The family discovered is the core of 9-1-1.
Friendship falls very much into this category, especially on shows like 9-1-1, where the characters are different from each other during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
When people think of the series, they may first think of some of the more shiny action sequences that have been carefully crafted over the years. Still, the characters, their journey, and their relationships with each other really make this show so special.
The series is full of meaningful duets, and even with lots of fun and built pairs, some pairings still have a lot of unexplored potential.
We would love to see Athena and Maddie spend more time together, and they barely scratch the surface of the chimney and Eddie’s friendship.
But, among the pairs we know and worship, some stand out above the rest, and we’re studying some of our favorites throughout the series.
There is no special order, this is our list of the first 9-1-1 pairs!
Hens and chimneys
Hens and chimneys may be literal definitions of platonic soul mates.
The two firefighters’ players have bonded before Bobby, Buck or Eddie were 118 years old, and their long-standing friendship only strengthened as they expanded their people and suffered personal tragedies.
There is a bond there that requires no words or explanations. Both can share the look, you just know that they have discussed something without moving their lips.
The most shocking moment in the series ever was when the ladies reestablished their love and care for each other, further confirming their position as a top friendship on 9-1-1.
Bobby and Michael
Often, we see stories of couples breaking up, and Exes and other important figures seem to be unable to get along with each other, but that’s not the case with Bobby and Michael.
Bobby is Athena of the new date, and Michael, who recently divorced Athena, became a good friend. In a mixed family, these three adults become one unit.
The intimacy after divorce between Athena and Michael certainly helped the two to build a new friendship, and it was great to see that the two not only got along well, but also became confidants and companions to the crime when opportunities arise.
Bobby is friends with everyone, but the boss-compatible relationship plays a role in 118, and Michael doesn’t exist, making their friendship unique.
Buck and Eddy
Buck and Eddie get a tough start, but it proves their bond, after the first friction (purely from Buck), they quickly become best friends and partners and maintain that friendship throughout the series.
The two have gone through a lot together, but the bond they built in Season 9-1-1 2 has always been rooted in trust and respect. They trust each other for a lifetime, and Eddie trusts Buck, Christopher, the most important person in his life.
In Season 9-1-1 Episode 9, Buck intervenes in Eddie’s house, when the man is preparing to move to Texas to reunite with his son and helps Eddie and Christopher in a very kind gesture.
They appear and always support each other.
And you know what they are talking about: The best relationship begins with friendship! Tips, tips, blinks, blinks.
Athena and the hen
We see Athena and the hen’s friendship begins when the two meet on the phone, Athena invites the hen to drink and relax.
From there, their friendship will only blossom as the two continue to stress each other and talk about their lives on wine and cheese plates.
We don’t have enough time in either, but when we do that, you know you’ll see real sisterhood and two friends always say it like that and get along with each other when they need some hard love or listening ears.
We have no other friend duo want to share some Chardonnay and Brie with these two!
Hen and Buck
Buck and Hen are an underrated friend duo.
Hens have always had a special liking for Buck, and we saw this throughout the series. We also see both spend time outside of work and share every aspect of their life.
They exuded an atmosphere of older sister and younger brother, and when it popped up, their friendship was always a pleasure!
Eddie is on her way to Texas in Season 8, Season 8, and maybe we’ll see more duo hanging out with the kids or having a little after a long shift!
Josh and McGrady
Becoming a dispatcher colleague at Buds is just another couple on that list, they start to be friendly at work and soon find out that their working relationship becomes something more personal.
We didn’t see much of it outside of work, but they were known to enjoy a cup of coffee on a tough call and either in the lounge or decompress.
From frustrated moments of feeling happy to everything in between, colleagues tend to see each side of you.
Maddie and Josh certainly met with each other through something, and their friendship has only been strengthened since the first meeting.
They make connections while guiding very emotionally taxed but meaningful work that will always connect them.
Chimney and Karen


You might be thinking, “But we can hardly see the chimney and Karen? How could they put it on this list?”
While we agree with you, these two were built as long-time friends, without chimneys and probably without Henren, so there must be something to count!
Hen is Chimney’s best friend, but Chimney is also tied to Karen, as they are neighbors before the two women get together, and we see those short moments as the show remembers their long history.
Their dynamics may be the dynamics we see often, but they do exist. Chimney, Karen and their spouse keep supporting each other in the ups and downs of life, such as Season 9-1-1 Season 9 Episode 10 where Maddie is in danger.
OK, friends, how do you think of our friendship list?
Do you feel a theme there?
Are hens a #1 friend of 9-1-1?
Let us know what your favorite duo is in the comments if we miss anyone!
You can watch 9-1-1 on ABC on Thursday at 8/7C.
Watch online 9-1-1
TV Fanatic is looking for enthusiastic writers to share their voices in various essay genres. What do you think you have a TV fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.