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They say opposites attract, and that's never been more apparent than on the small screen. Television is full of odd couples who are seemingly all wrong for each other on the surface. But dig a little deeper and it often turns out the best sparks result from these clashing personalities. When it comes to small screen romance, mismatched sweethearts can make for good drama.
Here are just a few of our favorite odd couples and what makes them so swoon-worthy:
Nick & Jess -- New Girl (2011 - Present, FOX)
On the Fox comedy New Girl, roommates Nick (Jake Johnson) and Jess (Zooey Deschanel) couldn't be more different. Nick is a messy curmudgeon while Jess is a ball of sunshine in vintage dresses. The two only share a few things in common: an apartment, an attraction and the fact that they're floundering in their lives. When Nick finally planted a kiss on Jess, it was a relief to see the two finally admit their attraction, even if neither handled the aftermath very well.
Dave & Maddie -- Moonlighting (1985 - 1989, ABC)
The source of the now infamous Moonlighting curse was the unstoppable attraction between Dave (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd). Running from 1985 to 1989 on ABC, the show chronicled the lives of two attractive private detectives. More famously, once the pair consummated their relationship, the show went steeply downhill. This has led to a belief that modern day TV shows should keep couples apart as long as possible to maintain interest.
Sam & Diane -- Cheers (1982 - 1993, NBC)
On the show where everybody knew your name, viewers waited with baited breath to see what would happen with Sam (Ted Danson) and Diane (Shelley Long). Working-class bartender Sam couldn't be more different from upper-class Diane, yet their attraction was always too strong to deny. Running on NBC for 11 seasons, Sam and Diane's will-they-won't-they relationship was a constant for much of the show's run.
Weezy & George -- The Jeffersons (1975 - 1985, CBS)
It's tough to see what brought together sarcastic George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and his sweet wife Weezy (Isabel Sanford). Despite their bickering, the two always stood by each other in their deluxe apartment in the sky.
Alcide & Sookie -- True Blood (2008 - Present, HBO)
Sookie (Anna Paquin) might usually prefer vampires, but the muscular Alcide (Joe Manganiello) could be just the wolf to change her mind. While Sookie is highly emotional and even more likely to get herself into a bind, Alcide is a genuinely nice guy who is much more normal than you'd imagine for a werewolf. After her dalliances with Eric and Bill on HBO's blood fest, seeing Sookie with someone sensible might be the biggest shock of all.
Hannah & Adam - Girls (2012 - Present, HBO)
Hannah (Lena Dunham) is a struggling writer just trying to make it in the big city in HBO's sitcom Girls. Her sometimes paramour Adam (Adam Driver) is the definition of mixed signals, as he disappears on her without any notice. Their casual hookup becomes something more, but soon Hannah realizes the two aren't right for each other. This doesn't stop Adam from developing some very stalker-ish tendencies. Will the two ever reconcile? It'll be interesting to find out.
Jack & Kate -- Lost (2004 - 2010, ABC)
It doesn't seem like a top-shot surgeon and a criminal on the run would have much in common. Yet being stranded on a desert island together can be a good way to bond over your similarities instead of focusing on your differences. At least that was the case for Jack (Matthew Fox) and Kate (Evangeline Lilly), who spent their time on the island playing a prolonged will-they-won't-they game, sometimes involving fellow castaways Sawyer (Josh Holloway) and Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell).
Dylan & Brenda -- Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990 - 2000, FOX)
When good girl Brenda (Shannen Doherty) first moved to Beverly Hills, she wasn't sure what waited for her. And what was just around the corner? A dramatic romance with bad boy Dylan (Luke Perry). The two had a rocky relationship while Brenda lived in Beverly Hills, proving that sometimes good girls and bad boys just don't mix.
Richard & Kate -- Castle (2009 - Present, ABC)
Writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) could not be more different from his muse, police detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic). While Castle is a goofball full of tall tales and big theories, Beckett is a tough realist just trying to get her work done. After years on the job and a fair bit of sexual tension, the two are finally in a semi-stable relationship. But is this differing duo built to last?
Gemma & Clay -- Sons of Anarchy (2008 - Present, FX)
Life in a biker gang isn't easy, just ask Gemma (Katey Sagal) and Clay (Ron Perlman). Even though their marriage initially functioned despite their differences, Clay's short fuse lost him tough-as-nails Gemma.
George & Susan -- Seinfeld (1989 - 1998, NBC)
It was always a mystery as to what rich, worldly Susan (Heidi Swedberg) saw in bumbling George Costanza (Jason Alexander). Surprisingly enough, George was even starting to get cold feet before their wedding, but his propensity for cheap envelopes ended up closing the lid on their marriage--and Susan's coffin.
Brian & Justin -- Queer as Folk (2000-2005, Showtime )
On the surface, playboy Brian (Gale Harold) and high schooler Justin (Randy Harrison) could not be more different. But as their relationship developed, Justin managed to push past Brian's defenses.
Mulder & Scully The X-Files (1993 - 2002, FOX)
Believer Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and skeptic Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) were a true odd couple from the beginning. Mulder desperately wanted to believe in extraterrestrial life, while Scully was convinced there was always a scientific explanation. Along the way, the two finally gave in to their attraction and Scully even admitted maybe Mulder wasn't so off base after all.
Barney & Robin -- How I Met Your Mother (2005 - Present, CBS)
At first glance, womanizer Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) doesn't seem to have much in common with television journalist Robin (Cobie Smulders). But in fact, these mismatched lovebirds might actually be more similar than opposite. Both love scotch, kill at laser tag and have an unconventional idea about happily ever after. And thanks to a surprise reveal at the end of last season, we know the pair will be heading down the aisle soon.
Who are some of your favorite odd couples? Share in the comments!
