While Bobby, Athena, Buck, Hen, and Chimney formed the original LAFD station 118 A-team in season 1, Maddie and Eddie were both introduced in an iconic 9-1-1 episode: the season 2 premiere. There was an intriguing contrast between the two, as Buck loved his sister and seemed incredibly protective, while Buck initially disliked Eddie and assumed he was jeopardizing his role in the team. By the end of 9-1-1 season 2, episode 1, Buck comes to his senses and vows to have Eddie’s back, just as he vows to protect Maddie while she’s in LA.
Though the plot quickly disappears, it’s an open secret that Maddie was originally meant to be Eddie’s love interest in 9-1-1. Aside from being alluded to over the years, Ryan Guzman directly mentions it in a 2025 episode of Spilling the E-Tea on Entertainment Tonight’s official YouTube channel. Ironically, Guzman jokes that he was convinced to join the show after learning he’d have a love story with Jennifer Love Hewitt. While it would have been fascinating to see if Buck’s tentative friendship with Eddie imploded due to the new guy’s growing feelings for his sister, the storyline was swiftly scrapped.
If you’re a 9-1-1 fan, you know the show’s full of drama, action, and intense emotional storylines. But did you know that Maddie Buckley and Eddie Diaz, two beloved characters, were originally supposed to have a romantic connection? Yep, that storyline was on the table before the writers pivoted to other directions.
Let’s dive into what could have been one of the most captivating love stories on the show and why it was eventually scrapped. Grab your popcorn because the backstory is just as thrilling as the show itself!
Who Are Maddie and Eddie? Quick Character Recap
Before we explore the scrapped romance, let’s get familiar with these two characters.
Maddie Buckley: The Heart and Soul of 9-1-1
Maddie, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, is a 9-1-1 operator known for her quick thinking and big heart. She’s a single mom navigating the chaos of her job while trying to keep her family safe. Maddie’s warm personality and resilience have made her a fan favorite.
Eddie Diaz: The Courageous Firefighter
Eddie, portrayed by Ryan Guzman, is a firefighter with a tough exterior but a deeply caring nature. He’s faced his own share of trauma and is a protective father figure. Eddie’s bravery and loyalty make him an indispensable part of the team.
The Original Plan: Maddie & Eddie as Love Interests
Here’s the scoop: when the show was in its early development stages, writers toyed with the idea of Maddie and Eddie developing a romantic relationship. It wasn’t just a casual fling—they wanted to explore the complexities of two people juggling high-pressure jobs and personal struggles while trying to make love work.
Why Maddie & Eddie?
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Both characters have strong family values.
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Their emotional backstories offered plenty of room for bonding.
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The chemistry between Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Guzman was palpable in early screen tests.
Sounds like a recipe for romance, right?
Why Did the Romance Plot Get Scrapped?
So, what happened? Why didn’t Maddie and Eddie end up as a couple on the show?
1. Storyline Balance
The creators wanted to keep the focus tight on the core emergencies and the characters’ individual arcs. Adding a romantic subplot between Maddie and Eddie risked overshadowing other vital storylines.
2. Character Development Directions
Maddie’s arc was leaning more towards self-discovery and independence, especially as a single mom rebuilding her life. Meanwhile, Eddie’s storyline took a different route focusing on his past trauma and his bond with his foster child.
3. Chemistry with Other Characters
Interestingly, both Maddie and Eddie found more narrative chemistry with other characters — which shaped the final scripts.
How Fans Reacted to the News
When rumors leaked about the original plan, fans got excited and debated wildly online.
Fan Theories & Speculations
Many fans created fanfiction, imagining what a Maddie & Eddie romance would have looked like. Social media exploded with “What If?” scenarios and passionate arguments about whether it would have been a good or bad choice for the show.
Alternative Love Interests: Where Did Maddie and Eddie’s Hearts Go?
Even though Maddie and Eddie didn’t end up together, both found love on the show.
Maddie’s Relationship with Chimney
Maddie’s relationship with Evan “Chimney” Hanlon grew into a fan-favorite romance. Their journey is full of ups and downs but feels authentic and grounded.
Eddie’s Relationship Journey
Eddie’s main focus remained on fatherhood and healing, with subtle hints about his romantic future teased to fans.
The Impact of the Scrapped Romance on 9-1-1’s Storytelling
Not having Maddie and Eddie as a couple gave the writers more creative freedom.
More Room for Individual Growth
Both characters got dedicated story arcs that highlighted their strengths and vulnerabilities without romantic distractions.
Tension and Friendship
Keeping Maddie and Eddie as close friends allowed for emotional depth and team dynamics that wouldn’t have been possible in a romantic setup.
Could Maddie & Eddie Still Become a Couple?
You never know! TV shows evolve, and writers often revisit past ideas.
Potential for Future Storylines
Fans hope that Maddie and Eddie’s bond might take a romantic turn in later seasons — the chemistry is definitely still there.
Behind the Scenes: What the Cast Thinks
In interviews, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Guzman have both spoken about the initial plans.
Jennifer’s Take
She mentioned being excited about exploring Maddie’s romantic life but also understood the importance of keeping Maddie’s character independent and strong.
Ryan’s Perspective
Ryan appreciated Eddie’s solo growth storyline and feels the character has more depth as a devoted dad and firefighter.
How Maddie & Eddie’s Dynamic Reflects Real-Life Relationships
Their story (or lack thereof) mirrors many friendships in real life — close, supportive, and complicated without romance.
Friendship Over Romance
Sometimes the most powerful connections aren’t about dating but about loyalty and trust.
Why 9-1-1’s Storytelling Choices Matter
The show’s refusal to force a romance between Maddie and Eddie shows thoughtful character development and respect for nuanced storytelling.
Breaking Stereotypes
Instead of predictable love stories, 9-1-1 offers diverse, realistic portrayals of people working in high-stress environments.
How This Decision Benefits Female Representation
Maddie’s independence and focus on motherhood without romantic entanglements send a positive message about women’s priorities and strength.
Could a Maddie & Eddie Romance Have Changed the Show’s Tone?
Possibly! Adding a romance between two main characters might have shifted the tone towards melodrama.
Fan Engagement: What Viewers Want Next
Fans are now eager to see if Maddie and Eddie’s friendship will evolve or if new love interests will appear.
Conclusion: Maddie & Eddie’s Story Is Still Being Written
While Maddie and Eddie were once destined to be love interests on 9-1-1, the show took a different path that enriched both characters individually. Their deep bond and friendship remain one of the most compelling aspects of the series.
Could the writers revisit this potential romance? Maybe! But for now, Maddie and Eddie remind us that love isn’t the only powerful connection—sometimes friendship, trust, and mutual respect are just as impactful.
