9-1-1: Lone Star is back with a bang. The fifth installment of the series will showcase Captain Strand, Vega, and 126 others facing a dangerous deadly train derailment. As viewers gear up for the intriguing storyline, one concern remains – the absence of Grace Ryder, played by Sierra McClain, who left the show before Season 5. So, why did Sierra McClain’s Grace Ryder leave 911 Lone Star and will she return?
Here is everything you need to know about the character’s absence from the series.
Why did Sierra McClain’s Grace Ryder leave 9-1-1: Lone Star before season 5?
As of now, there is no proper reason stated as to why did Sierra McClain leave 911: Lone Star before Season 5.
As per Deadline, the series has been facing troubles leading to the cast’s two unsuccessful attempts at contract renegotiations. In the second and final attempt, the actors were given some extra compensation, described as bonuses. However, things did not seem to work out between the studio and McClain. She was offered the bonus as well but she ended up parting ways from the studio.
Recently, co-showrunner and executive producer Rashad Raisani opened up on McClain exit’s in an interview with ScreenRant. He stated:
”Yeah, unfortunately, she departed before we rolled any cameras. We didn’t have access to her at all, as much as we tried.”
While the showrunner did not state the exact reason behind the actor’s exit, McClain has yet to explain her side of the story.
Will Sierra McClain’s Grace Ryder return to 9-1-1: Lone Star?
Sierra McClain’s return as Grace Ryder is unlikely as 9-1-1: Lone Star is ending with the fifth season.
The actors were already under the assumption last year that the spin-off series was ending with Season 5, as per the above-mentioned Deadline report. This led to the cast renogitian drama which probably resulted in the exit of McClain. Recently, Fox TV Network President Michael Thorn confirmed the show’s conclusion with the news outlet. This further shattered hopes for the actor’s comeback in future installments.
While Sierra McClain has stepped away from the series, the makers are yet to give a proper ending to her character. In Entertainment Weekly‘s sneak peek for Season 5, Grace’s husband Judd wishes to take a picture of his family for Grace while she is off doing the “Lord’s work.” This indicates the couple is still together and only time will tell what’s in store for Grace’s character.
To catch these developments, watch 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 on Fox and Hulu.
