When it comes to romantic relationships on screen, chemistry matters as much as the writing and directing. We have to believe that the couple in front of us has the spark necessary to keep their relationship going, but we also need to invest in what isn't told to us—we have to invest in what we can feel. And the thing about chemistry is that it can never be fully explained because there's no blueprint to really guarantee that every viewer will see it. Simultaneously, you can have two incredible actors who might appreciate working together, but they may not have the indescribable spark that makes seeing them as an on-screen couple work.
At the same time, because it's also so subjective, no writer can ever really guarantee what their viewers might cling to and want what they're selling. It's a great fictional gamble, but it's always glorious as a viewer when the chemistry is so good that we want them to be the next Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, two actors who can play two different characters and still sell the different relationships perfectly.
From Heated Rivalry (2025) to Bridgerton (2020), here are some of the best shows where chemistry is a hugely important part of the show, as well as where you can stream them on platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, and more.
Heated Rivalry (2025-present)
Heated Rivalry is a breathtaking triumph in more ways than one as a thoughtful, beautifully rewarding romance. It's an absolute game-changer that should signal to executives how we want more LGBTQ+ shows on our screens, but we also want joy and faithful adaptations that honor the romance genre. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are both such sensational actors that pairing them together results in the kind of jackpot that's genuinely perfect and rare.
How they bring Ilya and Shane to life is magnetic, allowing their chemistry to add emotional depth and joy to every moment they're on screen. It certainly helps that Heated Rivalry is an exceptionally written show with sharp dialogue and profoundly human moments to guide the plot, so really, the chemistry here is a lovely bonus. Perfect for anyone who wants inimitable joy in the form of a romance, Heated Rivalry was the best show of 2025, without a doubt.
Bridgerton (2020-present)
People who read the book series by Julia Quinn were undoubtedly excited about Netflix's adaptation of Bridgerton, but historical romance isn't the kind of genre many romance fans gravitate toward. More people prefer modern-day adaptations without dated customs, but the first season took the general audience by storm, and they haven't looked back since.
The series is far from perfect, and it doesn't exactly follow the books faithfully, but the chemistry between each of the lead couples is indescribable. If there's one thing they're always going to get right, it's casting, and characters don't even have to speak for us to feel the fluttering butterflies as their hands linger. If you want a historical romance like Pride and Prejudice (2005) but with more screentime, look no further—every couple is bound to make you swoon, and this is especially the case for Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey in Season 2.
Normal People (2020)
Hulu's adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel of the same title is a near-perfect series that showcases real human emotions beautifully. It's achingly heartbreaking at times and can be heavy, but the chemistry between Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones is everything. How they take the characters through different points in their lives while still orbiting around each other not only makes the series special, but it also emphasizes the importance of chemistry that grows through time.
And while Normal People doesn't exactly feature a happy ending, it's still one of the shows viewers can turn to in order to get a sense of a realistic relationship. It's awkward at times, even messy, but it's the chemistry that makes it feel so worthwhile and captivating. They add even more depth to the source material, which is a rarity, and to this day, viewers want to see the pair reunite in another production together.
Fellow Travelers (2023)
Fellow Travelers isn't a romance, and it's unfortunately so heartbreaking at times, but like Bridgerton, it proves that anytime Jonathan Bailey is in a production, he's going to have indescribable chemistry with his co-star. And the work that he delivers alongside Matt Bomer is utterly breathtaking throughout, making the heavy narrative points worth it for their performances alone.
If you're looking for a historical drama that's equipped with good writing, great directing, and thoroughly engrossing performances, look no further. Fellow Travelers is an incredible limited series that understands the importance of human connections and diligently explores why they matter, even if the aftermath is tragic. The chemistry will always make you itch for a series where the two of them get to be happier in the end.
Daisy Jones & The Six (2023)
Daisy Jones & the Six isn't just the type of show where romantic pairings have magnetic chemistry, but the platonic bonds are also what make the series so remarkable. The chemistry between the cast members was so electric on stage that we were all really hoping they'd take the fictional band on a real stage so we could pretend for a moment that they're real.
And interestingly, it's not the type of show that ever promised us a happy ending either, but the scenes shared between characters were so electric, we were thoroughly invested in all the mess that makes it both memorable and realistic. Perfect for anyone who loves Almost Famous (2000), fictional bands, and complicated love triangles, Daisy Jones & the Six is a genuinely exceptional limited series to binge.
Maxton Hall (2024-present)
Maxton Hall - The World Between Us isn't exactly a great show if you're somebody who doesn't love unnecessary drama and contrived angst, but the chemistry between Damian Hardung and Harriet Herbig-Matten is exceptional. They're the reason the forbidden, opposites-attract pairing works, and their performances are largely why the series feels mature and lived-in despite the wild narrative beats.
In all honesty, if it weren't for their chemistry, I wouldn't be watching. So if you're anything like me and aren't exactly a fan of heavy drama, give this one a shot because they're worth it. It's hard to imagine how the show would do without leads as compelling as Hardung and Herbig-Matten. But also, if you want something in an academic setting with pretty sights and great costumes, Maxton Hall has you covered.
