You don't have to be a 911 fan to know that Buck and Eddie - or "Buddie" - is one of the most popular pairings on all of television. That's pretty impressive since they aren't actually together (yet), and that minor detail hasn't stopped fans from "shipping" the two firefighters since they first crossed paths in the show back in season 2.
Although it seems that the show is adamant that the two are just friends, there have been some references to what could be throughout its run. Buck and Eddie are co-parents to Eddie's son Christopher (remember how that one elf told them they had an adorable son?), Buck recently discovered that he is bisexual, and he has been living in Eddie's house this year. The show itself has even acknowledged the idea of Buck being "in love with Eddie" in the most recent season.
With all of that in mind, could Buddie finally become canon in 911 season 9? It's possible, but the most recent update isn't the most hopeful.
Oliver Stark and Ryan Guzman talk "Buddie" in 911 season 9
911 stars Oliver Stark and Ryan Guzman recently spoke to Deadline at the Disney and ABC Upfronts to tease what fans can expect from the show's upcoming ninth season - one that promises to be very different for the show. As it always does, the subject of "Buddie" came up, and both actors addressed whether it might happen in season 9 or beyond.
Stark, who plays Evan "Buck" Buckley on the show opened up about how he hopes that, if the show were to have the characters get together it would be in a way that wouldn't just be for fanservice. He acknowledges that it will obviously serve the fans if it does happen, but adds that he hopes it would serve the story too:
"I hope, if it goes there, it’s done because that’s the right story to tell and that’s the right progression for the characters.”
The actor would definitely be up for the storyline, but he adds that he hopes "it’s not a case of giving in as much as that’s the natural progression for the story".
For Guzman (who plays Eddie Diaz), he can see why the fans have become so connected to Buck and Eddie's relationship and the possibility of whether they become more or not, but that they already have "something so genuine" as it is.
"I think we have something so genuine with what we’ve already established. And I think Oliver’s character has said it multiple times. It’s like, why can’t we just be friends, brothers. I think right now it stands as it is."
There is no doubt about it that Buck and Eddie have a strong, healthy friendship, but fans have argued that if a man and a woman had the type of chemistry that they had, they would have ended up in a relationship years ago. Even those who haven't watched the show have seen some of the Buddie scenes out of context (the kitchen scene in season 3, perhaps?) and, well, they can see the vision.
Both Buck and Eddie have been through a lot in 911 season 8. Eddie moved to Texas to be with his son, separating the two for much of the season. Then, everything fell apart for the whole 118 as their beloved fire captain, Bobby Nash, died while saving his fellow firefighters.
With the show's season 8 finale upon us, fans are already looking ahead to 911 season 9 and, once again, wondering if "Buddie" is happening. Although Stark and Guzman's comments suggest that their friendship will remain strong, fans are still hoping that a romantic relationship may be on the horizon.