One of the most talked-about storylines in 9-1-1 is Maddie Buckley’s (played by Jennifer
Love Hewitt) unexpected pregnancy. As Maddie and her husband, Chimney (played by
Kenneth Choi), navigate the ups and downs of starting a family, viewers couldn’t help but
be captivated by the emotional and dramatic twists this storyline brought. However, bringing this major life event to life on-screen came with its own set of challenges and creative decisions.
In this exclusive article, we’ll explore the behind-the-scenes process of how Maddie’s pregnancy arc was filmed, including the challenges, the special effects used, and the emotional journey for both the cast and crew. From costume adjustments to the intricacies of shooting pregnancy scenes, there’s a lot more that went into this storyline than meets the eye.
The Creative Decision: Bringing Maddie’s Pregnancy to Life
Maddie’s pregnancy storyline was not only a turning point for her character but also served as a significant emotional anchor for the show’s narrative. As a character who had previously faced trauma, Maddie’s journey to motherhood was one of self-discovery, love, and healing. The writers and producers of 9-1-1 carefully crafted this arc to reflect both her personal growth and her evolving relationship with Chimney.
The decision to include Maddie’s pregnancy was driven by the desire to explore deeper aspects of her character. Showrunner Tim Minear shared, “We wanted to take Maddie’s character in a direction that felt true to her journey, while also giving the fans a new emotional layer to connect with. The pregnancy was a natural next step, but we knew it had to be handled with care.”
Filming the Pregnancy: Costume Magic and Strategic Camera Work
Filming a pregnancy on television often requires creative solutions to make the scene as believable as possible—especially when the actress is not actually pregnant. Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays Maddie, was not pregnant in real life during the filming of this arc, so the 9-1-1 team employed a variety of techniques to make Maddie’s pregnancy look authentic.
One of the most significant aspects of this was the use of wardrobe and costume design. The costume department worked closely with Jennifer to design clothing that would highlight Maddie’s pregnancy, while still maintaining the character’s stylish and professional appearance. Strategically placed padding, designed to mimic a pregnancy bump, was used to create a realistic silhouette.
“We had to be really specific about the type of clothing we chose for Maddie,” says costume designer Laura Coman. “The goal was to make sure that everything felt natural and not overly exaggerated. The fabric had to stretch and move the right way, and we worked with Jennifer to ensure she felt comfortable and confident while wearing the pregnancy padding.”
Shooting the Pregnancy Scenes: Timing and Sensitivity
While wardrobe and camera techniques were crucial to making Maddie’s pregnancy believable, the timing of when to reveal the pregnancy to viewers also played an important role. The creative team took care to pace the storyline so that Maddie’s pregnancy evolved naturally, without feeling forced or rushed.
Shooting scenes involving Maddie’s pregnancy required an extra level of sensitivity, both for the cast and the crew. Since pregnancy is a deeply personal and emotional experience, the crew worked hard to create a supportive environment for Jennifer Love Hewitt. “The pregnancy scenes were very emotional,” shares Hewitt. “I wanted to make sure I portrayed Maddie’s journey as authentically as possible. The crew was incredibly supportive, and we took the time to get the right moments, both for the character and for me as an actor.”
The Role of Chimney: Navigating Parenthood Together
Maddie’s pregnancy wasn’t just a storyline about her—it was a pivotal moment for Chimney as well. As Maddie’s partner, Chimney had to navigate his own feelings about becoming a father. The writers worked to create a balanced narrative that showed both Maddie and Chimney’s growth as individuals and as a couple.
Kenneth Choi, who portrays Chimney, spoke about how the pregnancy storyline influenced his character’s journey. “Chimney’s reaction to becoming a father was one of shock and excitement, but also fear,” he says. “I think he was very much unsure at first, just like Maddie, but as the story unfolded, he started to embrace the idea of fatherhood.”
As Maddie’s pregnancy progressed on-screen, the couple’s journey became one of mutual support. Their conversations, filled with love and vulnerability, offered viewers a rare, intimate glimpse into their evolving dynamic. These moments, while lighthearted at times, were also filled with the kind of depth that made the storyline feel real and relatable.
