Liv Tyler leaving 9-1-1: Lone Star ahead of season 2 due to COVID concerns

When the 9-1-1 spinoff 9-1-1: Lone Star returns for its second season, it will be without its leading lady. It has been announced that Liv Tyler, who plays Michelle Blake on the show, will not be returning for season two due to COVID-19 concerns. 

The exact concerns have to do with Tyler's transatlantic traveling schedule. The actress lives in London with her partner and children, including a five-year-old and a four-year-old. Tyler had been commuting between London and Los Angeles where 9-1-1: Lone Star films. Some intricate scheduling and her kids joining her in Los Angeles for shoots during vacations allowed Tyler to successfully go back-and-forth last season without being away from her children for long.

Should things subside with the pandemic, Tyler will have a role to go back to if she so desires. Even though her season one arc on Lone Star did wrap up with her character being reunited with her missing sister after searching for her throughout the season, showrunner Tim Minear is leaving it open for Tyler to return and her character will not be recast:

"What a thrill it was having a movie star of Liv Tyler’s stature to help us launch the first season of 911: Lone Star. We loved working with Liv and will be forever indebted to her for her haunting, powerful portrayal of Michelle Blake. While we were able to tell a complete chapter in Michelle’s story, as with Connie Britton on our mothership, we also feel like there are more stories to be told. The door here will always be open for a return.” 

The mention of Connie Britton is returning to the parent show of Lone Star, 9-1-1. Britton only signed a one-year deal to appear on the series and her story was wrapped up after the first season. Britton has returned to the series for short stints since her exit and the door is always open for her to return in some capacity. It appears a similar deal has been made with Tyler.

9-1-1: Lone Star features Rob Lowe as a New York firefighter that relocates to Austin, Texas with his son, where he works to save people's lives while trying to solve his own personal problems. To fill the void left by Tyler, Gina Torres will be stepping in as Paramedic Captain Tommy Vega. 9-1-1: Lone Star is tentatively slated to begin filming Season 2 on October 12, 2020.

Will YOU miss Liv Tyler on 9-1-1: Lone Star?