The name of Chimney comes from a Running Gag on 9-1-1.
In 9-1-1, Howard Han never clarifies the source of his moniker "Chimney," which is a bit of a running joke. People call him the name from the pilot episode; almost anyone else uses "Howie" save for his half-brother Albert (John Harlan Kim) and wife Maddie ( Jennifer Love Hewitt). Every once in a while in the series, someone brings up the nickname, only to have a protesting Howard or someone else dismiss the inquiry as pointless even asking.
Being a firefighter under the name Chimney, one would assume a straightforward explanation for the source of Howard's Nickname. The riddle becomes a humorous joke since Howard seems nearly terrified to reveal the actual meaning of his nickname. How could he have let a benign term like "Chimney" cause humiliation? The joke grows better every time someone asks about the name and Howard demues; the scene instantly cuts before the audience can learn the response.
Fan Theories Regarding Nickname 9-1-1 for Chimney
Many fans have their own ideas regarding the actual source of Howard's moniker. Many people on Reddit have conjectured about the source of Howard's Nickname. U/CaptainChimneyHan posted on one Reddit thread,
"I believe his smoking style resembled a chimney... But whatever they say now, I guess it will most likely be a letdown everywhere!
U/ Federal Street_8895, another poster, wrote,
"Yeah I always got the impression it's an NSFW story that's why they all got awkward around Chris when he asked..."
Another topic saw u/Phoenix Martinez-Ride write,
"Oh I'm also interested too! Does anyone have any hypotheses? Perhaps he been caught in a chimney once, and today people ridicule him about it.
Though by how emphatic Chimney is about not spreading the story, it seems that the genesis being an NSFW story is the most likely theory as to why Howard gained his nickname. Since 9-1-1 has been extended for season 8, there is always a chance that the narrative may be unveiled in a later episode, maybe in the finale, therefore providing viewers with the much-needed resolution.
How came Chimney got his name? Everything We Know
Viewers of 9-1-1 have most likely wondered, "How did Chimney get his name?" Thanks to the thrilling and suspenseful narratives and ensemble cast of distinct characters in Ryan Murphy's TV drama about Los Angeles first responders, 9-1-1 is among his better original series. Long a fan favorite on 9-1-1, Howard "Chimney" Han (Kenneth Choi) is a paramedic from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Often known as "Chimney," Howie is a gifted medical practitioner and devoted team player.
First seen in the pilot of 9-1-1, chimney has been in all but one episode of the show, always spreading his signature good humor and lighthearted demeanor even in the darkest of circumstances. He has never progressed the ladder in the department, but there are few first responders more suited for 9-1-1's over-the-top emergencies. He often acts what he considers to be right instead of what is anticipated. The only aspect of himself Chimney is not willing to divulge is the source of his moniker.
On 9–1–1, Chimney suffers a phobia of reptiles.
Murphy and the other showrunners may also pull a funny prank and act as though they were ready to divulge the answer, just to abruptly go to black once more. This plot in 9-1-1 could be reminiscent of "The Noodle Incident" from Calvin and Hobbes, in which every viewer's mental narrative is far superior than anything the creators could produce at this junctur.
This mystery is probably going to be a long-running joke for viewers as the show enters season 8, but it may also be a great topic of debate for 9-1-1 viewers.
References in 9-1-1 regarding Chimney's Nickname
Season | Episode | Title | Notes
Stuck | 2 | 4 | Hen pauses when trying to explain Christopher Diaz the background behind Chimney's nickname.
Two | Six | Dose | Taylor, Kelly probes about the nickname, and Hen says it's "Not one you can tell on TV".
Two times nine | Hen starts | Howard is just called "Howie" the entire show.
The screen cuts away when Albert asks Hen, "So how did he get the nickname Chimney?" 3 | 11 | Seize the Day.
4| 2| Alone Together | Buck lowers Chimney in through the chimney to save a newborn from a buried house; Chimney tells him, "In the future, if anyone asks, this is how I got my name."
Six, eleven, in another life | Buck sees Chimney, who doesn't know him, in a coma dream. Convinced they know one another, Buck explains Chimney the source of his nickname covertly.
The Starting Point of the Show
With "9-1-1," Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear rethink the procedural drama. The show looks at the high-stress events first responders—including police, firefighters, and dispatchers—who are thrown into the most terrifying, startling, and heart-stopping circumstances. These emergency responders have to try to strike a balance between addressing issues in their own life and rescuing others most in need. Real-life, high-stress events of first responders who routinely encounter heart-stopping circumstances that are often unanticipated, dramatic, and inspirational at the same time are used in the show.
The concept of the show has received great appreciation and Fox has consistently performed it since. With a cast of characters that will enthrall fans returning for more and a gripping narrative framework, 9-1-1 is clearly a hit.
