Top 10 Times a Celebs' Significant Other Appeared on Their TV Shows
#10: Jason Ritter
“Candy” (2022)
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According to Melanie Lynskey, her husband Jason Ritter landed the role of Deputy Denny Reese after she sent the “Candy” team a photo of him with their daughter. Supposedly they were drawn to his newly grown-out-of-boredom mustache as it felt appropriate for the show’s setting. Nevertheless, he stars as a moustacheless cop investigating the murder of Betty Gore, played by Lynskey. He wasn’t the only famous significant other to cameo in this miniseries, either! Jessica Biel shared that her husband, Justin Timberlake, was drawn to the script, but as a producer on the series, she told him that they couldn’t afford him. So, Timberlake agreed to do it practically for free, appearing in two episodes as Deputy Sheriff Steve Deffibaugh.
#9: Mila Kunis
“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)
The former “That ‘70s Show” co-stars’ journey from friend zone to end zone has been well documented. However, the couple preferred to keep their relationship on the down low, leaving many to speculate over the years. The couple poked fun at the media’s interest in their private lives when Kunis appeared in season 11 of the sitcom. She plays Vivian, a free-spirited traveler whom Kutcher’s Walden falls for. There are plenty of in-jokes, references, and jabs at celebrity culture. Their chemistry is unmissable, and it feels like a snapshot of an average night at the Kutcher-Kunis household. We wish we’d seen more of Vivian, but her brief guest spot was unforgettable.
#8: Dax Shepard
“The Good Place” (2016-20)
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Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are no strangers to professional collaborations, often crossing paths on screen. So, we were all waiting for Shepard to show up in “The Good Place,” and when it finally happened, it was devilishly good! He played Chet, a demon from the Bad Place with a morbid specialty. Chet mistakes Chidi for a colleague he worked with 800 years prior. Shepard shines in the role and makes being bad look effortlessly cool. Of course, it’s his hilariously cheeky interaction with Bell’s Eleanor that stands out. You might also recall that Mary Steenburgen, who’s married to Ted Danson, made a brief cameo in the series finale as Michael’s acoustic guitar teacher.
#7: Amy Poehler
“Arrested Development” (2003-19)
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The hilarious comedy actors Amy Poehler and Will Arnett were married for more than a decade. During that time, they cracked up audiences with memorable appearances on each other’s shows. Remember when Arnett guest starred on “Parks & Rec” as Leslie’s blind date, Chris, an MRI technician who basically predicted that she’d have triplets? Meanwhile, Poehler appeared on five episodes of “Arrested Development,” playing Arnett’s character, Gob’s wife. The two first meet in season one, where a snowballing series of pranks ultimately leads to their nuptials. Eventually, the seal that bit off Buster’s hand comes between them, and they divorce. We may have never learned her name, but she’ll always be “Blamey” to us.
#6: Danneel Ackles
“Supernatural” (2005–20)
“Supernatural” loves a good meta trope. So, it was only a matter of time before Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles would find their real lives and fictional counterparts crossing over. Padalecki met his future wife, Genevieve, when she took over the recurring role of Ruby in season four. She later returned for the sixth season, playing a fictionalized version of herself. Meanwhile, Danneel Ackles joined in season 13 as Sister Jo, a faith healer who makes a deal with Lucifer. According to the actress, who got married to the “Supernatural” star in 2010, the role was written for her, and she was told to “have fun with it.” Seeing the two collaborate in season 15 was, well, super!
#5: Ben Falcone
“Gilmore Girls” (2000–07)
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Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone are perhaps one of the funniest couples in Hollywood. Every shared onscreen moment between them is simply unforgettable, to say the least. One such occasion that may have slipped your mind occurred during the third season of “Gilmore Girls” while they were still dating. Falcone briefly appears as a lawyer Lorelai and Sookie interrogate after Fran, the original owner of the Dragonfly, passes away. It’s a short interaction but gives us just enough to show how perfectly they complement each other’s comedic styles. This was the first time they acted on screen together, and as we know, it would be far from their last. Every joint appearance only makes us love them even more.
#4: Nancy Carell
“The Office” (2005–13)
This comedic power couple met when Nancy took Steve’s improv class at The Second City Training Center. She told the “Office Ladies” podcast that showrunner Greg Daniels always knew he wanted her on board in some way. And would you believe it, he thought she’d be perfect to play Carol Stills, a real estate agent and love interest to Steve Carell’s Michael Scott. Michael and Carol date throughout the second and third seasons, although they ultimately break up. Still, she reappears in season seven and the series finale. Also, did you PB&J fans know that Pam’s lactation consultant, Clark, was played by Jenna Fischer’s real husband, Lee Kirk?
#3: Alexis Denisof, David Burtka & Taran Killam
“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
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We might only “haaaaave” met the titular mother in the season eight finale. But we did meet some real-life significant others along the way. Alexis Denisof, who met his future wife Alyson Hannigan on the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” set, played Robin’s skeezy co-anchor, Sandy Rivers. And speaking of Hannigan, remember Scooter? Lily’s high school boyfriend, who’s still in love with her? He’s played by Neil Patrick Harris’s husband, David Burtka. Also, SNL alum and Cobie Smulders’ real-life husband, Taran Killam, plays Marshall and Barney’s colleague Gary Blauman. He also had an affair with Barney’s brother, James. Needless to say, all were legend-wait-for-it-dary additions to the show. True story.
#2: Megan Mullally
“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
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To say that Ron Swanson and Tammy Two have a turbulent relationship would be a humongous understatement. Still, their unhinged dynamic provides endless entertainment. Credit to husband and wife Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. We imagine that only a couple with such a strong bond and equal wits could make such a dumpster fire relationship so compelling. Plus, Ron and Tammy share a burning passion for each other which we don’t think required too much acting on either part. You might also remember Offerman as Nick, a plumber in season four of “Will & Grace.” He later returned to play celeb baker Jackson Boudreaux in the reboot. But apparently, Karen doesn’t go for that type.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Chris Pratt, “Mom” (2013-21)
Anna Faris’s Then-Husband Played Nick Banaszak, Who Effortlessly Captures the Hearts of His Aunt Marjorie’s Friends
Ryan Michelle Bathe, “This Is Us” (2016-22)
Sterling K. Brown’s Wife Played Yvette, the Mother of One of Young Randall’s Friends
Macaulay Culkin, “Dollface” (2019-22)
Newly Engaged to Brenda Song, Culkin Played Dan, Who Madison Suspects of Being the “Bread Bowl Killer”
Erin Darke, “Miracle Workers” (2019-)
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Julia Roberts, “Law & Order” (1990-)
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#1: Brad Pitt
“Friends” (1994-2004)
We couldn’t talk about significant others’ cameos without reminding you of when Courteney Cox’s now ex, David Arquette, played Malcolm, Ursula’s ex, whom Phoebe falls for. However, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt were the it couple at the time, and based on the audience’s reaction, Pitt’s guest spot was one for the ages. He played Will Colbert, Ross’s high school friend and co-founder of the “I Hate Rachel” club. The role earned him an Emmy nomination, leaving us wondering why he doesn’t do more comedy. He’s really funny, and his chemistry with everyone, especially Aniston, was off the charts. During their 2021 reunion, the cast cited Pitt’s guest spot as one of the all-time best.
