Top 20 Haters Turned Lovers on TV Shows
#20: Matthew & Mary Crawley “Downton Abbey” (2010-15)
Top 10 Times Matthew Perry Broke the Friends Cast
When Mary Crawley first meets the middle-class male heir to her family’s fortune, she and Matthew don’t get along. Mary is condescending and rude, while Matthew struggles with fitting in with the aristocracy and the new expectations placed on him. However, despite many obstacles standing in their way, including scandals and other partners, these two distant cousins discover genuine affection for one another and later love. They marry and have a son. And while their love story is cut tragically short, while it lasts, Matthew and Mary's relationship is entertaining and beautiful.
#19: Sergio Marquina (The Professor) & Raquel Murillo (Lisbon) “Money Heist” (2017-21)
Even the most meticulously planned heists can have unexpected complications. But the mastermind falling for the lead detective in charge? Well, there’s no planning for that! Sergio Marquina, better known as the Professor, at first gets close to Inspector Raquel Murillo while trying to manipulate her investigation into his team’s heist at the Spanish Royal Mint. However, they both develop genuine feelings for one another, which leads to Raquel not only letting Sergio escape, but also the detective joining their gang and the duo forming a relationship. Their bond is tested by the circumstances of further heists, yet always endures.
#18: Devi Vishwakumar & Ben Gross “Never Have I Ever” (2020-23)
Devi and Ben begin the show as academic rivals, often competing over their success in the classroom, and outside of it. As hilarious as their mutual loathing and creative insults are, it's even better seeing them slowly realize that the sparks between them have a romantic edge to them. Even after getting together, though, “Benvi” isn’t without issues. Their on-again-off-again relationship is every bit as tumultuous as their rivalry. But ultimately they were made for each other and we’re glad to see them get together in the end.
#17: Quinn Pensky & Logan Reese “Zoey 101” (2005-08)
MsMojo Can Fix It: Rewriting Quinn Fabray's Story on Glee
This duo’s differences often leave them at odds with each other in high school. Quinn is a quirky inventor, while Logan is an often superficial jock. Their mutual dislike is evident throughout the show. However, after a breakup, Logan comforts Quinn and a mutual attraction blossoms. The pair begins dating in secret, but ultimately the two of them decide to be open about their unorthodox, yet strangely perfect relationship. The sequel film reveals that they’ve not only stayed together, but also sees them get married. Sometimes young love lasts! Congratulations, Quogan!
#16: Dr. Perry Cox & Jordan Sullivan “Scrubs” (2001-10)
Top 10 Haters Turned Lovers in TV Shows
Most romances don't begin in earnest after the divorce. But there are always exceptions. Doctor Perry Cox and Jordan Sullivan are both the most vitriolic and sarcastic characters at Sacred Heart Hospital. They're both fond of witty barbs and taking each other down a peg. And while they essentially rekindle their relationship as a mutual booty call, Jordan and Perry basically fall in love again, having multiple children together, and even “renewing” their divorce. Although they never stop insulting each other and everyone around them, it’s clear they have an abiding love for each other.
#15: Anthony Bridgerton & Kate Bridgerton (Née Sharma) “Bridgerton” (2020-)
Top 10 Kate & Anthony Moments on Bridgerton
Right from the moment these two meet, they can't help but compete with each other. Viscount Anthony Bridgerton has a reputation as a rake. Meanwhile, Kate's sharp tongue and desire to protect her sister Edwina’s prospects give Anthony a poor impression of her. However, despite their frequent arguments and tête-à-têtes, their chemistry soon becomes obvious to everyone… except them. Although it takes an aborted wedding between Anthony and Edwina for them to see it, Kate and Anthony do eventually get together. Their fiery passion and 11 out of 10 chemistry have us excited to see what their married life will look like.
#14: Leslie Knope & Ben Wyatt “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
Top 10 Ben & Leslie Moments on Parks and Recreation
When Ben Wyatt comes to Pawnee, he's there to slash the government's budget. This puts him at odds with Deputy Parks Director Leslie Knope. The two of them immediately clash over spending. However, a rapport and mutual respect quickly develop between them as they get to know each other, which naturally leads to attraction as well. Despite some initial drama in keeping their relationship a secret to protect their jobs, Leslie and Ben have a wonderful dynamic. Their constant support of one another and utter admiration for each other is something any couple should hope for.
#13: Mickey Milkovich & Ian Gallagher “Shameless” (2011-21)
Top 10 Best Ian & Mickey Moments on Shameless
Ian and Mickey are from a pair of rival families. Their initial relationship is as adversarial as the rest of their families’. However, even after hooking up, these two have a tumultuous relationship. From jealousy over other partners to arguments to Ian's struggles with bipolar disorder, “Gallavich” has their share of ups and downs. But after reuniting in prison of all places Mickey and Ian set out to make things work for good, even tying the knot. They both may be walking disasters, but together, their dysfunctions somehow fit each other perfectly.
#12: Chuck Bass & Blair Waldorf “Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
Top 10 Times Chuck Bass was the Worst on Gossip Girl
Speaking of disasters, Chuck and Blair have quite a chaotic relationship. The show’s resident bad boy and Queen B, respectively, these two are at each other’s throats initially, often sparring verbally with one another. However, even after getting together, things aren’t smooth sailing for them. Between several break-ups and hookups, Blair and Chuck are constantly on again and off again, when they’re not antagonizing each other. But, c’mon - these two getting together was an inevitability. They’re Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf! We all knew they were bound to be an endgame couple!
#11: Veronica Mars & Logan Echolls “Veronica Mars” (2004-07; 2019)
Top 10 Things We Loved About Veronica Mars Season 4
At the beginning of this series, it's probably difficult to believe that these two would get together. After all, Logan is the one leading the charge in ostracizing Veronica from their social circle in the wake of the death of his ex-girlfriend Lilly, Veronica’s best friend. However, both of them come to respect each other and they eventually get together. Despite several break-ups and drama, Logan and Veronica ultimately stay together and even marry in the fourth season. And then “the event which shall not be spoken of” ruined everything! But at least their journey up until that point was satisfying.
#10: Sookie Stackhouse & Eric Northman “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.
#9: Richard Castle & Kate Beckett “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.
#8: Emma Swan & Killian Jones/Captain Hook “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: C.C. Babcock & Edward Niles “The Nanny” (1993-99)
Top 10 Cartoon Enemies Turned Lovers
If we had a dollar for every time these two insult each other, we would be obscenely rich! Every time C.C. and Niles are together, the shade flies fast and free. Niles often sabotages C.C.'s attempts to get together with his boss, while C.C. frequently disparages Niles's position as a butler and lack of money. However, it gradually becomes clear that their animosity towards each other conceals an underlying attraction. While their repartee never quite loses its edge, they do make a strangely fun, or at least entertaining, couple.
#6: Ted Mosby & Zoey Pierson “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 & Freddie Benson “iCarly” (2007-12)
Top 10 Times Sam Puckett Was the Best Character on iCarly
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. It seems with the revival series, though,the show has firmly planted its flag in team Carly-Freddie.
#4: Niklaus “Klaus” Mikaelson & Caroline Forbes “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 & Ygritte “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
Top 10 Shows That Could Be the Next Game of Thrones
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 & Spike “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
Top 10 Best Buffy the Vampire Slayer Couples
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.
#1: Sam Malone & Diane Chambers “Cheers” (1982-93)
Top 10 Enemies Turned Friends in TV
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. If there’s a hater turned lover you’d have loved to see on our list, don’t hate - tell us in the comments!
