Guessing about friends’ romance: 9-1-1 Season 9: Oliver Stark opens to Buck-Eddie’s romance – Is the storyline of the “Friends” in the work?

As ABC’s hit drama 9-1-1 approached the conclusion of its emotionally thrilled season eight, lead actor Oliver Stark intensified growing speculation among fan speculation around the potential romantic arc between his character Buck and Ryan Guzman’s Eddie, the show called “Buddie” by dedicated audiences of the show. Stark marked an openness to the idea in a recent interview, noting that he decided to adopt a storyline “wherever” the writers decided to adopt a storyline.

Emotional turmoil lays the foundation for new directions

The penultimate episode of Season 8 puts the audience in a tragic battle with Captain Bobby Nash (played by Peter Krause), an event that triggers a shock wave through both the characters and the fan base.
After that, Buck and Eddie find themselves trapped in a tense exchange about Eddie’s potential transfer to El Paso, a conversation layered with the subtext of emotional vulnerability and long-term attraction.

Their complex dynamics, often praised for their intensity and chemistry, reignited the conversation between fans about the possibility that the relationship goes beyond friendship.

So far, the show has focused on the deep friendship of the duo, but many viewers want the romantic background to be classic.

Stark resolves the “friend” guess

Stark communicated with speculation while speaking at Sarah Gore of NBC New York and admitted his passion surrounding the relationship between Buck and Eddie. “Fans have definitely been very committed to this relationship and the followers are very intense,” he said. “I don’t know. I’m frustrated anywhere – listen, I’m just working here. I’ll go anyway.”

Stark stressed that the show strives to tell “enhanced but still real stories” about the first responder, and he would be willing to explore it if the romantic plot between Buck and Eddie fits into the framework.

The focus shifted after the shocking loss

Earlier this season, subtle narrative threads seem to be exploring more deeply for the bond between Buck and Eddie.

However, the storyline spins sharply after Bobby’s heroic death, shifting attention from personal relationships to the wider trauma that affects the 118 Firehouse team.

After this loss, the character development takes a more grim turn, pausing speculation about potential Bucks and Eddie’s romance.

Next week, the finale of Season 8 of 9-1-1 is scheduled, and it is not yet certain when the show will (or) revisit this emotional subplot.

After Bobby’s death, the future of fire-room leadership was also shrouded in another narrative thread that demanded a solution.

Wait until Season 9 for answers

Given the timing, fans may have to wait until Season 9 to see if the writers further research the “friends” dynamics or pursue alternative storylines.

The series host Tim Minear has remained silent about the specific character arc next season, causing viewers to speculate on the fate of the fire station and its central relationship.

Currently, 9-1-1 continues to play on Hulu, and the upcoming finale is ready to give viewers more questions than answers.

FAQ

9-1-1 Go back to Season 9?

In April 2025, the series renewed its ninth season.

Did Buck fall in love with Eddie?

“Fall in love with Eddie?” Buck echoed. McGrady replied, “That won’t be that crazy.” But Buck quickly refuted the idea, saying, “While everyone wants me to be hopelessly hung on my immediate best friend, it’s not true.”