Found family is at the core of 9-1-1.
Friendships very much fall into that category, especially on a show like 9-1-1, which has these characters depending on one another during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
When people think of the series, they may first think of some of the flashier action sequences that have been beautifully crafted over the years. Still, the characters, their journeys, and their relationships with one another are truly what makes this show so special.
The series is full of meaningful duos, and even with so many fun and established pairs, there is still so much untapped potential with some pairings.
We’d love to see Athena and Maddie spend some more time together off the clock, and they’ve barely scratched the surface of what Chimney and Eddie’s friendship could be.
But of the pairs we know and adore, some stand out above the rest, and we’re looking at some of our favorites throughout the series run.
In no particular order, here’s our list of the top 9-1-1 pairs!
Hen and Chimney
Hen and Chimney may be the literal definition of platonic soulmates.
The two firefighter-paramedics forged a bond long before Bobby, Buck, or Eddie were at the 118, and their longstanding friendship has only strengthened over the years as they’ve expanded their families and endured personal tragedies.
There’s a bond there that doesn’t need words or explanation. The two can share a look, and you just know they’ve discussed something without ever moving their lips.
Some of the most tear-jerking moments this series has ever produced are those when the pair re-affirm their love and care for one another, further confirming their place as a top friendship on 9-1-1.
Bobby and Michael
So often, we see stories where couples break up, and exes and new significant others can’t seem to get along, but that was not the case with Bobby and Michael.
Bobby, who was newly dating Athena, and Michael, who had recently divorced Athena, became good friends. The three adults became a unit amid their blended family.
Athena and Michael’s close relationship post-divorce definitely helped the two navigate a new friendship, and it was nice to see the two men not only get along but become confidants and partners in crime when the opportunity arose.
Bobby is friends with everyone, but a boss-subordinate relationship comes into play at the 118, and that didn’t exist with Michael, which made their friendship unique.
Buck and Eddie
Buck and Eddie had a rocky start, but it’s a testament to their bond that after initial friction (purely from Buck’s side), they quickly became best friends and partners, maintaining that friendship throughout the series.
The two have been through a lot together, but the bond they built back in 9-1-1 Season 2 has always been rooted in trust and respect. They trust each other with their lives, and Eddie has trusted Buck with the most important person in his life, Christopher.
In 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 9, Buck stepped in to sublet Eddie’s house as the man prepares to move to Texas to reunite with his son, in a very big and kind gesture to help Eddie and Christopher.
They show up for each other and always have each other’s backs.
And you know what they say: the best relationships start as friendships! Hint, hint, wink, wink.
Athena and Hen
We see the beginning of Athena and Hen’s friendship during Hen Begins when the two meet on a call, and Athena invites Hen out for a drink to unwind.
From there, their friendship only blossomed as the two continued to de-stress with each other and talk about their lives over wine and a cheese plate if the occasion calls for it.
We don’t get nearly enough of the two together, but when we do, you know you’ll see real sisterhood and two friends that will always tell it like it is and be there for one another when they need some tough love or a listening ear.
There’s no other friend duo we’d want to hang out with and share some chardonnay and brie than these two!
Hen and Buck
Buck and Hen are a very underrated friends duo.
Hen has always had a soft spot for Buck, and we’ve seen that throughout the series. We’ve also seen the two spend time together outside of work and share aspects of their lives.
They give off major big sister and little brother vibes, and their friendship is always a treat when it pops up!
With Eddie on his way to Texas during 9-1-1 Season 8, maybe we’ll see more of the duo hanging out with the kiddos or having a little after-work drink after a long shift!
Josh and Maddie
The dispatcher co-workers who became buds are just another pair on this list who started being friendly on the job and soon found their working relationship morphing into something more personal.
We don’t see much of them outside of work, but they are known to grab a cup of coffee and chat in the breakroom or decompress after tough calls.
Co-workers tend to see every side of you while you’re on the clock, from the frustrations to the happy moments and everything in between.
Maddie and Josh have certainly seen each other through some things, and their friendship has only strengthened since they first met.
They’ve formed a connection while navigating a very emotionally taxing but rewarding job, which will always connect them.
Chimney and Karen
You may be thinking, “But we barely see Chimney and Karen together? How could they make it onto this list?”
While we agree with you, these two have been established as longtime friends, and without Chimney, there may not have been a Henren, so that has to count for something!
Hen is Chimney’s best friend, but Chimney also bonds with Karen because they were neighbors before the two women got together, and we see fleeting moments of that when the show remembers their longstanding history.
Their dynamic may be one we don’t see often, but it does exist. Chimney, Karen, and their spouses continuously support one another through life’s ups and downs, like throughout 9-1-1 Season 9 Episode 10, when Maddie was in danger.
Alright, friends, what did you think of our list of friendships?
Did you sense a theme there?
Is Hen the #1 friend of 9-1-1?
Let us know in the comments what your favorite duo is and if we missed anyone!
You can watch 9-1-1 on ABC at 8/7c on Thursdays.
Watch 9-1-1 Online
TV Fanatic is searching for passionate writers to share their voices across various article types. Think you have what it takes to be a TV Fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.
