From Bridgerton to Scandal: On-Screen TV Couples Who Made Fans Swoon
The Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton set the bar high with their chemistry in Bridgerton, but they are not the only on-screen TV couple who made fans swoon. From Scandal's Kerry Washington with Tony Goldwyn and Scott Foley to Friends' David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston, on-screen couples have captured our hearts. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in Heated Rivalry also had fans shipping them in real life due to their intense chemistry as closeted hockey players. The actors formed a strong bond and even got matching tattoos to symbolize their connection.
Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton's portrayal of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton in Bridgerton had fans buzzing about their on-screen chemistry. The co-stars developed a strong friendship off-screen, supporting each other through the challenges of filming. Both actors are in relationships, with Coughlan dating actor Jake Dunn and Newton being in a relationship with dancer Antonia Roumelioti.
Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins' chemistry in White Lotus as Rick and Chelsea was undeniable, leading fans to ship them in real life. Goggins posted a heartfelt tribute to his on-screen partner after the show wrapped, but in reality, he is married to Nadia Conner. Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn's on-screen relationship in Scandal as Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant continues to captivate fans, even after the show ended. In real life, both actors are married to their long-term partners.
Scott Foley's portrayal of Jake Ballard in Scandal also had fans divided over his character's relationship with Olivia Pope. Foley surprised Kerry Washington at the premiere of her latest project, Shadow Force, showcasing their strong friendship. Foley is married to Marika Domińczyk, while Washington is married to former football player Nnamdi Asomugha. Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page's fiery on-screen chemistry in Bridgerton led fans to believe they were a couple off-screen. However, Page has been in a relationship with Emily Brown since at least 2019, and Dynevor reportedly got engaged to actor Cameron Fuller.
Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey's portrayal of Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy had fans rooting for their on-screen romance. Dempsey acknowledged fans' desire for their relationship to be real but emphasized his respect for Pompeo's marriage to Chris Ivery. Pompeo has been married to Ivery since 2007, while Dempsey married Jillian in 1999. Joseph Morgan and Candice Accola's unexpected on-screen relationship in The Vampire Diaries surprised fans. Morgan found love with Persia White, who played Abby Bennett on the show, while Accola married Joe King of The Fray.
Reid's heartfelt rendition of Tina Turner's Simply the Best to Levy's character in Schitt's Creek elevated the love for their on-screen relationship. Reid and Levy were never in a relationship off-screen, with Levy being private about his romantic life. David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston's chemistry as Ross and Rachel in Friends was so real that both actors admitted to having crushes on each other. In real life, Aniston is dating Jim Curtis, while Schwimmer was married to Zoë Buckman.
John Krasinski's sweet gesture towards Jenna Fischer after The Office ended showcased their strong bond as co-stars. Krasinski wrote a personal note to Fischer, thanking her for their time together bringing Pam and Jim to life. Fischer and Krasinski have also found love in real life, with Fischer being married to Lee Kirk and Krasinski to Emily Blunt. Lorelai Gilmore and Luke Danes' slow burn romance in Gilmore Girls had fans rooting for them. Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson were only friends and great coworkers off-screen, with Graham previously dating Peter Krause.