The Ultimate Buddie Breakdown: 5 Reasons Why Eddie And Buck Still Haven't Gotten Together In 9-1-1 Season 9

The question of whether Evan "Buck" Buckley and Eddie Diaz will finally transition from soulmates and co-parents to an official romantic couple—a pairing affectionately dubbed "Buddie" by fans—remains the most persistent and passionately debated topic in the 9-1-1 fandom. As of the current date in December 2025, the latest news and storyline developments surrounding the highly anticipated Season 9 continue to fuel the "slow burn" narrative, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with every shared look and emotional moment.

The relationship between the two firefighters of the 118 is arguably the emotional core of the series, transcending typical television friendships. While the subtext is undeniable and the fan clamor is louder than ever, the show has consistently found reasons to keep them apart, a narrative choice that both frustrates and enthralls the dedicated audience.

The Buddie Biography: An Evolution of a Found Family

The dynamic between Buck (Oliver Stark) and Eddie (Ryan Guzman) began as a rivalry and quickly blossomed into a profound, life-altering partnership. Their journey is marked by shared trauma, deep vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to each other and Eddie’s son, Christopher Diaz.

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• Evan "Buck" Buckley (Oliver Stark):
  • Role: Firefighter at Station 118.
  • Introduction: Season 1.
  • Key Relationships: Abby Clark, Taylor Kelly, Natalia.
  • Current Status: Best friend and co-parent to Christopher.
  • Character Arc: Overcoming emotional immaturity, finding his purpose, and embracing his role in the Diaz-Buckley "found family."
• Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman):
  • Role: Firefighter at Station 118, former Army medic.
  • Introduction: Season 2.
  • Key Relationships: Shannon Diaz (deceased wife), Ana Flores, Marisol.
  • Current Status: Single father to Christopher, best friend and emotional anchor for Buck.
  • Character Arc: Dealing with PTSD, grief over his wife, and learning to lean on his friends, culminating in naming Buck as Christopher’s legal guardian.
• The "Buddie" Timeline Highlights:
  • Season 2: Eddie's introduction; immediate rivalry and subsequent deep bond.
  • Season 3: Buck's emotional support during Eddie's grief; the famous "You're my family" line.
  • Season 4: Eddie names Buck as Christopher's legal guardian in the event of his death, solidifying their co-parenting unit.
  • Season 5: Eddie's emotional breakdown and subsequent return to the 118, heavily supported by Buck.
  • Season 8: Intense discussions about their relationship's nature and future, often leaving the door open to interpretation.

Why the Show Hasn't Committed to a Romantic Buddie Relationship Yet

Despite the undeniable chemistry and the constant fan pressure, the writers have consistently steered the relationship away from romance, often introducing new love interests for both characters. This strategy, while frustrating for "shippers," is rooted in several narrative and strategic decisions that define the current state of the 9-1-1 universe.

1. The Power of Platonic Soulmates and Found Family

The show has made a deliberate choice to portray Buck and Eddie as a unique form of "platonic soulmates." Their relationship is a powerful depiction of a non-traditional family unit—two men raising a child together without being romantically involved. The writers may feel that making them a couple would diminish the groundbreaking nature of their current dynamic, which serves as a powerful commentary on modern family structures and male vulnerability.

2. The "Slow Burn" Strategy for Longevity

In the world of television, a highly anticipated pairing can be a major source of audience engagement and ratings. The ambiguity surrounding Buddie is a massive draw. Some critics argue that the show is intentionally dragging out the "will they/won't they" tension because the moment they officially get together, a significant source of fan debate and curiosity is resolved. This "slow burn" keeps the storyline fresh and the fandom energized across multiple seasons.

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3. The Narrative Focus on Individual Growth

Both Buck and Eddie have significant individual arcs that are often tied to their romantic entanglements with other people. For example, Buck's journey in Season 9 is heavily focused on self-discovery and his evolving identity. The show often uses their outside relationships—like Eddie's dating life or Buck's "kinky" Season 9 storyline—as catalysts for them to realize what they truly need in a partner, which many fans believe will ultimately lead them back to each other.

What the Actors and Latest Season 9 News Reveal

The actors themselves, Oliver Stark (Buck) and Ryan Guzman (Eddie), are constantly asked about the "Buddie" potential, and their comments provide the most up-to-date insight into the show's direction.

Oliver Stark is Open to the Romance

In recent interviews, Oliver Stark has expressed that he is open to the possibility of a romantic relationship between the characters. He has acknowledged the massive fan support and the undeniable chemistry, suggesting that if the writers decide to go in that direction, he would embrace the storyline. This openness from a main cast member keeps the hope alive for a canonical "Buddie" endgame.

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Season 9's Ambiguity Continues

The storylines teased for Season 9, which premiered in the current television season, continue to deepen the emotional connection while maintaining a platonic label. The show is setting up a narrative where their bond is tested and strengthened, particularly through their shared responsibility for Christopher. This pattern suggests that while a romantic relationship isn't the immediate focus, the foundation for it is being built stronger than ever, leading some viewers to believe it is now a matter of "when, not if."

5 Key Reasons Why Buddie Could Still Become Canon in Future Seasons

Despite the current platonic status, the overwhelming evidence from the show's writing and the actors' perspectives suggests that a romantic pairing is still a very real possibility. The following factors are the most compelling arguments for "Buddie" becoming canon.

1. The Legal Guardian Plot: Eddie naming Buck as Christopher’s legal guardian is a commitment deeper than most romantic relationships. It signifies complete, unconditional trust and a shared future, which is often the precursor to a deeper bond in television drama.
2. Emotional Co-dependency: The characters consistently turn to each other during their most significant crises. Buck was the primary emotional support during Eddie's PTSD and his exit from the 118, and Eddie is Buck's emotional anchor during his self-discovery moments.
3. The Fan Pressure: The sheer volume and dedication of the "Buddie" fandom is a powerful force. While showrunners don't always give in to fan demands, the sustained popularity of this ship is a strong incentive for the show to deliver on the promise of their chemistry.
4. The Actor Endorsement: With Oliver Stark openly supporting the idea, the creative team has the necessary buy-in from the talent to execute the storyline authentically when the time is right.
5. The "Failing Buddie" Critique: There is a growing critique that the show is "failing Buddie" by using queer-baiting tactics—implying a romance without delivering. To avoid alienating a large segment of their audience, the show may eventually be forced to make a definitive choice, and the narrative has clearly set up the romantic possibility for years.

In conclusion, while Eddie and Buck are not officially dating as of the latest Season 9 updates, the relationship is far from over. It is a complex, deeply emotional, and foundational element of 9-1-1. The show is currently solidifying their bond as a family unit, which many fans believe is simply the necessary groundwork before the ultimate transition to a romantic partnership. The question is no longer "if," but rather when the writers will finally give in to the "Buddie" endgame.