9-1-1: Nashville Fans Believe Blue and Ryan Are Brothers, Thanks to Buck and Eddie
9-1-1 Nashville enthusiasts are speculating about the reasoning behind the show’s choice to make Blue and Ryan siblings, tracing it back to 9-1-1‘s Buck and Eddie.
The spinoff, which debuted on Thursday, October 9, introduced Captain Don Hart (Chris O’Donnell), his spouse, Blythe (Jessica Capshaw), and their son, Ryan (Michael Provost). Don surprised his family by revealing that a stripper named Blue (Hunter McVey) was also his son from a past relationship with Dixie (LeAnn Rimes) while he and Blythe were on a break.
While many viewers picked up on potential chemistry between Ryan and Blue, others noted that their sibling status seemed deliberate.
“They had to make them brothers to avoid another buddy situation,” read a TikTok comment referring to Buck (Oliver Stark) and Eddie (Ryan Guzman) from 9-1-1, whom fans have been eager to see as a couple.
Additionally, comparisons were drawn to TK Strand (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos Reyes (Rafael Silva), an actual couple from 9-1-1: Lone Star, who ended up together on the show. Several viewers humorously pointed out that Ryan Murphy’s 9-1-1 series consistently feature two male leads that spark rumors of a possible romance.
ABC viewers observed another obstacle for those shipping Ryan and Blue, with one comment asking, “So what about the ring on Ryan’s hand?”
The 9-1-1 universe began with the flagship series that premiered in 2018, focusing on the professional and personal lives of first responders in Los Angeles. After initially airing on Fox, the series was canceled in 2023 and transitioned to ABC, where it continues to air.
Following that, 9-1-1 expanded into 9-1-1: Lone Star, which followed a firefighter from New York City who moved to Texas. While 9-1-1: Lone Star concluded in 2024, the fictional universe persisted with the Nashville spinoff.
Set in Tennessee, the show “follows the lives of emergency responders — including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers — as they face life-threatening situations,” according to the synopsis.
Alongside the Nashville version’s premiere on Thursday, 9-1-1 made its return as well. Before the launch, Stark, 34, shared his thoughts on the possibility of Buck and Eddie evolving beyond friendship.
“It works two ways, right? I definitely see that as a potential story,” Stark mentioned during an April episode of the “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast. “I’m uncertain about Eddie’s storyline, but we must tread carefully because I don’t want to depict a situation where a guy comes out and all his male friends are like, ‘Oh, so you have a crush on me?’ I want to handle this narrative with care.”
He added, “I constantly get asked, ‘Will it happen?’ not ‘Do I want it to happen?’ But when people inquire, ‘Is it going to happen?’ I usually say, ‘I don’t know. I don’t write the show.’ As for ‘Do I want it to?’ I also can’t say for sure. I’m definitely open if that’s what [showrunner] Tim [Minear] believes is the best way to continue telling the story.”
On the other hand, Guzman, 38, exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this year that maintaining the “connection” between Buck and Eddie is the “ultimate goal.”
“Whatever transpires between the characters happens, but the essence of their vulnerability and connection needs to remain intact,” Guzman elaborated. “No matter what direction Buck decides to explore regarding his sexuality, that bond will persist.”
9-1-1 airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, while 9-1-1: Nashville premieres at 9 p.m. ET and is available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
