Unlikely Love: Surprising Duos in TV and Movies That Defy the Odds

These relationships shouldn't work--but totally do!

It’s an old adage but it’s so true: opposites often attract. The stories we love are filled with unlikely partnerships, friendships and love connections. Rhianna said it best when she proclaimed that “we found love in a hopeless place.” There’s something so satisfying about watching characters find true friendship and love in a situation where it shouldn’t work—but totally does. These collaborations are rich in that both parties bring something unique to the partnership, showing that those assumed obstacles might actually be the very path through which they find connection. We put together a list of some of our favorite odd couples whether they’re friends or lovers—or both. We’d love to hear yours in the comments!

Mulder and Scully, The X-Files

There’s a reason that The X-Files was on for nine seasons plus two revival seasons and two movies. The characters of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully had the fandom hooked on the nuances of their working relationship. The two are unlikely partners in the best possible way: he’s a firm believer in the paranormal, driven by personal loss and a relentless quest for the truth, while she’s a scientist, grounding her skepticism in logic and hard evidence. Their dynamic is built on contrast: Mulder follows hunches and theories, while Scully relies on facts and proven expertise. Their opposing worldviews actually make them great partners, while their working relationship thrives on mutual respect, intellectual challenge, and an unspoken trust. Over time, this trust deepens and bonds them together, making them one of the most compelling duos in television history. The faction of the fandom that was focused on whether they would become a romantic couple set the stage for “shipping” culture in fandom in general.

Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked

The entire premise of Wicked is based on the question raised in the origin story of The Wizard of Oz: “Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” Elphaba and Glinda are often pinned as one or the other, as the audience stays vigilant to the question throughout the story. Elphaba is an outcast with radical ideals and a sharp intellect and looks quite different from everyone else, while Glinda is a privileged socialite who thrives on popularity and charm. Their contrasting personalities and clashing values initially make them adversaries, but as they navigate the complexities of friendship, power, and morality, they form an unbreakable bond (some may say it’s even laced with sexual tension, which author Gregory Maguire intended). Elphaba and Glinda realize how much they need each other to learn something crucial about the world, and the line between good and bad is much more blurred as they make decisions about what is happening around them. Despite their differences, they challenge and change each other in ways no one else could, proving that true connection transcends first impressions and societal expectations.

Paris and Rory, Gilmore Girls

Much is often made about the romantic relationships on Gilmore Girls, with fans choosing teams and debating the best partners for the main characters. But there’s one duo in this show that is arguably the strongest, albeit unlikely, relationship: Rory Gilmore and classmate Paris Gellar. From the minute they meet at Chilton Academy, there is immediate hostility, mostly from Paris, built out of competitiveness. However, they are ultimately brought together by academic rivalry and starkly different personalities rather than separated by them. Paris is intense and abrasive, while Rory is calm and diplomatic. They both possess a certain amount of ambition which helps them understand one another and develop mutual respect and a deep friendship full of love. Despite their clashes, they push each other to be better, proving that even the most unlikely partnerships can turn into lifelong bonds.

Penny and Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory

In a show about an ensemble of unlikely friends, there is one specifically unlikely matchup that may be the best: that of Penny and Sheldon. She’s a socially savvy, outgoing actress with a waitress job to make ends meet, while he’s an eccentric, hyper-intelligent physicist with little regard for social norms. At first, Penny is the neighbor who threatens Sheldon’s routine and comfort zone–not to mention captures the undivided attention of his best friend and roommate Leonard. Sheldon is the odd variable standing in the way of Penny making some new friends as she faces the world on her own. Their outlooks on life couldn’t be more different, yet their friendship grows through a mix of begrudging tolerance, unexpected loyalty, and genuine care. Penny helps Sheldon navigate human interactions, while Sheldon ultimately always supports Penny’s ambitions and growth. Through their constant squabbles and culture clashes, their bond is one of the most endearing and hilarious dynamics in the show.

Poppy and Ian, Mythic Quest

Poppy and Ian are the definition of unlikely partners—she’s a meticulous creative force with a dogged work ethic, while he’s an ego-driven visionary perfectionist. As eventual co-leaders of a gaming company, their clashing personalities often result in explosive, hilarious disagreements that poignantly reveal how much they need each other. Poppy pushes Ian to see her as a creative equal, instead of using her as his “paintbrush” as she articulates in the pilot of the show. And Ian pushes Poppy to be assertive and risk-taking, helping her see that her innovative ideas can be limitless. They see and accept each other’s flaws consistently. Despite their constant battles, their partnership thrives on a deep, almost completely unspoken respect, proving that sometimes, the best collaborators are the ones who challenge you the most.

David and Stevie, Schitt’s Creek

When Stevie and David meet each other for the first time, they immediately seem like they’ll never understand one another. He’s a high-maintenance former socialite giving the appearance of sophistication, while she’s a no-nonsense small-town local who thinks his designer clothes are ridiculous. What they share is a gift for sarcasm and dry wit, which is why their conversations are so entertaining from the first episode. Their friendship begins with playful jabs and reluctant tolerance, and even crosses over into semi-romantic territory. As they learn about one another, their friendship grows into a deep, genuine bond built on mutual understanding and support. Despite their vastly different upbringings and outlooks on life, they connect over their shared cynicism, offbeat humor, and surprising vulnerability. Through all of their misguided and successful romantic relationships, as well as their unrelenting support of each other’s professional endeavors, Stevie and David prove that the best friendships aren’t about being alike—they’re about accepting each other, quirks and all.

Ted and Rebecca, Ted Lasso

Has there ever been a more charming friendship on film than that of Ted and Rebecca in Ted Lasso? Between his plucky mid-western American optimism and her British upper crust cynicism, it’s so unlikely that these two will become friends. He's an endlessly optimistic, folksy American football coach with zero soccer experience, while she’s a sophisticated, guarded club owner with a personal vendetta. But as soon as Ted delivers homemade shortbread to his new boss, their friendship is fated for the duration of the series. Initially, Rebecca hires Ted hoping he’ll fail and she can torch the club, but his relentless kindness and unwavering belief in others gradually break down her walls and inspire confidence that she can lead the organization and make it her own. Despite their differences, they become each other’s greatest support system, showing the audience that true friendship can come from the most unexpected places and that the right person can change your life in ways you never saw coming.

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