9-1-1 Nashville enthusiasts have their own theories regarding the decision to make Blue and Ryan siblings — and it all ties back to 9-1-1‘s Buck and Eddie.
The recent 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 with the revelation that a stripper named Blue (Hunter McVey) is also his son, the result of a brief romance with Dixie (LeAnn Rimes) during a period of separation from Blythe.
While some viewers picked up on a possible connection between Ryan and Blue, others were quick to note their sibling status, which many believe was a purposeful direction.
“They had to make them brothers to steer clear of another buddy situation,” a TikTok user commented, alluding to Buck (Oliver Stark) and Eddie (Ryan Guzman) from 9-1-1, a pairing that fans have eagerly anticipated as a potential romance.
Fans have also drawn parallels to TK Strand (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos Reyes (Rafael Silva), who are an actual couple in 9-1-1: Lone Star and concluded their storyline together. Numerous viewers joked about how Ryan Murphy’s 9-1-1 franchises tend to feature two male leads that ignite hopes for a romance.
Additionally, ABC viewers pointed out another potential hurdle for fans who wish for Ryan and Blue to become a couple, with one comment stating, “What about the ring on Ryan’s hand?”
The 9-1-1 universe originally emerged from the main series, which launched in 2018 and explored the personal and professional lives of first responders in Los Angeles. Following its cancellation in 2023 after airing on Fox, the show transitioned to ABC, where it is now being broadcasted.
9-1-1 later expanded into 9-1-1: Lone Star, focusing on a firefighter from New York City who moved to Texas. Although 9-1-1: Lone Star concluded in 2024, the fictional universe continued to grow through the Nashville spinoff.
This new series, set in Tennessee, “follows the lives of emergency responders — including firefighters, paramedics and police officers — as they confront high-stakes situations,” according to the synopsis.
In addition to the Nashville version premiering on Thursday, 9-1-1 returned as well. Prior to the premiere, Stark, 34, shared his thoughts on the potential for Us to witness Buck and Eddie evolving from friends to more.
“It works both ways, right? I can definitely see that as a potential storyline,” Stark expressed in an interview on the “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast back in April. “I’m not sure what’s in store for Eddie’s character. But at the same time, we need to approach it thoughtfully because I wouldn’t want to portray a narrative where a guy comes out and all his male friends start saying, ‘Aw, do you have a crush on me?’ That’s a story I want to be cautious with.”
He added, “I get asked all the time, ‘Will it happen?’ but they don’t ask me if I want it to happen. When they inquire if it’s going to happen, I tell them, ‘I don’t know. I don’t write the show.’ However, regarding whether I want it to happen, I’m also uncertain. Certainly, I’m receptive if that’s what [showrunner] Tim [Minear] views as the most authentic route to advance the story.”
Guzman, 38, also shared with Us Weekly earlier this year that the “ultimate goal” is to preserve the connection between Buck and Eddie as it has always been.
“Whatever unfolds between the characters will happen, but it’s crucial to maintain the sanctity of that vulnerability and connection,” Guzman elaborated. “No matter if Buck explores this avenue [of his sexuality] or not, that connection remains intact.”
9-1-1 is broadcast on ABC on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, while 9-1-1: Nashville premieres at 9 p.m. ET before being available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
