Fox has not yet officially renewed Last Man Standing season 9 but there's hope here, given that the show continues generating solid ratings each episode. And despite the lack of renewal announcement, there are already stories that could play out in the next installment.
If ever renewed, Last Man Standing season 9 will probably address the real-life health crisis happening around the world right now. Speaking to TV Guide, showrunner and executive Kevin Abbott pointed out the possibility of the show tackling the COVID-19 issue once the new season arrives.
Abbott said the world has changed and everything they planned for Last Man Standing season 9 has gone out the window. Small businesses in the real world have been hit hard, so Outdoor Man and Bud's Buds could also be facing the same financial problems and other challenges as well.
Abbott noted the virus impacted the series, so there could be potential changes. Perhaps, they'll focus on the experience and what it feels like dealing with the situation. He said the Outdoor Man will face the repercussion of the economy, and how the lockdown affects outdoor equipment use.
Producers may want the Last Man Standing season 9 to address what's happening in the real world right not, given that the show takes place in present-day America. The COVID-19 would factor in moving forward, with series star Tim Allen saying: "We kind of have to."
But even though Last Man Standing season 9 will potentially address the COVID-19 pandemic, the story may not dwell on the events for a long period of time. Perhaps, the real world gest a little bit better once the new installment arrives.
Meanwhile, the new season will also follow other interesting stories. For instance, the relationship between Mike and his son-in-law Ryan could likely change. There are a lot of things to cover when it comes to them and it seems like the writers were invested in bridging the gap.
Their story could be a way to show how two people can change and evolve. Along the way, these two may be sympathetic towards each other and would understand where other people are coming from. They are completely different and had gone through different experiences.
Allen also said his character will learn something from Ryan, while the latter learns something from Mike as well. It's interesting to see how their relationship could further develop, and how they emerge as totally different people.
If the renewal goes through, Last Man Standing season 9 may likely arrive in early 2021.
