The hit drama 9-1-1 has played host to many gripping storylines since its debut, but few have ignited fan passion quite like the potential romance between Eddie Diaz and Evan “Buck” Buckley.
Over the years, social media users have poured their creativity into theorizing about a deeper connection between these two characters, affectionately nicknamed “Buddie.”
Recently, Ryan Guzman, who portrays Eddie Diaz, addressed the origins of this fan-fueled ship in an interview on the Zach Sang Show.
He credited the rapid growth of the Eddie and Buck fandom to casual, behind-the-scenes interactions that the audience picked up on and amplified.
He specifically joked that Oliver Stark, who plays Buck, “doesn’t know how to walk straight,” implying that Stark’s spontaneous shoulder bumps helped launch the ship.
Fans seized on these physical exchanges, running with the idea that each playful bump symbolized a budding attraction.
Guzman explained that while he tried to counteract some of Oliver’s improvised physicality, the repeated contact was undeniable, helping to fuel viewers’ imaginations.
Social media spaces erupted with speculation about whether Eddie and Buck might move from subtle clues to overt romance.
While the show’s writers have not fully committed to this coupling, fans point to each shared glance and close call as proof of an underlying bond.
The excitement reached new heights during 9-1-1’s 100th episode in 2024, when Evan “Buck” Buckley shared a kiss with a male firefighter named Tommy.
This scene became Buck’s first on-screen gay kiss, opening the door to further exploration of his sexuality.
According to cast interviews, Oliver Stark expressed a personal desire to continue dissecting Buck’s romantic identity, whether that includes potential same-sex relationships or a deeper dive into his inner struggles.
Though Eddie is currently portrayed as straight, some fans remain hopeful that the show will venture down the path of pairing him with Buck.
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They argue that beyond the comedic bumps and jokes, the two have formed a strong emotional connection on-screen, hinting at a potential shift that could become official in future episodes.
Guzman’s comments highlight the show’s active fanbase, which has demonstrated the power to influence conversations around the characters.
Fanfiction, fan art, and online discussions have flourished, spotlighting how a seemingly minor detail—like repeated shoulder bumps—can lead to an entire community devoted to the idea of a romance.
Some longtime viewers draw parallels to other beloved slow-burn ships, hoping that the 9-1-1 creative team will eventually validate their theories.
In the meantime, the cast, including Ryan Guzman, seems to enjoy the fan enthusiasm, acknowledging that a show’s audience can generate compelling narratives all on their own.
He noted that it is partly the fans’ passion that keeps the show’s momentum going, pushing both the actors and writers to engage with new possibilities.
While the future of Eddie and Buck remains a question mark, viewers keep one eye on each new development, analyzing every shared scene for subtext.
As 9-1-1 moves forward into subsequent storylines, the fandom stands ready to celebrate any sign that the beloved Buddie ship could become a reality.
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