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35 Actors Whose Onscreen Chemistry Was So Undeniable, But Their TV Characters Didn't End Up Together

"I cared about the whole world because of you."

Nora Dominick
by Nora Dominick

BuzzFeed Staff

We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which TV characters had the best chemistry but didn't end up together. Here are some of the best responses:

🚨Warning: There are massive spoilers ahead!🚨

1. Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley as Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake on The 100.

Bellamy telling Clarke that he will give her forgiveness and asking her to come inside, but Clarke refusing
The CW

"Bellamy and Clarke from The 100 without a doubt! Even if you take away the fact that the actors fell in love and eventually got married, through the course of the show they have the most amazing chemistry. The way Bellamy and Clarke refused to lose the other one even to save the human race and have literally brought each other back from the dead. Their ending was such an injustice to the characters and the actors who created one of the best romances in television even with it never being canon."

—campbells4dbe23c87

2. Eliza Taylor and Alycia Debnam-Carey as Clarke Griffin and Lexa on The 100

Lexa kneeling to Clarke and saying that she swears fealty to her and promises to "treat your needs as my own and your people as my people"
The CW

"Omg don’t get me started on Clarke and Lexa from The 100. They had such amazing chemistry and it was so refreshing to see a positive LGBTQ couple representation at the time. Also it was for sure the best ship of the whole show. Eventually, Lexa got shot by her own protector and accidentally dies. I’ll never forgive the writers for not only the shitty death they gave Lexa, but for ruining what could have been a beautiful relationship. They would have been such a power couple."

—ellieash

3. Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine as Haley Dunphy and Andy Bailey on Modern Family.

Andy and Haley looking at each other and then Haley jumping up and kissing Andy
ABC

"Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine's chemistry was monumental! Their characters were total opposites and worked together in the best way. Haley matured and grew so much with him, not only in the relationship but as a woman with career goals and figuring herself out. After waiting so long for them to finally date, he just left and that was that. She got back together with Dylan, yet again, and completely regressed into the same person she was in high school. With their chemistry and storyline, it made no sense why Haley didn't end up with Andy."

—katcloud

4. Neil Patrick Harris and Cobie Smulders as Barney Stinson and Robin Scherbatsky on How I Met Your Mother.

Barney getting down on one knee and asking Robin to marry him and Robin saying, "Yes"
CBS

"They had the best chemistry and build up on the show, and even got a whole season for their wedding. The final season proved why they could make their relationship work, but then they got divorced?! It made no sense!"

—inspire_forever

5. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz as Mike Chang and Tina Cohen-Chang on Glee.

Mike and Tina looking longingly at each other
Fox

"Dear god, Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz had tremendous chemistry. Even if they barely got storylines and screen time, Mike and Tina had one of the healthiest relationships on the show along with an amazing dynamic. I will always be mad at the fact that they didn't end up together."

—tamaravalverde

6. Kirsten Vangsness and Shemar Moore as Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds.

Morgan putting Garcia's glasses on her and Garcia saying, "How often do I tell you I love you?"
CBS

"They had the best friendship and chemistry. It low-key broke my heart when he ended up with someone else, but I am glad they didn't spoil the epic friendship."

—amychackett

7. AJ Cook and Matthew Gray Gubler as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau and Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds.

JJ telling Reid that she meant it when she said that she loved him and that he was her "first love"
CBS

"They had great chemistry and I wish their characters had ended up together."

—laurend45cad4394

8. Melissa Benoist and Katie McGrath as Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor on Supergirl.

Kara telling Lena that she doesn't have to be afraid and that she's not going anywhere
The CW

"I do love Kara with Mon-El, and if they do end up together, I’m happy for them, BUT Kara and Lena!! Every single scene they have is almost romantic (no one constantly sits that close to their friend when there’s space elsewhere). Several parallels have been made to other couples, especially Superman and Lois. The one I’d like to give a shoutout to is that the love interest is always the one to find out the superhero’s alter ego way too late, and that's exactly what happened with Lena in Season 5. There is nothing heterosexual about Lena Luthor, so it's time for the show to just go there before it's too late."

—monikaaat

9. Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins as Dean Winchester and Castiel on Supernatural.

Castiel weeping and telling Dean that he "cared about the whole world" because of him and that he loves him
The CW

"I'm not a person who tends to 'ship' characters but even when people who have never seen the show think they are together you know the chemistry is there. There was 12 years of built up sexual tension but nothing ever came of it. Representation does matter and its a shame that one of the things Supernatural will be remembered for is 'burying their gays' and generally queerbaiting."

—pennyguide

10. Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc as Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani on Friends.

Rachel and Joey kissing in Joey's apartment and Ross walking in
NBC

"They had great chemistry until the writers realized they'd accidentally written themselves into a corner, so they made up some crap about it being 'too awkward' so that Rachel could end up with Ross. Rachel and Joey were done dirty and you cannot change my mind."

—georgiamc2002

11. Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen as Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter on Hannibal.

Will and Hannibal looking at each other while Will leans against a ladder
NBC

"Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen had incredible chemistry on Hannibal. I do believe that if the show hadn’t been canceled they would’ve ended up together. There are so many scenes with intense chemistry and the bond between the two is undeniable."

—functional_fangirl

12. Hilarie Burton and Bryan Greenberg as Peyton Sawyer and Jake Jagielski on One Tree Hill.

Peyton telling Jake she loves him and can't live without him, and Jake saying that she was meant for better and is "too full of greatness"
The CW

"I'm sorry, but Jake and Peyton were such a better couple than Lucas and Peyton."

—aaronweeks101

13. Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray as Brooke Davis and Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill.

Brooke telling Lucas that she misses him and Lucas responding, "And I missed you, too, pretty girl"
The CW

"They were perfect together. Brooke really grew and learned how much she deserved from her relationship with Lucas. Their chemistry was amazing. Although I love Julian and Brooke, I wanted her to be with Lucas so badly."

—olivialukasik1

14. Shay Mitchell and Bianca Lawson as Emily Field and Maya St. Germain on Pretty Little Liars.

Emily and Maya kissing in a photo booth
Freeform

"They were soulmates and much less problematic than Emily and Alison or Emily and Paige. I loved them together."

—hadasbatetush

15. Alexis Bledel and Matt Czuchry as Rory and Logan on Gilmore Girls.

Logan asking Rory, "You trust me?" and Rory responding with, "You jump, I jump, Jack"
Warner Bros.

"They had amazing banter and chemistry throughout the entire show. They deserved each other."

—inspire_forever

16. Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz as Buffy and Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

Buffy and Angel crying and Buffy saying that it wasn't "enough time" and saying that she will "never forget"
Warner Bros.

"Buffy and Angel were THE original ship. He was a cursed vampire, and she's the slayer, so the angst writes itself! My best friend and I still can't believe the Buffy and the Scoobies don't show up for the apocalypse in LA during the Angel series finale. It's been a decade and a half, and we're still not over this. Buffy and Angel forever."

—latinalibra1005

17. Rose Williams and Leo Suter as Charlotte Heywood and James Stringer on Sanditon.

Charlotte and James looking at each other and smiling
PBS

"Maybe a niche one but Charlotte Heywood and James Stringer on Sanditon! They had such good chemistry, way more than Charlotte and Sidney, and would have made a much more interesting couple. In fact, it would've been one we haven't seen on period dramas before. Sadly if there is ever a Season 2 they probably still won't go there."

—zbariadne

18. Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd as Cristina Yang and Owen Hunt on Grey's Anatomy.

Cristina and Owen looking at each other on their wedding day
ABC

"Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd’s chemistry was UNREAL. They played such special and complex characters, and they were the perfect acting partners for each other. They were really good friends offscreen too and it 100% showed. I’m still mad that they weren’t endgame."

—dannalgx1802

19. Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew as Jackson Avery and April Kepner on Grey's Anatomy.

Jackson telling April that he loves her and asking if she feels the same way
ABC

"It took me a little while to open up to April and Jackson, but damn, Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew's chemistry was next level. They were incredible together and really became an important relationship on Grey's Anatomy. I'm so sad that these two didn't end up together."

—noradominick

20. Jason Ralph and Hale Appleman as Quentin Coldwater and Eliot Waugh on The Magicians.

Eliot telling Quentin that he was afraid and then kissing him and saying that he learned to be brave from him
SYFY

"They had the most beautiful and subtle love story, which culminated in them spending 50 years together and raising a child in an alternate timeline. However, Eliot pushed Quentin away and then they immediately killed Quentin, leaving Eliot completely heartbroken! It truly just fed into the stereotype of gay suffering, which is so exhausting. They should've been endgame."

—saunasauna

21. Elisabeth Moss and Max Minghella as June and Nick on The Handmaid's Tale.

June telling Nick that she wants to name their daughter Holly after her mom and Nick saying, "Holly. That sounds right"
Hulu

"Maybe their time will come, but it’s not looking likely. Those two were on fire. She had better chemistry with him than her husband!"

—silentword

22. Chloe Bennet and Gabriel Luna as Daisy Johnson and Robbie Reyes on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Daisy telling Robbie that his life sounds terrible, painful, and lonely, and Robbie saying, "Yeah, that about sums it up. But I'm here now"
ABC

"Don’t get me wrong, I ship Daisy and Sousa, but these two had chemistry and a lot in common. Not to mention he’s her type (a bad boy but a soft boy). Quake and Ghost Rider could have even had their own show."

—katf4333a6d3c

23. Joseph Morgan and Candice King as Klaus Mikaelson and Caroline Forbes on The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.

Klaus saying that he's leaving and never coming back, and Caroline saying, "Good"
The CW

"Talk about unmatchable chemistry? They were electric together."

—belleyre

24. Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander as Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles on Rizzoli & Isles.

Rizzoli and Isles looking at each other while sitting on a bed next to each other
TNT

"They were best friends and supported each other in all endeavors. There is a whole fandom for them as a couple even though it never happened on the show. They were already such strong, caring, and fierce female characters to begin with, and they would have been a power couple."

—amym98

25. Lindsey Morgan and Richard Harmon as Raven Reyes and John Murphy on The 100.

The CW

"AMAZING chemistry. Honestly, they flirted and acted like a married couple most of the time. It’s a crime that they never ended up together."

—eviea44a40ff80

26. Rachel Bloom and Santino Fontana as Rebecca Bunch and Greg Serrano on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Rebecca and Greg sitting on a bench together
The CW

"Rachel Bloom and Santino Fontana as Rebecca and Greg had amazing chemistry. Heck, Rachel had chemistry with every single one of Rebecca's love interests, but especially Greg and Nathaniel. Rebecca did not get in a relationship by the end of the series (which was amazing), but the chemistry between Rachel and her co-stars is absolutely phenomenal."

—mythrip

27. Sophie Turner and Alfie Allen as Sansa Stark and Theon Greyjoy on Game of Thrones.

Theon and Sansa holding hands and looking at each other before jumping off the wall
HBO

"Maybe a little unconventional for this, but Sansa and Theon from Game of Thrones, mainly in the later seasons. The way they looked at each other and the way they spoke with such a loving and vulnerable tone made me want them to end up together so badly."

—octopus4747

28. Ester Expósito and Itzan Escamilla as Carla Roson and Samuel Garcia on Elite.

Carla hiding behind her hands and smiling when Samuel opens the door
Netflix

"Ester Expósito and Itzan Escamilla from Elite had such great chemistry. Carla and Samuel's relationship in Season 2 and Season 3 was unmatched I will always be heartbroken their characters never got to be endgame."

—abi1310

29. Oliver Stark and Ryan Guzman as Evan "Buck" Buckley and Eddie Diaz on 9-1-1.

Buck telling Eddie, "I should've been there. Maybe I could've talked some sense into you"
Fox

"The show’s not over yet, but seriously how have Eddie and Buck from 9-1-1 not gotten together yet? They always react first when the other is hurt, they’re literally like family, and the chemistry is off the charts. When Eddie thought he was dying/being buried alive, most of his memories/flashbacks of his team and family were with his son and Buck. Then, when Buck did the whole lawsuit thing, Eddie was mostly mad that he couldn’t see Buck, and that his son couldn’t as well. Soulmate energy to the max."

—castleskyy

30. Morris Chestnut and Jaina Lee Ortiz as Dr. Beaumont Rosewood Jr. and Det. Annalise Villa on Rosewood.

Beaumont and Annalise smiling at each other
Fox

"The show ended a couple years ago but I’ve been rewatching it and I immediately fell in love with Morris Chestnut and Jaina Lee Ortiz’s characters. Their chemistry was unbelievably intense and the show didn’t end with a definite yes or no. Also, the show should've never been canceled. Their chemistry gave me many heart attacks and breakdowns and I think it’s one of the best (non) relationships in TV history."

—gigichanga

31. Joel McHale and Alison Brie as Jeff Winger and Annie Edison on Community.

Jeff touching Annie's face and looking at her
NBC

"Joel McHale and Alison Brie had so much chemistry that the show changed Jeff's main love interest when they were already over a season in, and then they didn't end up together! There's hundreds of YouTube compilations shipping these two and their strong sexual tension. They brought out the best in each other, only to never date."

—ellieant13

32. Blake Lively and Chace Crawford as Serena van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl.

Nate and Serena kissing at the white party
The CW

"They were perfect for each other. They balanced each other out and were best friends from the beginning. Still so disappointed that Serena married Dan."

—saraminaehlert

33. Leighton Meester and Penn Badgley as Blair Waldorf and Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl.

Blair telling Dan, "What if I lose everything?" and Dan responding with, "You'll still have me"
The CW

"I know it’s not a popular pairing, but I think it was pretty clear that the characters had chemistry. Even Leighton and Penn said they enjoyed working with each other and it was clear they were having fun!"

—jeroy

34. Anna Chlumsky and Reid Scott as Amy Brookheimer and Dan Egan on Veep.

Dan telling Amy, "You know, we could still be great" and Amy saying, "We could?"
HBO

"The show kept teasing that relationship but we never got to see them actually together on screen! They were awful to each other, but you could tell deep down they did genuinely care about each other. Also, they had such a fun dynamic."

—kelsharrington12

35. And finally, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson on Sherlock.

Sherlock talking to John on the phone and saying he was so clever the first time they met
BBC

"They changed so much from the original stories and John seemed clearly in love with Sherlock. But in the end, the writers pretended that this never happened. Typical queerbaiting."

—annar4401d2df2

We can't fit everything in one post, so what TV actors do YOU think have amazing chemistry, but their characters didn't end up together? Tell us in the comments below!

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.