Oliver Stark, who plays Buck on ABC’s 9-1-1, expressed his gratitude for the positive reaction to Buck’s storyline involving him kissing a man for the first time. He stated that he is proud of the portrayal of love and inclusion on the show, despite some negative comments from a small group of people who believe the storyline has ruined the show. Stark emphasized that the show has always featured queer relationships, including a Black lesbian marriage, and that one character exploring his sexuality should not be a deal breaker for fans.
The show 9-1-1 has several LGBTQ+ characters with significant storylines, such as paramedic Hen Wilson and her wife Karen, who have been core characters since the pilot episode in 2018. Stark defended the exploration of Buck’s bisexuality, stating that it adds depth to the character and fits within the theme of love and inclusion that the show is known for. He encouraged viewers who may be in opposition to this storyline to continue watching and not feel the need to announce their departure from the show.
In the 100th episode of 9-1-1, Buck and firefighter Tommy kissed, fulfilling the hopes of fans who had been waiting for Buck to explore his sexuality. Stark revealed that he had to step back from social media to avoid publicly agreeing with fans who shipped Buck with other characters, as it might be seen as queerbaiting. He thanked fans for sticking with the storyline and expressed hope that they would continue to enjoy the show as the story unfolds in future episodes.
Stark shared exclusively with Us Weekly that the story arc surrounding Buck’s sexual identity will continue in season 7 of 9-1-1. He described Buck’s struggle as a universally relatable one, where he isn’t consciously aware of what is missing in his life until it is brought to light. Stark hopes that viewers will find the storyline cathartic and liberating as Buck discovers more about himself and experiences relief. 9-1-1 season 7 airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, continuing to explore themes of love, identity, and inclusion.
