Is Jennifer Love Hewitt leaving 9-1-1?

Is Jennifer Love Hewitt leaving 9-1-1 in Season 5? After that heartbreaking third episode this season, many are wondering, is Maddie leaving 9-1-1?

Hewitt’s character, the fan-favorite Maddie Buckley, has struggled with her mental health this season in the form of post-partum depression. At the conclusion of the show’s blackout arc, 9-1-1 Season 5, Episode 3, Maddie (spoiler alert!) made the heartbreaking decision to leave baby Jee-Yun at the firehouse with a video message for Chimney revealing that the baby is not safe with her right now.

What does that message mean for her future? What does it mean for Jennifer Love Hewitt’s presence on the show moving forward?

Is Jennifer Love Hewitt leaving 9-1-1?

We know for 100% certainty that Hewitt is taking some time off from the show. The writers foreshadowed her decision since Maddie quit her job as a dispatcher at the beginning of the season. Like her character, Hewitt recently gave birth. She just had her third baby, X and is taking maternity leave to spend time with her family.

But fans shouldn’t panic as showrunner Tim Minear told TVLine, “It’s a story that I don’t want to give short shrift to. It will end up creating a major complication.”

Furthermore, Hewitt also previously chatted with the same publication about her character and what it could mean for her future.

Next week’s episode will address the ramifications of Maddie’s decision regarding Jee-Yun as Bobby and Chimney’s friends rally around him with advice regarding Maddie’s sudden departure. Hewitt is credited as appearing in the next two episodes, although that doesn’t mean she will actually appear on-screen.

Series regulars are credited and paid for the entirety of the season even if they don’t show up in every episode. But the fact Hewitt’s credit is there likely means she will come back in the future.

What do you think about Maddie’s storyline this season? Are you hopeful that she will return later? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

9-1-1 Season 5 airs Monday nights at 8/7c on FOX.