Fox Doesn't Rule Out Connie Britton Returning to 9-1-1, but We Have Our Doubts

Connie Britton just can't seem to settle down on a show since draining an entire vineyard's worth of wine on the much beloved Friday Night Lights. The in-demand actress has dabbled in American Horror Story, did a stint on Nashville before deciding to leave, signed up for 9-1-1but is already apparently exiting that show, and will next be seen on Bravo's true-crime drama Dirty John.

However, Fox isn't totally ruling out a return of Britton to 9-1-1. Speaking about the casting change in Ryan Murphy's first-responder drama, where Britton's 9-1-1 call operator will essentially be replaced by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Fox chairman and CEO Gary Newman told reporters at the Television Critics Association summer press tour that Britton is welcome back at any time. It's up to her.

"[It] was always envisioned to be a one-year role. ... It wasn't a surprise she wasn't coming back," Newman said. "If Connie expressed interest and had time some time in the future, I know Ryan would be thrilled to bring her back to the show and use her again and hopefully they'll be some opportunities to do that."

Likewise, executive producer Tim Minear said he'd love to have her back, but didn't expound on the actual possibilities.

Britton's character Abby left the series, the country and her hunky sex-addicted firefighter Buck in the Season 1 finale in order to fulfill her late mother's dreams. Or something. It wasn't exactly the most elegant exit, to be honest.

Britton recently showed she's game to return to shows she already left. She popped back in for the Nashville finale in a flashback. But in that case, she was astronomically important to the series; 9-1-1 seemed to be less of a choice role for her and more of a stopgap and favor for her pal Ryan Murphy. If she does come back, we'd imagine it would be for a very quick visit. But who knows!?!?

9-1-1 returns for Season 2 Sunday, Sept. 23 at 8/7c.