There are a lot of relationships on television, but they don’t all ignite a spark onscreen.
Not every pairing makes you lean forward, forget the plot, what just happened before, or feel the temperature rise just because two people shared a look across a crowded room.
That kind of raw, on-screen passion is rare, and it’s impossible to fake.
In 2025, though, several couples had it in spades.
Across scripted series, and yes, even reality TV, these couples delivered the kind of chemistry that stops you in your tracks and demands your attention.
From the Love Island USA couple whose connection set the internet ablaze to a fan-favorite Chicago PD ship hitting the aisle, to the irresistible allure of Heated Rivalry’s heartthrobs, 2025 was a year to remember for all the couples who understood the assignment.
Here’s our list of couples whose chemistry can’t be measured, only admired and revered for their magic.
Shane & Ilya – Heated Rivalry
You may be thinking, “Heated Rivalry is EVERYWHERE. What’s up with that?” Well, what’s up is a profoundly moving, fresh, and bold queer love story that’s every bit as wonderful as the internet tells you it is.
Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are newcomers, but they were made for the roles of hockey genius and cuddly Shane Hollander, and resident rage baiter and master flirt Ilya Rozanov.
And maybe even more than that, they were born to play opposite one another.
The two are smoldering on-screen, and we’re not just talking about the sex scenes, which are in a league of their own.
Some of the series’ sexiest moments are the two simply in each other’s presence, like a sweaty comedown from a competitive workout or admitting their love for the first time through tears and wet kisses on Heated Rivalry Season 1 Episode 6.
There’s something truly beautiful about the way Williams and Hudson play lovers whose relationship spans several years across six episodes.
You see how time, perspective, and deep feelings evolve through their layered performances.
And that chemistry, baby…
It’s one of a kind, and it was truly a privilege to watch this season.
Rebecca and Charlie – Landman
Finally, the stick has been pulled out of Rebecca’s arse!
All it took was the most frightening plane ride of her life to shake a little sense into her. First, she got down and dirty with the charming Charlie at his place after he got her through the flight, safe and two sheets to the wind.
Little did she know that he was the geologist she needed to get a top project off the ground, too. Charlie is brimming with life, and he’s determined for Rebecca to let her hair down.
With the best mullet in Texas and a wicked, mischievous grin, he seems like the man to do it. Rebecca needed dimension, and when she’s around Charlie, she has it.
Sparks are flying! Let’s just hope they don’t get too close to a well because their chemistry could be explosive!
Morgan & Kardec – High Potential
Morgan and Kardec are partners with scorching hot tension. A tale as old as time, honestly.
But what sets these two apart is how well Kaitlin Olson and Daniel Sunjata play off each other, making them a pair that feels familiar and fun.
You watch the pair and feel like you’re tagging along to a crime scene or riding along in the car with them.
There’s a comfort there that makes the duo feel authentic and not forced.
Their natural chemistry and camaraderie are what the fans have gravitated toward.
Whether it becomes romantic or not (we’re hoping it will!), their friendship and the respect they’ve built will always make them one of the best pairs on television.
Best friends or best boos, we’re rooting for the two of them.
Danny & Maria Baez – Boston Blue
Fans have long wanted Danny Reagan and Maria Baez to couple up since the Blue Bloods days.
The longtime partners always seem so in sync, and they had a connection and spark that Danny didn’t have with his other partners.
When the two finally admitted there was something between them, fans rejoiced.
With the arrival of Boston Blue, fans are getting another taste of the former partners in a fully committed, long-distance relationship, and it’s been nothing short of fabulous to see how Maria fits into Danny’s new life.
The pair still have all the chemistry in the world, and you can see their bond and how much they adore one another whenever they’re in the same vicinity.
It’s very refreshing to see them together, even if it’d be better to get Maria around more often.
Nic & Olandria – Love Island USA Season 7
Look, Nic and Olandria may not have invented chemistry, but they perfected it.
The Love Island USA Season 7 runner-ups may not have coupled until near the end of the season.
Still, many eagle-eyed fans saw the connection between the pair from the early days when they shared fiery kisses in many of the raunchy challenges.
When they both found themselves single right before the last week, the two longtime villa friends chose to explore a romantic connection. And boy was it.
Nic and Ola had an undeniable buzz, whether they were chatting about their feelings on an island oasis or sharing a steamy congratulations kiss.
But it was truly the soul ties kiss when they were fake-evicted, came back into the villa, and coupled up for the first time that cemented them as reality television royalty. A kiss so hot it lowkey needs a disclaimer.
It was the hottest kiss of the summer, maybe the year, and these two are currently very much together and living their best lives.
Erik & Helen – Sweet Magnolias
Erik and Helen have always sizzled with chemistry on Sweet Magnolias, but their reunion rain kiss will stay in our minds forever. Who doesn’t love a kiss in the rain?
Erik rushing to save Helen from that storm, drenched, in a white shirt clinging to him, and acknowledging how much he loved her was sexy!
It’s the kind of scene you have to rewind in case you missed something the first time.
These two have worked diligently to fix what was broken and thrive this time.
Here’s hoping they’re in it for the long haul now!
Ruzek and Burgess – Chicago PD
One Chicago‘s romances can be all over the place, but Burgess and Ruzek’s love remains consistent.
They’re a legacy couple within Chicago PD and the franchise, and their chemistry is still out of this world.
The two were navigating the ups and downs of life, career, and family all year, but they managed it best by supporting one another.
We finally got a highly anticipated wedding between the two (although the Burzek wedding fell short of our expectations).
And the season premiere reminded us that there is still plenty of heat between this couple. There’s something so steady, grounding, and reaffirming about their love story.
Tony and Ziva – NCIS: Tony & Ziva
The Tiva chemistry is what undoubtedly attracted people to this spinoff that saw the reunion of one of the NCIS franchise’s biggest couples.
Sadly, that same chemistry wasn’t enough to spare NCIS: Tony and Ziva from cancellation.
Still, after over a decade, it was gratifying to see these two characters orbit one another and try to work through and unpack the heaviness and tension between them.
They shared a daughter but could barely express their true feelings, which is why the spinoff was cathartic for the characters and viewers alike, as they finally dove into what they meant to one another and actually said, “I love you.”
Their heat simmered, proving that some chemistry just never dies, even if shows do.
Max and Ellis – Wild Cards
For the record, we’ll never think about “crickets” the same way again. Wild Cards Season 2 really kicked this pairing into overdrive and made shippers out of those who may have still had reservations.
Max and Ellis weren’t just partners; they became close friends and confidantes, and that bond came to the fore as Max helped Ellis with the challenging task of finding his brother’s murderer.
She became his solace and his “cricket,” filling a void of being known and loved that Ellis hasn’t felt since his brother died.
Ellimax has become each other’s “person,” and the layers to their dynamic flourish with each passing episode. Their chemistry continued to crackle onscreen, flickering between the close friends and hinting at something more.
From sharing a kiss while under the influence to an offer to sail away together, what lies between these two is so palpable that we hope the new year brings them even closer than before. We’re pushing the Ellimax agenda fully here!
Amy and Jake – Doc
Amy and Jake’s chemistry is undeniable, and that’s why fans cannot get enough of the romance at the center of Doc.
Even with a bit of a love triangle involving Amy’s ex-husband lingering in the background, nothing ever really comes between Amy and Jake.
While they’ve had some bumps in the road, including the season finale that left us all gasping, by Doc Season 2, it’s clear they’re better off together than apart.
The sophomore season also delves deeper into their past, giving us insight into how deep their connection and love for each other run, dispelling any doubt that their romance is built on a solid foundation rather than a response to their collective traumas and difficulties.
When they’re onscreen together, it’s hard to look away, and harder not to root for them.
Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford – The Rookie
For the record, we’re incredibly annoyed with the back-and-forth on-again, off-again ridiculousness that The Rookie is doing with this coveted couple.
There’s no excuse for it, really.
But aside from that, it’s clear that these two belong together and that their yearning, longing, and love for each other keep viewers glued to the screen despite the frustrations and obstacles that stand in the way of their romance.
Maybe they’re too great together for the series to just commit to them, but that’s okay, because we’ll do all the heavy lifting until we get the Chenford reunion that we deserve.
Let’s hope that The Rookie remembers just how great Chenford’s chemistry is in the new season.
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Which couples do you think set the screen on fire?
Are there any couples we missed?
Let us know in the comments!
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