When it comes to ‘9-1-1’, no character stirs up as much fan debate as Evan “Buck” Buckley. Over the past eight seasons, viewers have witnessed Buck’s rollercoaster journey—from reckless rookie firefighter to loyal friend, devoted brother, and one of the show’s most emotionally layered characters. But when it comes to love, Buck has faced heartbreak after heartbreak.
Now, with Season 9 on the horizon, the burning question is: Should Buck finally get a new love interest? Let’s dive deep into why fans are so invested, what the show has built up so far, and how a potential romance could shape Buck’s story moving forward.
The Evolution of Buck’s Character
Buck’s character arc has been one of growth, resilience, and emotional maturity.
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From Playboy to Protector: In Season 1, Buck was introduced as a carefree, thrill-seeking ladies’ man. But over the seasons, we’ve seen him mature into someone who values deep emotional connections.
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The Family Man: His bond with Maddie and his role as an uncle to Jee-Yun have shown us a softer, nurturing side of Buck.
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Personal Struggles: From surviving near-death experiences to dealing with abandonment issues, Buck’s emotional depth has grown significantly.
All of this development makes the idea of a meaningful love interest even more compelling for Season 9.
Why Fans Are So Invested in Buck’s Love Life
Let’s face it—Buck isn’t just another character. He’s the emotional anchor for many fans. His vulnerability, charm, and loyalty make people root for his happiness.
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Fans Want Closure: After several failed relationships, Buck deserves a chance at lasting happiness.
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Chemistry Matters: Viewers love seeing Buck’s chemistry with other characters, sparking endless debates about who he should end up with.
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Representation: Some fans want Buck’s next romance to reflect more diverse storytelling, especially after his Season 7 bisexual reveal, which opened new doors for character exploration.
A Look Back at Buck’s Past Relationships
Before we look forward, it’s worth revisiting the romances that shaped Buck’s journey.
Buck and Abby
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Abby was Buck’s first major love interest. Their relationship had depth but ended with Abby leaving, leaving Buck heartbroken.
Buck and Ali
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Ali offered stability, but the connection wasn’t strong enough to last.
Buck and Taylor Kelly
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Their on-and-off romance lasted longer but ended due to fundamental incompatibilities.
Buck and Tommy
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In Season 7, Buck explored a same-sex romance with Tommy. It was groundbreaking for his character but ultimately short-lived.
Each relationship added layers to Buck’s character, but none offered lasting fulfillment.
The Case for Buck Getting a New Love Interest
So why should Buck find love in Season 9? Here are some strong arguments.
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Character Growth: Buck has reached a point where he’s emotionally ready for a healthy relationship.
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Storyline Balance: Amidst all the action, fans love seeing personal storylines. A romance adds balance to the high-stakes drama.
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Fan Satisfaction: Viewers have invested years into Buck’s journey. Giving him love would be rewarding for fans.
The Risks of Giving Buck a New Love Interest
But it’s not all sunshine and roses—there are potential downsides.
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Overshadowing Other Storylines: The focus might shift too heavily to Buck’s romance.
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Repetition: Fans worry about another failed relationship plotline.
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Pacing Issues: If rushed, a new romance could feel forced instead of authentic.
Potential Love Interest Directions
If the writers decide to give Buck romance in Season 9, the possibilities are endless.
1. A Brand-New Character
Introducing someone fresh could bring new energy and dynamics to the show.
2. Rekindling with an Old Flame
Abby or Taylor’s return would stir nostalgia and drama.
3. Expanding His LGBTQ+ Storyline
Since Buck’s bisexuality was confirmed, fans are eager to see this explored more deeply through a meaningful relationship.
4. A Slow-Burn Friendship to Romance
Sometimes the best relationships start as friendships. This could allow the show to build a romance gradually and authentically.
How Buck’s Love Life Impacts the Team
In ‘9-1-1’, personal and professional lives often collide. Buck’s romance could affect:
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His Bond with Eddie: Fans speculate endlessly about “Buddie” (Buck and Eddie). A new romance could either fuel or complicate that dynamic.
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The Firehouse Family: Relationships always ripple through the team, bringing both humor and drama.
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Maddie and Chimney: Buck’s love life often parallels Maddie’s, adding depth to their sibling bond.
Fan Theories About Season 9
Social media is buzzing with theories:
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Some fans believe Buck’s next romance will be a long-term, endgame relationship.
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Others think the writers will tease “Buddie” even more before making a definitive choice.
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A few predict Buck’s focus won’t be romance at all but self-discovery and career challenges.
What the Showrunners Have Hinted
While no official spoilers confirm Buck’s next romance, showrunners have teased that Season 9 will dive deeper into character-driven arcs. That leaves the door wide open for love stories.
Should Buck Stay Single Instead?
There’s also the argument that Buck doesn’t need a romance right now.
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Focus on Self-Growth: Buck’s journey of self-discovery could be just as fulfilling without a relationship.
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Avoiding Clichés: Not every character arc needs a love story to feel complete.
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Strength in Independence: Showing Buck thriving on his own could inspire fans just as much as romance would.
The Fanbase’s Influence on Storytelling
One thing is certain: fans hold power. ‘9-1-1’ writers often consider audience reactions when shaping storylines. If the demand for Buck’s romance grows louder, chances are the writers will listen.
My Take: Should Buck Get a New Love Interest?
Honestly? Yes—but carefully. Buck deserves happiness, but it should be done with care, depth, and long-term vision. A rushed fling won’t cut it. Fans want—and deserve—a love story that feels authentic, lasting, and worthy of Buck’s journey.
Conclusion
Buck’s story has always been about growth, resilience, and finding where he belongs. As ‘9-1-1’ heads into Season 9, the question of his love life isn’t just about romance—it’s about closure, fulfillment, and giving fans the payoff they’ve been waiting for.
Whether Buck ends up with a new partner, an old flame, or no one at all, one thing is certain: his journey will keep us watching, debating, and cheering every step of the way.
