When it comes to TV shows, there’s nothing quite as maddening—and addictive—as watching two characters with undeniable chemistry dance around each other without sealing the deal.
They exchange longing glances, share heart-stopping moments, and leave us shouting, “Just kiss already!” at our screens.
And over the years, we’ve seen countless pairs that were teased but never delivered.
So, grab your tissues and prepare for some serious frustration as we count down these 25 TV ships we can’t believe never kissed!
Bensler (Law & Order: SVU)
After over two decades of will-they-won’t-they tension, it’s almost criminal that Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler still haven’t kissed.
These two are the epitome of “partners with chemistry,” standing by each other through countless harrowing cases and personal struggles.
Every glance, every lingering moment—it all screamed romance. Yet, despite their undeniable connection, they remain just friends.
With Stabler’s return to the Law & Order universe, fans are still holding out hope, but seriously, how long do we have to wait?!
Bensler is the slowest of slow burns, and we’re running out of patience.
Bellarke (The 100)
Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake were The 100’s beating heart, leading their people through post-apocalyptic chaos with unparalleled chemistry.
They went from enemies to trusted allies, and their bond deepened with each impossible challenge. Whether they were saving each other’s lives or bickering like an old married couple, the tension between them was palpable.
Fans waited seven seasons for a kiss that never came. Instead, they were left with heartbreak as the show refused to explore the romance that so many believed was inevitable.
Bellarke deserved better, and we’ll never stop wondering what could’ve been.
Buddie (9-1-1)
Buck and Eddie’s bond on 9-1-1 is nothing short of extraordinary.
From risking their lives for each other to co-parenting Eddie’s son, their partnership is full of emotional depth and quiet, romantic undertones.
Fans have passionately campaigned for Buddie to go canon, but the show has kept them strictly in bromance territory.
Still, every lingering look and heartfelt moment keeps the hope alive. Buddie is a slow-burn romance in the making—we’re just waiting for the writers to make the leap.
Kanej (Shadow & Bone)
Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa are proof that love can be quiet, complicated, and soul-deep.
Their bond on Shadow & Bone is a masterclass in tension, as Kaz’s touch aversion and Inej’s longing for freedom keep them apart. Yet, every glance and whispered promise speaks volumes.
Their chemistry is electric, but the show stayed true to their slow-burn journey, leaving fans yearning for a kiss that never came.
Kaz and Inej may not need a kiss to prove their love, but it wouldn’t hurt, right?
Garcy (Timeless)
Lucy Preston and Garcia Flynn’s relationship on Timeless was a slow burn of epic proportions.
Their shared grief, mutual respect, and undeniable chemistry had fans begging for a romantic resolution.
But despite all the longing looks and emotional moments, their relationship never crossed the line into romance.
Garcy shippers were left heartbroken when the show ended without giving them the payoff they deserved. Time travel may be complicated, but come on, a kiss wasn’t too much to ask for!
Johnlock (Sherlock)
John Watson and Sherlock Holmes had one of TV’s most iconic partnerships on Sherlock.
Their deep bond, endless banter, and unwavering loyalty sparked endless speculation about whether there was more beneath the surface.
Every heartfelt moment had fans wondering if a romantic twist was on the horizon. But despite years of shipping, Johnlock stayed purely platonic—leaving viewers with plenty of subtext but no actual kiss.
It’s a mystery we may never solve.
Ichabbie (Sleepy Hollow)
Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane’s chemistry was the magical thread holding Sleepy Hollow together.
Whether they were battling headless horsemen or deciphering ancient mysteries, their banter and mutual admiration felt like something more than just friendship.
Ichabod’s old-world charm clashed delightfully with Abbie’s modern-day wit, and their deep trust made every scene between them electric.
But instead of giving us the romantic payoff we were dying for, the show kept them firmly in the “platonic” zone.
Ichabbie shippers deserved at least one kiss—and we’ll always mourn this missed opportunity.
Caryl (The Walking Dead)
Carol Peletier and Daryl Dixon are the ultimate ride-or-die duo in The Walking Dead universe.
Their friendship is built on years of trust, survival, and shared trauma, making their bond unshakable.
Fans have long speculated about their romantic potential, but the show has never pulled the trigger. Instead, they remain a testament to platonic love—or maybe something more unspoken.
With the main series wrapped, we now have to put all our hopes on the Daryl Dixon spin-off. But kiss or no kiss, Caryl’s connection is unforgettable nonetheless.
Supercorp (Supergirl)
If there was ever a case for “just kiss already,” it’s Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor.
Their friendship were the backbone of Supergirl, and their chemistry often felt stronger than the show’s actual romantic subplots.
From heartfelt confessions to epic emotional stares, Supercorp had everything a ship could ask for—except a kiss. Fans begged, tweeted, and theorized, but the writers kept them firmly in the “friends” zone.
Supercorp deserved its moment, and we’re still not over it.
Locklyle (Lockwood & Co.)
Anthony Lockwood and Lucy Carlyle were the perfect blend of haunted pasts and undeniable chemistry.
As ghost hunters navigating danger and mystery, their trust in each other grew stronger with every case.
Lockwood’s charming yet guarded demeanor, paired with Lucy’s sharp wit and vulnerability, created a dynamic that screamed slow-burn romance.
Fans were sure a kiss was coming, but Netflix’s cancellation left us hanging.
Locklyle deserved to explore their connection further, and we’re still haunted by what could’ve been.
Sleeping Warrior (Once Upon a Time)
Once Upon a Time gave us many fairytale pairings, but none had the potential of Mulan and Aurora.
Mulan’s unspoken love for Aurora was beautifully heartbreaking, and their shared adventures hinted at something deeper.
But instead of letting Mulan confess her feelings—or giving us even a hint of reciprocation—the show sidelined their story altogether.
Fans were left longing for a love story that could’ve broken boundaries and brought a new kind of magic to the show. Sleeping Warrior was a fairytale ship that deserved its happy ending.
Bamon (The Vampire Diaries)
As a romantasy series, The Vampire Diaries may have pushed the Damon-and-Elena love story, but let’s talk about the real spark: Damon and Bonnie.
From their witty banter to their surprisingly deep emotional bond, these two had a dynamic that could’ve been epic.
Bonnie softened Damon’s rough edges, and Damon brought humor to Bonnie’s seriousness. Their time trapped in the prison world proved just how perfect they could be together.
But instead of exploring this unexpected gem of a pairing, the show left us high and dry. Bamon deserved their moment, and we’re still bitter about it.
Hannigram (Hannibal)
Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter’s relationship on Hannibal is the definition of dark, twisted, and magnetic.
Their cat-and-mouse dynamic evolved into something far deeper, with a chilling level of intimacy and mutual obsession. Hannibal’s affection for Will and Will’s reluctant fascination with Hannibal made every interaction crackle with tension.
By the end of the series, it was clear their bond transcended anything conventional.
A kiss may not have fit their deadly dynamic, but fans couldn’t help but wish for that one moment of dark romance.
Tedbecca (Ted Lasso)
Ted and Rebecca’s friendship on Ted Lasso is one of the show’s core strengths.
From their shared struggles to their emotional support for each other, their dynamic often felt like it was teetering on the edge of romance.
Fans hoped for a kiss that never came, but their bond remains beautiful, even without romantic closure.
Tedbecca shippers might still be dreaming of what could’ve been, but their platonic connection is just as meaningful.
Thasmin (Doctor Who)
The Thirteenth Doctor and Yasmin Khan brought a refreshing dynamic to Doctor Who.
Their close friendship evolved into something that felt like it could’ve been more—especially when Yasmin’s feelings for the Doctor became clear.
The subtle moments of connection between them had fans rooting for Thasmin to become canon. But the show shied away from exploring their romantic potential, leaving viewers with a bittersweet longing.
Thasmin could’ve been an iconic Doctor Who love story, but alas, it remains a “what if.”
Kastle (The Punisher)
Frank Castle and Karen Page from The Punisher is a slow-burn pairing that oozes chemistry without ever crossing the line into romance.
Their intense eye contact, loaded conversations, and moments of quiet tenderness left fans yearning for more.
Despite numerous opportunities, the two never kissed, leaving their relationship in a space of unresolved tension.
Kastle remains a poignant example of how deep emotional bonds can thrive without physical expression, making their “almost love” unforgettable.
Howen (The Haunting of Bly Manor)
Hannah and Owen’s relationship in The Haunting of Bly Manor is the definition of bittersweet.
From their very first conversation, their bond is magnetic—Owen’s warmth and humor perfectly balance Hannah’s quiet strength and introspection.
Their flirtations are tender yet restrained, and their mutual care for one another is unmistakable. But as their story unfolds, we discover the heartbreaking truth: Hannah is a ghost, unable to fully embrace the life—and love—she yearns for.
Their lack of a kiss is not just a missed opportunity; it’s a tragic reflection of their circumstances. They’re a hauntingly beautiful reminder of love that could have been, had time and fate been kinder.
Morganders (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation)
Greg Sanders and Morgan Brody brought a refreshing spark to CSI with their playful banter and undeniable chemistry.
As the quirky, science-loving Greg and the sharp, determined Morgan worked cases together, their growing connection became a fan favorite.
Their interactions often hinted at something deeper, with subtle glances and moments of vulnerability sprinkled throughout. Yet, despite seasons of will-they-won’t-they tension, their relationship never crossed the line into romance.
For fans, their lack of a kiss remains one of the most frustrating unsolved mysteries of the show—after all, the evidence of their chemistry was crystal clear.
Destiel (Supernatural)
Few TV dynamics have inspired such passionate fan devotion as Dean Winchester and Castiel in Supernatural.
The angel and the hunter share a bond that defies easy definition—it’s deeply emotional, fiercely protective, and brimming with unresolved tension.
Castiel’s declaration of love in the series’ final season felt like a culmination of their years-long connection, but it also left fans reeling because Dean never reciprocated—or even acknowledged it fully.
Despite moments that screamed “just kiss already,” their relationship was ultimately left ambiguous.
Whether you saw them as friends, brothers, or something more, one thing’s for sure: Supernatural missed an opportunity to give fans the ultimate Destiel moment.
Rizzles (Rizzoli & Isles)
Jane and Maura were the crime-solving duo with chemistry so palpable that fans created an entire ship name: Rizzles.
The detective and the medical examiner had a deep connection rooted in trust, banter, and a shared ability to kick butt while solving Boston’s toughest cases.
Their dynamic frequently blurred the lines between friendship and something more, with lingering looks and moments of emotional intimacy. Yet, the show stubbornly stuck to keeping them “just friends.”
Fans, however, saw all the signs of a slow-burn romance that never ignited, and the lack of a kiss still feels like an unresolved case in the Rizzoli & Isles universe.
McDanno (Hawaii 5-0)
Steve McGarrett and Danny Williams, affectionately dubbed McDanno by fans, brought a whole new meaning to the term “work husband.”
Their bickering was legendary, their loyalty to each other unwavering, and their chemistry undeniable.
Whether they were bantering over breakfast or risking their lives to save one another, their bond went far deeper than just coworkers or friends.
The constant “married couple” jokes from other characters only fueled the idea that they were more than just partners. But despite over a decade of subtle (and not-so-subtle) moments, they never crossed that line.
For McDanno fans, a kiss was the dream that never came true.
Merthur (Merlin)
The bond between Merlin and Arthur on Merlin was nothing short of legendary.
Their journey from servant and prince to trusted friends brimming with mutual admiration had fans glued to their screens.
Merlin’s unwavering loyalty and Arthur’s begrudging affection made their relationship one of the most compelling elements of the show. Add in their constant teasing and heartfelt moments, and it’s no wonder fans saw romantic undertones.
But alas, the series stayed firmly in platonic territory, leaving Merthur shippers forever yearning for a moment of acknowledgment—or even a kiss—that never came.
Their connection was magical, even if it never fully blossomed.
Finn and Alicia (The Good Wife)
Finn Polmar and Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife were the slow-burn pairing that had fans hooked.
Finn, the charming and supportive attorney, shared undeniable chemistry with Alicia during her post-divorce journey of self-discovery.
Their witty banter, meaningful stares, and quiet moments of vulnerability created the perfect setup for a romantic connection. Yet, despite all the tension, their relationship remained strictly professional—leaving fans yearning for that kiss that never came.
Their dynamic was a refreshing mix of mutual respect and flirtation, but in a show full of complex relationships, Finn and Alicia’s almost-romance felt like the one that got away.
Thiam (Teen Wolf)
Liam and Theo’s dynamic on Teen Wolf was all about tension—emotional, physical, and otherwise.
Theo started off as a manipulative villain, but his eventual redemption arc brought him closer to Liam, sparking a love-hate relationship that fans couldn’t get enough of.
Their bickering was electric, their fight scenes intense, and their grudging teamwork hinted at something deeper.
Fans saw chemistry in every stolen glance and heated exchange, dubbing them “Thiam.” Yet, despite the groundwork for a slow-burn enemies-to-allies-to-lovers arc, the show never delivered a romantic payoff.
The lack of a kiss kept fans howling for more, even after the series ended.
Beth and Townes (The Queen’s Gambit)
Beth Harmon and Townes from The Queen’s Gambit had a connection that was subtle yet undeniably magnetic.
From their first encounter during a chess tournament, there was an immediate spark between the confident chess prodigy and the charming journalist.
Townes’ warmth and admiration for Beth brought out a rare vulnerability in her, and their quiet moments together hinted at something deeper. Yet, their potential romance remained unspoken, leaving fans wondering what might have been.
While the show was primarily about Beth’s journey to chess greatness, the lingering chemistry between these two left many wishing for at least one stolen kiss amidst the chessboards and tension-filled matches.
Dave and Penny (Happy Endings)
Dave and Penny on Happy Endings are the definition of a ship that should have set sail.
Their playful banter, deep friendship, and effortless chemistry made fans root for them to take their relationship beyond platonic territory.
Penny’s unrequited crush on Dave was a recurring theme throughout the show, but it never quite blossomed into the romance viewers hoped for. Even their funniest moments were peppered with just enough tension to keep us guessing.
While Happy Endings leaned into the humor of their dynamic, it left fans frustrated that the two never shared a meaningful romantic moment—or even a comedic accidental kiss.
Penny and Dave’s ship may have stayed in the friend zone, but fans will forever wonder, “What if?”