I am even more excited!” Clearly, viewers are eager to see how Matheson transforms from small-town healer to Southern power player in a city brimming with tension and drama.
A Character Unlike Any Other
Edward, Matheson’s new character, promises to be a layered and compelling addition to 9-1-1: Nashville. Described as ruthless, cunning, and influential, Edward is a figure who wields both social clout and financial power, navigating Nashville’s elite circles with precision. Unlike Doc, whose wisdom and empathy define him, Edward’s moral compass is far murkier.
This role provides Matheson with a unique opportunity to showcase a different side of his acting range, one that is more calculating and intense. Fans can expect Edward to create tension, conflict, and perhaps even danger for the series’ first responders, adding a new layer of intrigue to the premiere season.
The Timing Is Perfect
Interestingly, Matheson’s involvement in 9-1-1: Nashville comes just as Virgin River wraps up filming for Season 7. Reports confirm that Matheson has already completed his “final scene” as Doc Mullins, a moment that marks the end of an era for fans who have followed the town’s twists, turns, and tender moments over multiple seasons.
The timing of his move to Nashville couldn’t be better: fans are hungry for new content, and Matheson’s shift from the cozy cabins and riverbanks of Virgin River to the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of a first-responder drama is perfectly poised to capture attention.
Fan Excitement and Social Media Buzz
Reactions online demonstrate just how invested audiences are in Matheson’s career trajectory. From Instagram to Twitter, fans expressed both shock and delight. Many speculated about how his Virgin River persona might inform his new role, while others simply expressed excitement about seeing a familiar face in a fresh, thrilling context.
“Great news! Love him—he’s a fantastic actor,” one user commented, highlighting the respect Matheson has earned over decades. Fans are also eager to see how Edward’s ruthless nature will play off the series’ established heroes, creating dramatic tension that could shape the first season’s overarching storylines.
9-1-1: Nashville’s Star-Studded Launch
Tim Matheson is not the only high-profile addition to the series. Country music superstar Kane Brown is set to guest-star in the premiere, coinciding with a music performance that will underscore the show’s Nashville setting. This blend of established actors, music icons, and fresh faces aims to position the series as both a thrilling drama and a cultural showcase of the city itself.
The series promises an ensemble cast dynamic, with the first responders’ personal and professional lives intertwining with Edward’s machinations. Matheson’s character is poised to be a catalyst for conflict, shaking up both the narrative and the established hierarchy in Nashville.
What This Means for Virgin River Fans
For viewers who have spent years following Doc Mullins, seeing Matheson in such a contrasting role is both a treat and a test. The warmth, humor, and gravitas he brought to Virgin River will now be replaced by a cool, calculating demeanor, giving audiences the chance to witness the full spectrum of his talent.
Moreover, this transition keeps fans engaged with both Virgin River and 9-1-1: Nashville, especially as the release of Virgin River Season 7 on Netflix approaches. Matheson’s involvement in a new high-profile show adds an extra layer of excitement for his fanbase, keeping his work in the spotlight.
The Challenge and the Opportunity
Playing Edward will require Matheson to explore the darker corners of human nature, a challenge that promises to elevate 9-1-1: Nashville beyond procedural storytelling. His ability to create tension, command a scene, and portray nuanced authority figures makes him a natural fit for this kind of role.
Fans can anticipate Edward to be a foil for the series’ heroic responders, providing both conflict and intrigue, while showcasing Tim Matheson’s versatility. It’s a career-defining moment that not only broadens his repertoire but also reinforces why he remains a respected figure in television.
Looking Ahead
With the premiere set for October 9, 2025, excitement continues to build. Matheson’s arrival, combined with the show’s musical and cultural elements, promises a dynamic debut season that balances tension, drama, and character-driven storytelling. Viewers will likely watch closely to see how Edward’s presence disrupts the lives of Nashville’s first responders and impacts the city’s narrative landscape.
For Virgin River fans, the transition is bittersweet: bidding farewell to Doc Mullins, even temporarily, is difficult, but the chance to see Tim Matheson embrace an entirely new persona is undeniably thrilling.
Conclusion
Tim Matheson’s leap from Virgin River to 9-1-1: Nashville is one of the most surprising casting announcements of the year. As Doc Mullins, he was a source of heart, humor, and guidance. As Edward, he will be ruthless, commanding, and enigmatic, challenging both the first responders and viewers’ expectations.
With the series’ premiere just around the corner and the first glimpses of Edward already stirring conversation, 9-1-1: Nashville promises to be a gripping addition to the franchise—and a thrilling new chapter in Tim Matheson’s storied career. Fans can look forward to a season filled with tension, intrigue, and a fresh perspective on heroism, all while watching one of television’s most versatile actors shine in an entirely unexpected role.
Whether you’re following him from Virgin River or discovering him anew in Nashville, Tim Matheson’s presence guarantees that the show will command attention, spark conversation, and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
