Top 10 Haters Turned Lovers in TV Shows

“True Blood” (2008-14) Heroine Sookie Stackhouse has several contentious love interests during “True Blood,” but we ultimately settled on Eric Northman. The complicated vampire earned Sookie’s justifiable ire after he tricked her into drinking his blood, forming a permanent bond between them without her knowledge or consent. However, as time went on, their connection began to become genuine, leading to a romance as well as a deep level of trust and mutual protectiveness on both their parts. While their relationship didn’t work out, the love between them never really faded.

“Castle” (2009-17) Rick Castle is the show’s eponymous author, while Kate Beckett is the no-nonsense detective who becomes his muse and reluctant partner in crime fighting. The two bicker frequently and the fact that they meet due to Castle being a murder suspect doesn’t start their relationship on the best note. Castle seems keen from the beginning, while Beckett appears to be totally disinterested. Over time, however, the flirtation became a two-way street, and the relationship evolved into something more than attraction. Though their journey was not without its obstacles or drama, Castle and Beckett eventually get married.

“Once Upon a Time” (2011-18) Emma Swan, the primary protagonist of the series, and Killian Jones, better known as Captain Hook, don’t exactly get off on the right foot. This is mainly due to him being a roguish pirate who’s aiding the villainous Queen of Hearts when they first meet. Still, some shared misadventures and Hook’s willingness to put Swan first ultimately wins her over – with more than a little help from his considerable charms. While their fairy tale story was fraught with danger, the two of them do eventually get their happily ever after.

#7: Steven Hyde and Jackie Burkhart

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“That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006) Steven Hyde is the Point Place gang’s resident bad boy and counterculture enthusiast, while Jackie is the high-maintenance popular rich girl. For much of the first few seasons, the pair seemingly can’t stand one another, both due to their difference in class and a general dislike for the other’s personality. Despite this, there are hints at the potential for something more. Everything changes abruptly when the two of them get together out of boredom. While they still frequently argue, they make for a surprising and surprisingly good couple while they last.

#6: Ted Mosby and Zoey Pierson

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“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14) Jennifer Morrison really has a knack for these kinds of roles, huh? This time, she plays Zoey, a protestor who at first clashes with Ted due to his role in designing a new building destined to replace an older one she loves. Through their various conflicts, an understanding and attraction builds between them, despite their differences and Zoey being married at the time. However, their contentiousness carries through to their romantic relationship, and ultimately their inability to see eye to eye leads to their inevitable breakup.

#5: Sam Puckett and Freddie Benson

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“iCarly” (2007-12) Sam is the best friend of Carly Shay and co-host of the titular web show, while Freddie is their producer. The two of them bicker and argue constantly, with Sam, who’s something of a “mean girl,” going out of her way to mock Freddie. However, their animosity gradually develops into an attraction, culminating in a short-lived relationship. While they do love each other, their differences and antagonism force them to admit that they don’t quite work – even though some fans would heartily disagree with that assessment. Thankfully, the show left their story open-ended, leaving plenty for us to fill in the blanks for ourselves.

“The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17) Klaus is one of the original vampire/werewolf hybrids and Caroline is a human turned vampire, and together they form just one of the many complicated couples on “The Vampire Diaries.” Klaus begins his time on the series as an antagonist, and certainly no friend of Caroline’s. However, after he saves her life, the two of them form a bond which eventually evolves into a romance. Sadly, it’s a rather short-lived one, cut short partially due to Klaus’ commitments elsewhere and his involvement in a spin-off. Regardless, theirs was an engaging romance while it lasted.

#3: Jon Snow and Ygritte

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“Game of Thrones” (2011-) War can bring people together and tear them apart, and this couple experiences both. Jon Snow, a former member of the Night’s Watch, first meets Ygritte, a wildling warrior, when he captures her north of the Wall he’s charged with guarding. Although she’s flirtatious with him, he resists, as he takes his vows of celibacy to the Watch seriously. However, when charged with infiltrating the wildling cause, Jon begins falling for Ygritte in earnest. Tragically, Jon’s honor and duty come between them and he rejoined the Watch, leading to a heartbreaking end to their relationship.

#2: Buffy Summers and Spike

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“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003) This seminal supernatural teen drama featured several pairings that went from hate to love, like Xander and Cordelia, but arguably the most dramatic instance is between Spike and Buffy. Buffy is a Vampire Slayer, and Spike is a vampire who has killed several Slayers and aims to do the same to Buffy. Be that as it may, circumstances lead to alliances between them on multiple occasions, and Spike begins to nurse a crush on Buffy. It isn’t until she goes through significant trauma that she reaches out to him in response, but she eventually shows interest in kind. While their short-lived relationship is mostly rooted in lust, Spike’s love for her is genuine – albeit sometimes VERY unhealthy. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Edward Niles and C.C. Babcock “The Nanny” (1993-99) Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars “Veronica Mars” (2004-07) Dr. Perry Cox and Jordan Sullivan “Scrubs” (2001-10)

#1: Sam Malone and Diane Chambers

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“Cheers” (1982-93) Arguably one of the most famous and influential couples of this type, Sam and Diane changed television with their relationship, and likely influenced some of our other entries. Sam is the owner of the eponymous bar, Cheers, and his working-class attitude frequently clashed with waitress Diane’s more refined sensibilities. Over time, however, their arguments eventually led to an equally contentious romance. Along with their verbal sparring, the pair break up and get back together many times. While they ultimately don’t end up together, their back and forth journey to realizing they don’t belong with each other is an entertaining one.