Binge-watching TV shows is like hanging out with old friends. The characters are familiar, their struggles relatable, and their growth ever so inspiring. Even years after having devoured a show, simply hearing the opening theme or stumbling upon a social media edit cantake us back to those cozy nightswhen we stayed up eagerly wanting to consume episode after episode of our favorite TV show.
But what makes these fictional worlds so irresistible and absorbing? It’s simple — the characters. While great star-studded comedies likeFriendsandHow I Met Your Motherare testaments tothe power of ensemble chemistry, there’s magic that happens when just two actors share the screen and deliver an electric on-screen spark. From smoldering gazes to playful banter, they leave you craving more. This list celebrates 20 pairs of actors who left an indelible mark on the small screen with their charm and off-the-charts chemistry.
On the one hand, there are epic sitcom romances and addictive crime-stopping teams, and on the other, devilishly relatable sibling banter and iconic survival duos. These familiar stars show that when actors click well, it’s no surprise that their shows become so iconic and famous.
20The Vampire Diaries — Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev
Vampire Diaries
Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls,The Vampire Diariesfollows the life of Elena Gilbert, an ordinary teenager whose life is turned upside down after both her parents die in a tragic car accident. She soon finds herself drawn to a gentle and kind-hearted young man named Stefan Salvatore. But when Stefan’s dangerous and passionate brother Damon enters the mix, Elena is pulled into a supernatural saga involving werewolves, witches, and town politics.
The Only Enemies-To-Lovers We Approve Of
WhileElena GilbertandDamon Salvatorehad a sharp intensity between them which built toa love-hate relationship, it was the chemistry between actorsIan SomerhalderandNina Dobrevthat anchored the show’s emotions.
The actors grew so close that they even dated for three years, making all the sparks between them on screen real and vivid. Dobrev cites Somerhalder as one of her biggest inspirations during filming of the long-running show.
Stream The Vampire Diaries on Max
19Scrubs — Zach Braff and Donald Faison
Steering awayfrom medical dramasthat have you reaching out for tissues every other episode,Scrubsis a lighthearted sitcom that balances its highs and lows in a timeless manner. It introduces you to the medical interns at Sacred Heart Hospital, where newcomer J.D. is taken under the wing of his mentor, Perry Cox. As he navigates the pressures of medical school and bonds with his quirky co-workers, J.D. learns (and teaches) plenty of valuable life lessons.
Bromance At Its Finest
InScrubs,J.D. and Turkshowcase the beauty of male friendships and platonic affection without ever making it too sweet or too serious. Their natural humor and ability to play practical jokes on one another is as hilarious as it is authentic, and it all started whenZach Braff and Donald Faisonmet for the first time during the reading ofScrubs. It goes without saying that the two actors share a golden friendship off-screen for over 20 years now, even starting a podcast together.
Stream Scrubs on Hulu
18The X-Files — David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson
The X-Files
The X-Filesis a phenomenal science fiction drama that follows two FBI Special Agents,Fox MulderandDana Scully, who investigate cases that were deemed unsolvable due to the presence of supernatural elements. While Mulder was almost too enthusiastic about the idea of paranormal existence, alien life, and government conspiracies, Scully was more pragmatic and approached each case with her knowledge of science and medicine at the forefront.
Related:The X-Files: The 20 Creepiest Villains in the TV Show, Ranked
A Chemistry That Shifted Generations
Over nine seasons and two additional reboots, the complex relationship between Dana and Fox evolved from distrust to mutual care. The one thing binding them together was their determination to find the truth. Throughout the ‘90s, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson shared a palpable chemistry on screen which led millions of fascinated viewers to root for them.
In real life,Gillian Anderson and David Duchovnyhave had ups and downs over the many years, with Anderson once comparing their relationship to a marriage. There were disagreements, but also many moments where they seem like absolute best friends.
Stream The X-Files on Hulu
17Killing Eve — Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer
Killing Eve
Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge using her signature wit and humor,Killing Eveis a stylish spy thriller that introduces us toEve, a bored MI5 security officer who is recruited for an undercover mission to hunt the brilliant and mercurial assassinVillanelle. Eve first had a chance encounter with Villanelle in a hospital bathroom, but with the stakes of her mission higher than ever, their toxic obsession with one another spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse across Europe.
They’re Too Deliciously Twisted to Resist
Needless to say,Sandra Oh and Jodie Comerignite all the small screens with their heart-in-your-mouth tension and sizzling chemistry. Whether it is their explosive scenes together or shared moments of longing gazes, there is a palpable heat between them that is impossible to look away from.
What’s interesting is that their respect and support for one another translates to their real life friendship as well, with Oh acknowledging itin an interview withThe Sun, saying “Jodie and I have a profound relationship.”
Stream Killing Eve on AMC+
16The Americans — Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys
The Americans
During the Cold War,Elizabeth and Philip Jenningsgot married and had children. Even though they reside in Washington D.C. and appear to be a typical married couple, the truth is that they were placed there by the KGB as deep undercover agents to spy on the American government.
The Americanscaptures the period of the Reagan administration, when war and politics were escalating. All the Jennings wanted out of it was to keep their lives hidden and fulfill their duty to their country.
Truly A Match Made In Heaven
As Elizabeth and Philip,Keri Russell and Matthew Rhysshared a connection that felt incredibly authentic. Even though their layered and complex characters were always torn between duty and desires, it was in the moments of compassion that their relationship truly blossomed.
Outside of the show, they developed a romance in 2013 and were eventually married in 2021, and have three children together. With humor and patience, they made this marriage take command of their captivating roles.
Stream The Americans on Hulu
15Hannibal — Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy
By farthe best iteration of Thomas Harris’ psychopathic serial killer, Mads Mikkelsen’sDr. Hannibal Lecterplays the forensic psychiatrist in this show. He’s later asked by the FBI to join a criminal profiler namedWill Grahamin his investigations and help him catch cold-blooded murderers. Lecter uses his talents to get into the head of criminals while also indulging in his private life of cannibalism. Throughout the series, we witness him forming a fascinating and transformative relationship with Graham.
A Morbid Yet Mesmerizing Friendship
Hannibalperfectly castsMads Mikkelsenas the monstrous lead. Known for playing several troubled protagonists, the actor exudes menace with silky grace.Hugh Dancymatches him as the tormented yet internally sharp Will Graham.
When they are together, the atmosphere becomes eerily enticing, and the psychological game of manipulation and violence looks extremely effortless. Mads Mikkelsen and High Dancy first appeared together on screen in 2004’sKing Arthurand their friendship is rooted in respect, appreciation, and trust for one another.
Stream Hannibal on AMC+
14This Is Us — Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson
This Is Us
Chroniclingthe ups and downs in the lifeof the Pearson clan,This Is Usis an emotionally resonant glimpse into what a family goes through as a whole. We follow twins Kevin and Kate, their adoptive brother Randall, and their parents Jack and Rebecca, as they navigate the joys and frustrations through various stages in life.
The show uses a non-linear narrative to dive into certain definitive aspects of their relationships, but ultimately, the Pearsons learn who they are.
Hands Down the Healthiest On-Screen Marriage
While Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia are absolutely wonderful as Jack and Rebecca, the heads of the Pearson family, it isRandall and Beth, played bySterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watsonthat steal the spotlight. As a couple they radiate beauty and comfort.
Every time they share a scene, their relationship pulses with thoughtfulness, care, humor, honesty, and a unique sense of admiration and understanding towards each other. It helps that they are great friends in real life, too.
Stream This Is Us on Hulu
13Shameless — Cameron Monaghan and Noel Fisher
Created by Paul Abbott,Shamelessis a family drama known particularly for its authentic, flawed, and complex characters. At the center of it all is Frank Gallagher, the alcoholic absentee father of the dysfunctional Gallagher household. His eldest daughter, Fiona, steps up to take care of her five siblings and supports the family through high school and beyond, navigating relationships and challenges in Chicago’s chaotic South Side.
Related:10 Movies and TV Shows About Dysfunctional Families
Only The Best Couple On Shameless
Throughout the 11 seasons ofShameless, several relationships are made and broken, leaving wounds and scars that still sting. However, the intense and fiery bond betweenIan Gallagher and Mickey Milkovichis among the most fondly remembered of the show.
Cameron Monaghan and Noel Fishernail their roles as neighbors-turned-lovers-turned-husbands. From their snappy banter and traumatic lives to their willingness to care for each other, every bit of their feeling is infused with love and affection.
Stream Shameless on Netflix
12Good Omens — David Tennant and Michael Sheen
An astonishingly addictive fantasy comedy,Good Omenscenters aroundthe angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley, who have grown rather fond of Earth after living on it for nearly 6000 years. When both heaven and hell decide to get the apocalypse going, the long-time friends decide to team up and prevent the arrival of the Antichrist, and hence Armageddon.
Heaven Meets Hell In An Exciting Story
Based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s 1990 novel of the same name,Good Omensfeels more tailor-made for the new generation than ever. The show’s sense of style and humor is nothing if not addicting.
A huge credit for its success goes toDavid Tennant and Michael Sheen, whose comedic synergy as long-time collaborators and close friends brings Crowley and Aziraphale to amusing life. Known to always make lighthearted fun of each other, their chemistry ensures only the highest form of entertainment on screen.
Stream Good Omens on Prime Video
11Brooklyn Nine-Nine — Andy Samberg and Melissa Fumero
Brooklyn nine-nine
At the 99th Precinct of the NYPD, crimes get solved and perps get caught, but always with a dash of laugh-out-loud moments, much to the chagrin of steady Captain Holt.
Under his leadership, New York’s finest and most eccentric detectives, like Jake, Boyle, Roza, Amy, Terry, Hitchcock and Scully, live for busting bad guys and indulging in their individual quirks. With new cases each week,Brooklyn Nine-Ninecemented itself as a beloved ensemble comedy.
Chemistry As Genuine As It Is Goofy
Amid the many dynamics that made the show iconic, the one that generatednon-stop hilarity with their contagious charmwasJake Peralta and Amy Santiago, played wonderfully byAndy Samberg and Melissa Fumero.
With impeccable comedic timing and a knack for looking foolish, they brought out each other’s funniest sides and became the world’s favorite romantic goofballs. None of it would have been possible without the close friendship Samberg and Fumero formed during the eight-year run.
