9-1-1has seen Eddie and Buck go from potential rivals to best friends, but a particular couch theory implies that they could still be more. Though Buck (Oliver Stark) has been with9-1-1since the beginning, Eddie (Ryan Guzman) only joined the 118 in season 2. Initially, Buck greeted him with jealousy and scorn. However, it didn’t take long for Eddie to win Buck over and become a welcome part of the 118 family. Now amongthe main cast of9-1-1season 8, Eddie and Buck are best friends that have been there for each other through thick and thin.
Couch Theory In 9-1-1 Explained
Couches Have Become Synonymous With Buck’s Relationships on 9-1-1
The aforementioned9-1-1theory comes courtesy of Buck’s history of couches and how they relate to his past relationships. It all began long afterConnie Britton left9-1-1for new projects, when Buck began dating local television reporter, Taylor Kelly. After some time, they made plans to move in together, which paved the way for Buck and Taylor to replace his couch with her own. Unfortunately, they ultimately split up, leaving Buck without a couch. Over time, however,Buck would go through several more new love interests,and with each new romance, came a new couch.
Why 9-1-1’s Best Crossover Special May Never Happen (& That’s For The Best)
Now that 9-1-1 airs on ABC, the possibility of crossing over with other shows has increased, but its best crossover opportunity likely won’t happen.
Buck attempted to rectify the trend by buying a chair,emphasizing his desire to be self-reliant and not get too deeply immersed in who he was dating. His parents ultimately stepped in, however. After one of hisworst9-1-1near-death experiences, his parents' purchase served as evidence of how far their own relationship had healed. But their chosen couch turned out to be one that Buck felt was uncomfortable and that he couldn’t fall asleep on while his extended family was visiting.
Buck promptly fell asleep — highlighting his immediate comfort on Eddie’s couch and, potentially, with Eddie himself.
That situation came to a head when he visited Eddie in frustration in9-1-1season 6, episode 12, “Recovery.” As Eddie fetched them beers, Buck fell asleep — highlighting his immediate comfort on Eddie’s couch and, potentially, with Eddie himself. That is certainly the way that many9-1-1fans interpreted the situation. That was especially true when Eddie’s son, Christopher, also fell asleep on the couch. Occurring under similar circumstances, in a position fitting right alongside Buck’s own, it spoke to the idea that they were a ready-made family waiting to happen, and that Eddie was “the one”
Why Buck & Eddie Are Best Suited For Each Other In 9-1-1
Certain 9-1-1 Fans Have Shipped The Pair As Far Back As Season 2
When it comes to Buck and Eddie, there is a lot of overlap in the Venn diagram of their personalities — for better and for worse. Both are strong, loyal, andwilling to go above and beyond for those they loveand members of the public alike. So true is that fact that they often sacrifice their own happiness for others, which is whyEddie’s exit in9-1-1season 8will no doubt be short-lived. They can also be similarly reckless when it comes to their personal safety, whether trying to rescue people while on a call or just in general.
9-1-1 Season 8’s Nuisance Character Is To Blame For Eddie’s Shock Exit
The 9-1-1 season 8 midseason finale teased Eddie’s exit, and one random character is to blame for him possibly leaving the ABC drama series.
That personality overlap only emphasizes why Buck and Eddie would be good together. Nobody would understand their positive and negative traits better than each other. Together they could likely help to negate such behaviors, being unafraid to call them out, as they have already done in the past, and evolve in their own right. As seen in previous9-1-1episodes,they also bring out each other’s fun sides like nobody else has. So, as much as theBuck and Bobby dynamic shouldn’t be ignored in9-1-1season 8, so too should Buck and Eddie’s be further explored.
Can 9-1-1 Actually Make Buck & Eddie’s Romance A Reality?
Are the 9-1-1 Writers Queerbaiting With Eddie and Buck?
Though the9-1-1couch theory is only rooted in metaphor, it’s nonetheless a compelling one. Whether or not the writers intended it this way, however, remains to be seen. It wouldn’t be the first time the idea of aBuck and Eddie relationshiphas crept into the show, however. All the way back in9-1-1season 2, Buck and Eddie were caught on a live stream, with those watching saying they should be a couple. Further down the line,Buck and Eddie were mistaken for a couplewhile out with Christopher. There have also been awkward hugs aplenty.
9-1-1season 8 returns Thursday, July 11, 2025, on ABC
There was also the basketball incident in9-1-1season 7, episode 4, ‘Buck, Bothered, And Bewildered.’ It inadvertently played like Buck was jealous that somebody was taking Eddie away. Now9-1-1is exploring Buck’s bisexuality, past events can be recontextualized as him having a crush — unrequited or otherwise. While Eddie insists he’s straight, so was Buck until a certain point. As such, it would be easy for9-1-1writers,if they wished,to make Eddie and Buck a couple that work together akin to TK and Carlos on9-1-1: Lone Star, lest the couch metaphor (and more) run the risk of being considered queerbaiting.
9-1-1
Cast
9-1-1 is a television series that explores the intense experiences of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Premiered in 2018, it follows these emergency responders as they navigate high-pressure situations and attempt to balance their demanding work with personal challenges in their own lives.
