Top seven 9-1-1: Lone Star characters, ranked

In the world of 9-1-1: Lone Star, sirens wail, fires rage, and life hangs by a thread. However, when it comes to the show's success, the credit goes to its phenomenally written characters, who truly make this high-octane drama sizzle. Set in Texas, 9-1-1: Lone Star isn’t just about the dramatic emergency rescues; it is about the people behind the uniforms, the beating hearts beneath the badges. Whether they're pulling survivors from burning buildings or navigating the messy landscapes of love, family, and identity, these characters remind us that heroes aren’t perfect; they're human too.

Right from the pilot episode, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be your average firehouse drama, with 9-1-1: Lone Star consistently upping the stakes every single season. The show balances breathtaking rescues with deep emotional beats, making space for powerful moments like Paul Strickland’s quiet strength, Marjan Marwani’s fierce bravery, and Grace Ryder’s soothing voice that can cut through even the worst disasters.

Who steals the spotlight? Who tugs at our heartstrings? And who simply owns every scene they’re in? Here we’ve ranked the top seven 9-1-1: Lone Star characters who have made us laugh, cry, and press "Next Episode" during our late-night 2 a.m. binge sessions. So buckle up, because just like a Lone Star rescue, this list is anything but predictable.

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Gina Torres as Tommy Vega in 9-1-1: Lone Star

When Gina Torres walked into the scene of 9-1-1: Lone Star as the paramedic captain Tommy Vega, she didn’t just join the firehouse team; she soon commanded it. Introduced at the beginning of Season 2, Vega brings a subdued sense of authority wrapped in a blanket of compassion. Her story isn’t just about racing to emergencies; it’s about juggling life as a widow, a mother to her young children, and a leader in a high-stakes profession.

What makes Tommy Vega so magnetic is her resilience. She’s not immune to breakdowns. In fact, some of the most powerful moments come when her fierce exterior cracks, revealing the raw, aching humanity beneath. The emotional depth and nuance Vega brings into the role is a devastating angle in a show about people whose entire mission is to save lives. However, what makes Tommy extraordinary is that she doesn’t let that truth paralyze her; instead, she keeps going, because she has to.

Her bond with her team is deeply maternal yet full of professional respect. She isn’t there to coddle them; she’s there to take the lead. Her friendship with Judd Ryder (Jim Parrack) provides some of the warmest, grounding moments on the show. Their banter is truly enjoyable, but it’s the quiet understanding between them that speaks volumes. Tommy Vega isn’t flashy, but an essential to 9-1-1: Lone Star, serving as a steady pulse in the chaos.

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Jim Parrack as Judd Ryder in 9-1-1: Lone Star

If 9-1-1: Lone Star had a heartbeat, it would be Judson Ryder. Played with gravitas and Texan charm by Jim Parrack, Judd is the soul of Station 126. He’s strong, down-to-earth, and has a classic cowboy edge. However, as we witness his endearing charm and slowly peel back the layers, we find that he's much more than that, and is a man who is deeply committed to his crew, his family, and his own principles.

Judd’s storyline is heavy with the weight of a brutal reality. After having survived the loss of his original firehouse brothers in a tragic rescue that had gone wrong, the incident scarred him for life and left him with survivor’s guilt that could drown a lesser man. e Him having to take therapy in order to cope with PTSD is some of the show’s rawest moments. Jim Parrack brings a subtle ache to Judd, balancing strength with deep emotional vulnerability.

His relationship with his wife, Grace (Sierra McClain), is one of the most grounded and genuine dynamics on the show. Whether he’s praying with her in the kitchen or rushing to her side to protect her at all costs, Judd shows us that masculinity isn’t about walls; it’s about showing up with your whole heart for the people you love.

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Brian Michael Smith as Paul Strickland in 9-1-1: Lone Star

Brian Michael Smith’s portrayal of Paul Strickland is nothing short of groundbreaking. Paul is a trans man navigating life with courage and kindness. After he is recruited to be a part of the new Firehouse 126, he uses his incredible observation skills and razor-sharp mind to save many lives in his firefighting job. In a series that thrives on action, Paul’s detective-like intuition sets him apart. He’s the one you’d want on your team, not just because of his physical strength, but because of his gift for observation.

Paul always solves a case quickly and precisely with the help of his heightened senses. However, it’s not just his skills that make Paul unforgettable, but his humanity. His fight for acceptance isn’t portrayed as something over-dramatic, and is instead woven seamlessly and organically into his life and relationships, showing that his identity is just a part of his larger story. One of Paul’s most emotional arcs comes when he grapples with the implications of his heart condition. Smith’s layered performance gives us a man who is both brave and human.

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Natacha Karam as Marjan Marwani in 9-1-1: Lone Star

There are those who are fearless, and then there’s Marjan Marwani. Played with electric energy by Natacha Karam, Marjan is a social media icon, and the 126’s adrenaline junkie in 9-1-1: Lone Star. Whether she’s speeding into danger on her motorcycle or leaping from rooftops, Marjan is the thrill ride of every rescue scene she’s in.

However, what truly solidifies Marjan’s place amongst the top seven is her unfaltering authenticity. She challenges stereotypes simply by existing as a hijab-wearing, rebellious, unapologetically bold, and charismatic woman. Her sense of friendship and brotherhood that she shares with Paul and TK, it is one of the show’s most endearing moments she faces public backlash on social media after a high-profile rescue, she doesn’t cave. Instead, she defiantly stands her ground and speaks out against discrimination. Karam brings to Marjan a fire that’s impossible to extinguish. She is unapologetically herself, incredibly cool, and a fantastic role model for many young women.

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Ronen Rubenstein as TK Strand in 9-1-1: Lone Star

Ronen Rubinstein’s TK Strand is the living embodiment of resilience. From the pilot episode, TK is introduced as Owen Strand’s (Rob Lowe) son, fresh out of rehab, trying to outrun his demons while living up to his father’s towering expectations. TK’s journey is messy, heartbreaking, but ultimately inspiring.

TK’s charm lies in his emotional honesty. He doesn’t have his life figured out and doesn't pretend to either. He faces his struggles with addiction, heartbreak, and near-death experiences with a rawness that makes him deeply relatable. After having survived a near-death experience, he tries to make of his second life, the second chance he has been given, and struggles with his purpose in the show for a long time.

TK's romance with Carlos Reyes (Rafael Silva) isn’t just a fan-favorite, but one of the best LGBTQ+ love stories on TV. Their chemistry is magnetic, their fights gut-wrenchingly real, and their moments of joy feel genuinely earned. When TK proposes to Carlos, it’s the culmination of years of growth, healing, and love. Rubinstein crafts TK with careful depth, making him impulsive, loving, flawed, and endlessly determined to be better than he was yesterday.

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Sierra McClain as Grace Ryder in 9-1-1: Lone Star

You may not always see Grace Ryder on the frontlines, but you can always hear her, and sometimes that’s even more powerful. Played by Sierra McClain, Grace is the voice behind the dispatch center, the person who calmly guides terrified callers, and the unsung hero who makes the rescues possible.

What elevates Grace from a background character to one of the most compelling characters in the series is her steadfast empathy. She treats every caller like they’re her own family, holding space for their panic while finding solutions in real-time. One of her most unforgettable moments comes when a woman calls, trapped in a sinking car, and Grace, through her sheer force of will and precision, coaches her to safety.

Grace’s strength is also beautifully mirrored in her marriage to Judd Ryder. They are easily one of the best-written couples in 9-1-1: Lone Star. They have survived Judd’s trauma, their own near-death experiences, and even the daunting challenge of becoming parents. Sierra McClain infuses Grace with such grace (pun intended) and subtle strength that she often steals scenes without ever stepping into the blaze herself. She’s the calm in the storm, and the one who proves you don’t need to wear a uniform to be a hero.

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Rafael Silva as Carlos Reyes in 9-1-1: Lone Star

Carlos Reyes, played by the effortlessly charismatic Rafael Silva, is a character who quietly grew to become a Lone Star fan-favorite. At first, Carlos might have seemed like just the charming Austin PD officer, the love interest to TK Strand (Ronen Rubinstein). However, the writers soon realised that Silva, with his incredibly layered performance, deserved longer screen time, and soon his role was being rewritten. This deepened his character, turning his narrative into one of the most compelling story arcs in the show.

At his core, Carlos is a fighter for justice, for the people he loves, and for his own identity. His romantic arc with TK is the beating heart of 9-1-1: Lone Star, a love story that doesn’t shy away from complexity. One moment they’re tenderly caring for each other, and the next, they’re clashing in gut-wrenching arguments about trust and the weight of their dangerous jobs. When TK is at his lowest, struggling with addiction and self-doubt, Carlos doesn’t walk away, but stands firmly beside him. Carlos’s relationship with his conservative family, especially his father, also adds rich layers to his character. It’s not a smooth dynamic, but Carlos keeps showing up and keeps on fighting to be seen and accepted as his true self.

Silva brings a quiet intensity to Carlos, making him both tough and tender at the same time. Whether he’s charging into a hostage situation or sitting on the couch with TK after a hard day, Carlos exudes authenticity. His growth from someone who compartmentalized his life to someone who now fully embraces love, pain, and family is one of the show’s most satisfying arcs.