Introduction
In the vast and diverse universe of Reddit, one community stands out to fans of ABC’s 9-1-1 series: r/BuckTommy. This subreddit is devoted to exploring and celebrating the relationship between Buck (Evan Buckley) and Tommy (Tommy Kinard)—affectionately known by fans as “BuckTommy” or “Tevan.” Here, passionate discussion, creative fanworks, and emotional connection intertwine. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes this subreddit so vibrant, how its community rituals foster engagement, and what thematic elements resonate with its members.
What Is r/BuckTommy?
r/BuckTommy is a subreddit centered on the Buck–Tommy pairing from 9-1-1, particularly focusing on the evolving dynamic known as “Tevan.” The community encourages discussions ranging from show episodes to fan creations like fanfiction, art, and headcanons .
Created in May 2024, the subreddit has gained popularity, placing among the top 21–22% of subreddits by size . It’s truly a vibrant space for fandom connection and creativity.
Community Vibe: Rituals & Ritualization
One of the subreddit’s defining features is its structured fan engagement via weekly recurring threads. These rituals bring fans together, giving them designated spaces to create, vent, and celebrate.
Fanwork Friday
Every Friday, Fanwork Friday invites users to highlight and share their favorite fan creations—such as fanfiction, GIFs, fan videos, or art. It’s a space meant to spotlight and uplift creators within the community .
Wailing Wednesday
Midweek is marked by Wailing Wednesday, a more emotionally charged thread. Here, members are free to express frustrations—whether about story developments, personal feelings, or fandom dynamics—in a safe and moderated environment .
Call Center Monday
Starting the week, Call Center Monday opens up wider discussion for 9-1-1 at large, including shows like Lone Star and Nashville. This thread handles all general topics, helping reduce off-topic posts during the rest of the week .
Atmosphere & Tone: Balance Between Celebration and Venting
A guiding principle in r/BuckTommy is maintaining positivity while offering an outlet for honest emotional discourse.
- Be Civil: The subreddit enforces a strict no-trolling policy—maintaining respect and preventing hostility .
- Wailing Wednesday encourages emotional release—but keeps it contained to that specific thread to preserve the celebratory tone elsewhere .
- Creative expression and speculation are highly encouraged—including fanart, theories, and prompts—highlighting the fans’ creative energy .
Why Fans Ship Buck and Tommy
Delving into the subreddit, recurring themes shed light on what draws fans to the Buck–Tommy pairing:
Intimacy Through Small Moments
One fan reflected on the tenderness of simple gestures:
“Tommy making breakfast when Buck was injured was such a sweet moment… adjusting Buck’s pillow… Tommy waking up early to make breakfast… speaks volumes about how comfortable Tommy is in their relationship.”
These scenes suggest deep emotional intimacy and care, resonating powerfully with the audience.
Portrayed Growth and Emotional Clarity
Another fan praised the depth of one memorable scene:
“The whole scene… was an emotional rollercoaster… The way Tommy said ‘my attention?’ and we all realized it had been about Tommy all along… Chef’s kiss.”
Such emotional nuance underscores why fans feel invested in their chemistry and story arc.
Tommy as a Safe Emotional Space
For many fans, Tommy symbolizes safety and understanding. On a fan blog discussing fandom discourse, someone noted:
“Regarding Buck, Tommy has exhibited patience and kindness and understanding. He’s taking a step back and letting Buck embark on his own journey… He checks in to see if Buck is okay… He’s basically a safe space for Buck.”
This dynamic adds complexity and emotional depth to their pairing.
Acknowledging Criticism and Complexity
While many celebrate Buck and Tommy, others voice concerns about their relationship or its narrative fit:
- One fan argued the relationship felt forced: “It seems really forced and honestly just doesn’t seem like a couple I ever see happening.”
- Another found the early progression abrupt: “Buck kissing Tommy was surprising… I didn’t believe Buck had a crush on Tommy at all…”
- Some caution about story trajectory, viewing it as more of a stepping-stone than long-term: hints suggest this relationship may be a path toward self-discovery for Buck .
These differing viewpoints reflect the complexity and emotional stake fans bring to the subreddit.
Behind the Scenes: Moderation and Community Guidelines
The subreddit’s structure includes clear moderation and community standards:
- Spoiler management: After each new 9-1-1 episode, posts must be tagged and spoiler warnings maintained until Monday .
- Respecting fan creations: Plagiarism is prohibited, and credit must be given when sharing others’ work .
- No speculation about actors’ personal lives: Comments speculating on actors’ sexualities or politics are not allowed .
These rules help keep the space creative, fun, and safe for all members.
The Creative Ecosystem: Prompts, Fanworks, and Participation
Beyond discussion, the community encourages creative engagement:
- Prompt Sundays invite users to share ideas for fanworks—prompts that might inspire others to write, draw, or edit .
- The weekly rituals (Fanwork Friday, etc.) foster both content creation and community interaction—encouraging users to contribute and celebrate each other’s art and stories .
Through this ecosystem, r/BuckTommy sustains a vibrant and participatory fan culture.
Conclusion: A Fandom Spectrum of Emotion, Art, and Story
r/BuckTommy is far more than a fan subreddit—it’s a microcosm of fandom’s emotional and creative power. Fueled by ritual, respect, and artistic passion, the community navigates shipper love with authenticity and care.
Whether fans come to vent their feelings, share their latest fan fiction, or discuss storytelling arcs with nuance, the subreddit offers a welcoming and expressive home. It’s a place where Buck and Tommy’s story becomes a shared emotional journey—one bracketed by storytelling, artistry, and collective creativity
