You’ve probably seen the screenshots. Maybe you were scrolling through Twitter—now X, I guess—or your Instagram feed when that one specific photo of Oliver Stark popped up. You know the one. He’s standing there, looking like he just stepped out of a high-intensity interval training session, showing off that famous "Buck" physique.
But honestly? There’s a lot more to the Oliver Stark shirtless phenomenon than just "guy with abs on a procedural drama." It’s actually become this weirdly symbolic thing for the 9-1-1 fandom.
Why we don't see as much of "Shirtless Buck" as you'd think
It’s kind of a running joke among the 9-1-1 faithful. We’re currently deep into Season 9 in 2026, and if you look back at the early days, Evan Buckley was basically the "pretty boy" of the 118. He was the guy who got the "thirst trap" scenes. But as the show evolved, those moments actually became rarer.
Why? Well, for one, Oliver has a lot of tattoos.
Like, a lot.
If you follow him on social media, you’ve seen the ink. Most of those aren't part of Buck's character. In a 2024 Reddit thread, fans pointed out that the production team often has to spend a massive amount of time in the makeup chair covering them up if he’s going to be fully bare-chested. It’s a logistical nightmare.
Sometimes, they lean into it. Remember the lightning strike episode? When they had to show those Lichtenberg figure scars? Oliver actually posted a selfie showing off the makeup work for those scars on his chest, and fans went absolutely wild. It wasn't just about the physique; it was the storytelling written into the skin.
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The 2026 "Secrets" episode that broke the internet
If you haven't caught up on the midseason return of Season 9 (January 2026), you missed the episode titled "Secrets." It featured what is arguably the most talked-about Oliver Stark shirtless scene in the history of the show.
Buck ended up in a bit of a... complicated romantic situation. He went out for a boys' night with Eddie (Ryan Guzman) and Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody), but he was the one who ended up making a connection. Except it wasn't just one person—it was a husband and wife.
The resulting "bisexual hookup" scene was steamy, to say the least. But what's interesting is how Oliver handled the aftermath. In an interview with Deadline and People, he admitted it was "kinda awkward" to film because the actors playing the couple were actually married in real life.
"It didn't feel awkward until we were shooting the intimate scenes," Stark told reporters. "And I was like, 'Oh, that's your real-life husband right there.' I wish I had someone to coach me through it like they were coaching each other!"
How he actually stays in "firefighter shape"
Look, playing a firefighter for nearly a decade takes a toll. You can't just look the part; you have to be able to carry 50 pounds of gear in 100-degree heat.
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Oliver doesn't do the typical "bodybuilder" workout. He’s been pretty vocal about training for functionality. He told Equinox and Men's Health that he bases his fitness around the show. He uses:
- Heavy sandbags for dragging and pulling.
- Kettlebells to build strength through different planes of motion.
- Minimalist footwear (like Merrell Vapor Gloves) because he likes the barefoot feel.
And his diet? It’s not just chicken and broccoli. He’s a big fan of fruit. Like, huge. He’s gone on record saying mangoes are his "secret weapon" for both nutrition and better sleep. He's also leaned into veganism over the years, which surprised a lot of people who assume you need steaks to look like a pro athlete.
The "Birthing Mark" and body positivity
We can't talk about Oliver's appearance without mentioning his birthmark. For a long time, there was this weird rumor that he was self-conscious about it or that the show was trying to hide it.
The reality is the opposite. Oliver has been a champion for body positivity. He’s explicitly told fans that he loves his birthmark and wouldn't change it. When he's shirtless on screen, he isn't just showing off muscles; he's showing off a version of "perfection" that includes the things that make us unique.
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In a world of filtered Instagram posts, that’s actually pretty refreshing.
What to expect for Buck in the rest of Season 9
Don't expect a shirtless scene every week. Oliver recently teased that Buck is moving away from the "dating world" for a bit after the chaos of the midseason premiere. He’s focusing on the job and his "found family" at the 118.
But he did mention a storyline coming up later in 2026 that deals with aging. Buck is starting to feel the years, and that might mean a shift in how he views his own physicality.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with Oliver or even replicate some of that "Buck" energy in your own life, here’s what you should actually do:
- Focus on Functional Fitness: If you're hitting the gym, skip the bicep curls once in a while. Incorporate sandbag carries or kettlebell swings. It’s what keeps the 9-1-1 cast from burning out during those long disaster-sequence shoots.
- Follow the Real Sources: Don't fall for "leaked" photos on sketchy sites. Oliver is fairly active on Instagram, though he occasionally takes breaks for his mental health. That’s where he posts the genuine behind-the-scenes looks.
- Support the Story, Not Just the Look: The reason the Oliver Stark shirtless scenes matter to people isn't just the aesthetic—it's the character's growth. Buck's journey of self-discovery, especially regarding his bisexuality, is what has given these scenes weight in recent seasons.
- Watch Season 9 on ABC/Hulu: The "Secrets" episode is available to stream right now if you want to see the scene everyone is buzzing about.
The 118 is back in action every Thursday night, and while the "thirst" is real, the heart of the show remains the most important part. Or at least, that’s what Oliver would want you to think.
Next Steps for You: You can head over to Hulu to catch the latest midseason episodes of 9-1-1 or check out Oliver’s recent Men’s Health breakdown for a more detailed look at his home gym setup. Stay tuned for the Season 9 finale later this year, which promises to be one of the biggest "disaster" events the show has ever attempted.