Top 20 TV Couples With the Best Chemistry

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the TV romances that burned up the screen and had us screaming “couple goals!”

#20: David & Patrick

“Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

It says a lot about Patrick that he found David Rose’s finicky eccentricity charming enough to go into business with him, let alone fall in love with him. But the magical thing about this couple is how David’s defenses get worn down. He’s not even aware of Patrick’s crush on him, which makes it all the more fun for us to watch because how could he not? Patrick is patient with him where many of us might not be. Anyone who imagines an ideal relationship probably aspires to be understood by their partner the way these two do.

#19: Mulder & Scully

“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)

While they weren’t quite an enemies-to-lovers story, Mulder and Scully definitely didn’t start out on the right foot. She had a chip on her shoulder because she was relegated to investigating the paranormal with him, and he didn’t trust her because he assumed she was just there to spy on him. The fireworks were immediate. It was also long rumored that actors Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny weren’t exactly close behind-the-scenes. Although friends now, there were times when the two didn’t even speak until they were on camera. Apparently, that approach worked. They are dynamite together.

#18: Fran & Maxwell

“The Nanny” (1993-99)

You couldn’t make a believable will-they-or-won’t-they storyline without red hot chemistry. Fran Fine and Mr. Sheffield’s mutual attraction was so obvious that most of the show’s best jokes were derived from it. With her brash comic timing and his dry British wit, they were a mismatched pair made in heaven. Still, it took years of stumbling and kisses that went nowhere for these two to finally connect. And that’s really the whole point of a slow burn like this. When the chemistry is this strong, it would only cheapen it if they got together at the end of season one.

#17: Bones & Booth

“Bones” (2005-17)

Temperance Brennan, nicknamed “Bones” for her expertise in forensic anthropology, is eccentric and highly motivated by her quest for knowledge. Seeley Booth is the show’s everyman. What makes him special is his ability to understand and even translate Bones’ information-dense and often esoteric way of communicating. As played by Emily Deschanel and cult TV heartthrob David Boreanaz, they are one of TV’s most engaging couples. When solving their cases, they’re forced to lean on each other. While each has their own strengths, the other balances out their weaknesses. It makes for some scintillating and feet-kicking sexual tension.

#16: Eve & Villanelle

“Killing Eve” (2018-22)

Look, we know what you’re gonna say. These two spend most of this BBC series trying to figure out whether or not they want to kiss each other or kill each other. Low-level MI5 agent Eve Polastri first meets the villainous and intensely dangerous Villanelle after the latter has just committed a murder. It’s not love but obsession at first sight. While the two chase each other all over the world, their electric and explosive chemistry together is what makes “Killing Eve” so bingeable. They trade roles in an ongoing cat and mouse game that will probably destroy them both. Not exactly couple goals, but it’s thrilling nonetheless.

#15: Sam & Diane

“Cheers” (1982-93)

These two practically invented the trope that workplace sitcoms still follow to this day. For the first half of its run, one of “Cheers’” longrunning storylines was an unforgettable will-they-or-won’t-they. Former pro-baseball player turned bar owner Sam Malone and stuffy academic Diane Chambers were like oil and water. She only took the job as a server at Cheers out of desperation. But while the two constantly bickered, it was apparent to everyone, on and off screen, that these two doth protest too much. Even their first real kiss was the result of an argument. In the end, they just couldn’t resist each other. And we couldn’t resist tuning in to find out what happened next.

#14: Eric & Tami

“Friday Night Lights” (2006-11)

Small-town high school football was never so heartfelt. A lot of that heart has to do with Coach Eric Taylor and his wife, Tami. The Taylors are shockingly normal. It’s shocking because this was a primetime TV show, and functional marriages are not exactly the norm. But Eric’s resilience and level-headed demeanor against Tami’s fiery, no-nonsense approach makes these two such a satisfying couple. For the little town of Dillon, Texas, they’re a veritable power couple. Without them, “Friday Night Lights” wouldn’t be nearly as beloved as it is among its small but merry fanbase.

#13: Leslie & Ben

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Leslie Knope’s ambitions sometimes dwarfed the concerns of a local parks and recreation department. They never seemed too big to Ben Wyatt. Like many of these couples, they start off as rivals. But there’s something wholesome about how these two become each other’s biggest cheerleaders. When Leslie’s political ambitions made their relationship unethical, instead of compromising their ethics, Ben was willing to step aside if it meant she could pursue her dream. That’s so deeply endearing. Amy Poehler and Adam Scott made it impossible not to root for these two, quirks and all.

#12: Lorelai & Luke

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

Sometimes, it seems like surly diner owner Luke Danes is nothing more than Lorelai Gilmore’s caffeine enabler. The Gilmore Girls’ banter is hard to keep up with. Luke is one of the few who can not only decipher their pop culture references, but he can also join in when he has to. Luke and Lorelai are like an old screwball comedy duo come to life. Her zany antics and his crusty demeanor make them an odd couple in the best way. Lorelai’s daughter and Luke’s nephew had a similar vibe, representing a more youthful and rebellious version of the chemistry that happens when opposites attract.

#11: Olivia & Fitz

“Scandal” (2012-18)

Sometimes, the chemistry is at its peak when you know a couple shouldn’t be together. There are all sorts of reasons why professional fixer Olivia Pope should not be with Fitzgerald Grant III. Two of the most obvious are that he’s the President of the United States, and he’s married. The other is that scandals in the White House make Olivia’s job infinitely harder. Yet we watched as the show yanked the two apart, forced them back together, and had us eating up every moment. There was so much passion between these two it could have burned a hole in the Oval Office carpet.

#10: Magnus & Alec

“Shadowhunters” (2016-19)

A warlock-shadowhunter love affair – what more could we ask for? Magnus and Alec might not be the most well-known relationship on this list, but with chemistry like this, they definitely should be. The romantic drama in the “Shadowhunters” series usually centers around Clary and Jace, but the chemistry between the actors who play Magnus and Alec – Harry Shum Jr. and Matthew Daddario – is the real highlight of the show. There are so many wonderful moments, but the one where they mutually propose to each other has to be our favorite. Not everyone gets a happy ending, but these two deserve it.

#9: Emma & Hook

“Once Upon a Time” (2011-18)

“Once Upon a Time” is literally about fairytale characters, so you know there’s going to be some swoon-worthy chemistry going on. But, from the moment that swashbuckling pirate Captain Hook came swaggering onto our screens, we knew he and Emma Swan would take the cake for the best. Both characters have such fiery personalities – during their first moments, Emma ties Hook to a tree, and he flirts with her mercilessly. But, as the show goes on, the two form a strong mutual bond and prove time and time again just how steamy a fairytale kiss can be.

#8: Monica & Chandler

“Friends” (1994-2004)

You know what they say – the best relationships start as friendships. And the very best ones use seasons and seasons of comedic chemistry to their advantage. Monica and Chandler don’t start out on each other’s radar romantically, but there are hints to their eventual relationship throughout the early seasons. Chandler asks Monica if she’ll be his backup, and Monica knows secrets about Chandler he hasn’t shared with the rest of the gang – see third nipple. While their eventual hooking up in “London, baby!” does come as a bit of a shock, it should have been no surprise to fans who had closely watched their comedic, yet flirtatious energy from day one.

#7: Jake & Amy

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-)

One of many office romances on this list, Jake and Amy really bring that competitive energy we love to their chemistry. He makes her smile with his silly antics – though she pretends she doesn’t like it – and her organizational skills keep him in check – and make him smile, though HE wouldn’t admit it. Actors Andy Samberg and Melissa Fumero do an incredible job of playing up that push and pull, amping up the characters’ differences only to show how those same differences bring the couple closer together. Their rivalry may end, but we’re thankful they never lose that competitive edge with each other – gotta keep things interesting!

#6: Ian & Mickey

“Shameless” (2011-21)

Sometimes couples have to go through hard times to become stronger than ever – and no one knows that better than Ian and Mickey on “Shameless.” Early on in the drama’s run, these two were adversaries, and even when their feelings for each other began to bloom, things were hard – particularly for Mickey, who had a tough time with coming out. Nothing about this relationship seems easy, but the actors – Noel Fisher and Cameron Monaghan – step into their roles with ease, and create a couple with explosive chemistry. The pair has gone through so many evolutions, but the actors have been able to keep up, working together in their performances to make sure “Gallavich” fans are satisfied.

#5: Nick & Jess

“New Girl” (2011-18)

When you have a sitcom where your female protagonist moves in with three male roommates, you can bet – by the constructs of television – that she’ll end up with one of them. In “New Girl”’s case, there was no question who that man would be. Right from the jump, Nick and Jess had some of the strangest, yet sweetest, chemistry we’ve seen yet. It may seem odd at first glance – Jess has such a bubbly personality, and Nick is not what you might describe as sunny (and possibly doesn’t wash his bath towels). But there’s no question that some part of his weird sense of humor gets Jess’ weird sense of humor. And that’s beautiful.

#4: Fleabag & Hot Priest

“Fleabag” (2016-19)

Taboo? Absolutely. But that’s what makes these two’s chemistry even steamier! From their first interaction, it’s clear that there are sparks flying– despite the fact that they’re forbidden to be together. The Hot Priest sees Fleabag in a way that no one else in her life does, which is exhibited through his ability to recognize her asides to the camera. While these star-crossed lovers couldn’t enjoy a happily ever after, their connection and attraction to each other is undeniable. This is the kind of content we get when a man is written by a woman!

#3: Joey & Pacey

“Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)

It was a chemistry so good, the actors literally willed the relationship into existence. Casual fans of “Dawson’s Creek” might think it’s all about the relationship between Katie Holmes’ Joey and James Van Der Beek’s Dawson, but die hard fans know it was all about Joey and Pacey, played by Joshua Jackson. Pacey and Joey didn’t really get along in the first season, but according to show creator Kevin Williamson, he knew there was a spark between the two even then. The spark was so magnetic, the couple even dated in real life! Holmes even called Jackson her “first love.” Now THAT’s chemistry.

#2: Derek & Meredith

“Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)

Only these two could get married off of a post-it note and make it look romantic. Meredith and Derek are basically forced to have incredible chemistry right off the bat – their first scene together in “Grey’s Anatomy” is their morning after scene. They then need to keep the chemistry alive through all the drama that a Shonda Rhimes original brings. Between wives, boyfriends, and surgical procedures, it’s amazing how these two are able to revel in their quiet moments together, grounding the characters while madness unfolds around them. We certainly do pick them, choose them, and love them.

#1: Jamie & Claire

“Outlander” (2014-)

Time-traveling lovers are the best lovers – especially when they’re in the beautiful hills of Scotland! Let’s face it – when most of your scenes are of a sexual nature, you’ve really gotta sell the relationship. And not only do Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan really nail the physical stuff as Jamie and Claire, they really land the softer, more emotional moments too. It would be easy to make this show all about the physical, but the mutual respect and emotional depth between Jamie and Claire is what really pushes the show over the edge.

Which iconic TV couple do you think is the hottest? Let us know in the comments.