Ryan Murphy’s Fox procedural “9-1-1” is billed as a show about heroes. More specifically, the show follows first responders — firefighters, 911 operators, and cops on the front lines of disasters. As such, the audience is always encouraged to root for the main characters as they face danger and emotional devastation to get the job done. That doesn’t mean that every character in the show is endlessly lovable, of course. These first responders all have their demons to contend with — demons they must put aside while in the field.
If “9-1-1” were filled with totally unlikable characters, it wouldn’t work. This is a show about selfless people who run toward the fire, not away from it. Nonetheless, while every character in the series gives 100 percent to the job, their personal lives are another matter. Some characters deal with their problems better than others, and that’s what makes the show interesting. Nobody’s perfect, not even someone who saves lives for a living.
“9-1-1” argues that people are inherently good and will come together to help one another in times of crisis. But whether or not someone makes a compelling character is a different matter. Read on for a rundown of every main character in “9-1-1,” ranked from worst to best.
As the countdown to the next season of 9-1-1 heats up, fans are doing what they do best—debating, ranking, and passionately defending their favorite characters. From firefighters and police officers to dispatchers who hold everything together, every main character has left a mark on viewers.
So, who truly stands out? And who… doesn’t? Fan communities across social media have come together to rank every main character from worst to best, sparking heated debates and unexpected consensus. Let’s break it all down before the new season arrives.
Why Fans Are Ranking 9-1-1 Characters Right Now
A New Season Means a Fresh Perspective
With new storylines on the horizon, fans are rewatching past seasons and reevaluating characters. Some arcs aged well. Others? Not so much.
Social Media Drives the Debate
From Reddit threads to X polls and TikTok rankings, fan opinions have never been louder—or more organized.
How These Rankings Were Compiled
Fan Polls and Online Discussions
Rankings reflect widespread fan sentiment across multiple platforms, not just one loud opinion.
Criteria Fans Used
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Character growth
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Emotional impact
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Consistency
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Chemistry with other characters
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Memorable moments
Let’s Get Into It: Worst to Best Rankings
#9 – Taylor Kelly
Why Fans Rank Her Last
Taylor never quite earned the audience’s trust. Her morally gray journalism often clashed with fan-favorite characters.
What Didn’t Work
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Questionable ethics
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Limited emotional depth
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Storylines that felt forced
Taylor wasn’t irredeemable—but she never truly connected with viewers.
#8 – Jonah Greenway
A Villain Who Went Too Far
Jonah’s arc shocked fans, but not in a good way.
Why Fans Reacted Negatively
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Betrayal of trust
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Manipulative behavior
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Abrupt character shift
While memorable, his storyline left a sour taste.
#7 – Albert Han
Potential That Never Fully Landed
Albert had charm, heart, and family ties—but fans felt his development stalled.
What Fans Wanted More Of
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Stronger independence
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Clearer purpose
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Deeper emotional arcs
He’s likable, just underused.
#6 – Ravi Panikkar
The Quiet Underdog
Ravi slowly won fans over with his sincerity.
Why He’s Mid-Ranked
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Relatable insecurities
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Solid growth
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Limited screen time
Fans like him—but want more.
#5 – Hen Wilson
A Consistent Fan Favorite
Hen’s compassion and leadership make her essential.
Why She’s Loved
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Strong moral compass
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Emotional depth
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Family-centered storylines
Some fans feel her arcs became repetitive, keeping her just outside the top tier.
#4 – Eddie Diaz
Emotionally Complex and Deeply Relatable
Eddie’s struggles resonate with many viewers.
What Makes Eddie Stand Out
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Powerful PTSD storylines
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Devoted father
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Quiet strength
His reserved nature divides fans—but his impact is undeniable.
#3 – Maddie Buckley
The Emotional Backbone of 9-1-1
Maddie’s journey is raw, real, and heartbreaking.
Why Fans Rank Her High
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Mental health representation
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Emotional realism
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Growth through adversity
Her dispatcher role proves heroism isn’t just physical.
#2 – Bobby Nash
The Heart and Soul of the 118
Bobby’s redemption arc remains one of the show’s strongest.
Why Fans Almost Put Him First
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Leadership
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Emotional wisdom
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Found-family energy
He’s the steady hand guiding everyone forward.
#1 – Evan “Buck” Buckley
The Undisputed Fan Favorite
Buck’s evolution from reckless firefighter to emotional anchor seals his top spot.
Why Fans Crowned Buck the Best
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Massive character growth
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Humor and vulnerability
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Deep bonds with the team
Buck feels like the beating heart of 9-1-1—flawed, loyal, and endlessly human.
What These Rankings Reveal About Fan Expectations
Growth Matters More Than Perfection
Fans forgive mistakes—but not stagnation.
Emotional Authenticity Wins
Characters who feel real resonate the most.
How the New Season Could Shake Up the Rankings
Redemption Arcs
Lower-ranked characters could rise with stronger writing.
Unexpected Downfalls
Even fan favorites aren’t safe from missteps.
Why Character Rankings Keep 9-1-1 Relevant
They Fuel Engagement
Rankings spark debate, rewatches, and deeper fandom involvement.
They Reflect the Show’s Strength
Strong characters inspire strong opinions.
Final Thoughts: Rankings Are Just the Beginning
Fan rankings don’t just reflect popularity—they reveal emotional investment. As 9-1-1 prepares to return, these worst-to-best lists show why the series remains a powerhouse. Love them or criticize them, these characters keep fans watching, talking, and caring.
And let’s be honest—next season could flip everything upside down.
