Warning: SPOILERS ahead for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 8!9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear has addressed whether characters like Brad or Tommy could return in future episodes of the procedural series. 9-1-1 season 8 has seen the seemingly permanent exit of some important side characters as the story has developed. This includes Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.), who broke up with Buck (Oliver Stark) after learning he was still figuring out his sexuality, and Brad (Callum Blue), the lead actor of the in-universe show Hotshots. Their recent appearances in the last two episodes make it unclear if they’ll ever return.

https://screenrant.com/911-season-8-episode-8-brad-tommy-characters-return-showrunner-response/