From Crocket and Tubbs in “Miami Vice” to Starsky and Hutch in “Starsky & Hutch” and even Cagney and Lacey in “Cagney and Lacey” detective television reveals over the many years have gone by many alternative pairings, personalities and temperaments among the many characters who won’t all the time see eye to eye after they first begin working collectively; however very quickly, they bond and develop a way of camaraderie with one another and typically they fall in love alongside the way in which too! (Or we hope that they get collectively on the very least) And isn’t the saying – “two heads are higher than one” so very true? As a substitute of going all the way in which again to the crime reveals of outdated, I considered highlighting a few of the pairings over the previous few many years, together with present ones as effectively, however not in any specific order of rating or favorites actually, only a listing of two characters who discovered themselves in a partnership like no different, making for thrilling and pleasant tv!
Additionally a fast word – I understand that there are many, many, many extra pairings that might have been added to this listing – but when I went with alllll of them then it will have taken a very very long time to complete! That is merely a condensed model!
#1 Temperance Brennan & Seeley Sales space, “Bones” (2005 – 2017) by Anjali
12 seasons, nearly 250 episodes and a pairing for the historical past books! “Bones” (Fox) was tailored from the Kathy Reichs’ novels by Hart Hanson, starring Emily Deschanel as world famend forensic anthropologist Temperance “Bones” Brennan and David Boreanaz as FBI Agent Seeley Sales space. The 2 characters could not have been extra totally different from one another – whether or not in character or temperament and even how they approached working collectively on fixing murders with solely skeletal stays (more often than not!) She, a lady of science and he, a person of religion, it was a “skeptic + believer” dynamic which over the seasons, we acquired to see how the 2 of them fashioned a deeply trusting partnership which might afterward blossom into romance! Finally Sales space and Bones would go on to have a household of their very own! They have been by just about every little thing collectively – be it serial killers, getting buried alive, happening the run from the authorities, shedding family members bringing them nearer, alternate parallel realities, and so a lot extra!
#2 Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, “BBC’s Sherlock” (2010 – 2017) by Anjali
It maybe goes with out saying, that Sherlock Holmes and John Watson are the best detective duo of all time, having been tailored in each single type of media that is attainable – television reveals, films, video video games, comics, anime, radio and even fanfiction! One such depiction of this well-known pairing is Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s portrayal in BBC’s adaptation, which took the Victorian-era setting and gave us a modernized model of not simply the characters, however the well-known mysteries with their very own distinctive twists and turns! The guts of the present lies within the relationship between the consulting detective and former military physician who begin off as roommates earlier than changing into companions after which greatest associates (after all, the followers hoped for extra even!) and all of this was due to the chemistry between the 2 leads – you could not assist however root for them in each manner attainable! And after 4 seasons, the hope for extra “Johnlock” nonetheless prevails in fandom, there are all the time extra tales to be instructed, extra mysteries to be solved and extra
#3 Fox Mulder & Dana Scully, “The X-Information” (1993 – 2002, 2016 – 2018) by Elena
To today, Mulder and Scully have remained one in all tv’s iconic duo’s with a partnership that spanned many years and left an enduring legacy for viewers. The X-Information continues to garner curiosity even after over thirty years because it premiered in September 1993. What makes this relationship between the believer and the skeptic so enigmatic? Their push and pull dynamic, their intelligence and empathy that they lend to circumstances they examine, their witty banter, and underlying all of this, their timeless dedication and devotion to 1 one other. The onscreen chemistry between Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny lended closely to the fascinating connection between the FBI brokers.
Dana Scully is initially introduced on to debunk the X Information, a division run by psychologist Fox Mulder, as his pursuit of the reality round extraterrestrial existence places him on a watchlist of influential males within the authorities. But, Scully shortly learns there’s extra to her Oxford-educated associate than meets the attention. On their first case, he opens up about his sister who was kidnapped as a toddler and the way that led him to the X Information. Over the span of 11 seasons and a couple of characteristic movies, we unlock a dynamic that’s nonetheless but to be matched by any two characters on tv.
#4 Neal Caffrey & Peter Burke, “White Collar” (2009 – 2014) by Anjali
Con-man, artist, forger, clean talker, suave and trendy Neal Caffrey could have been the star of “White Collar” (USA) nevertheless it was his partnership with FBI Agent Peter Burke – the one one to catch him greater than as soon as – that was actually the driving power of the present. The 2 of them labored collectively from day one when Neal helped Peter seize the ever-elusive “Dutchman” forger and all through all the six seasons, they’d their fair proportion of belief points and betrayals and heartbreak even, however on the finish of the day, they’d one another’s backs when it mattered. Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay performed off of their respective character’s comedic timing to such perfection and created such a deep connection that you simply actually would neglect for some time that one in all them was a prison and the opposite, his handler. There have been classes to be realized for each males from the opposite, a bond that was cast over time did have its ups and downs, however there was respect and belief between Peter and Neal. Although the collection finale appeared to recommend that they had been residing totally different lives as soon as Neal lastly acquired his well-earned freedom in Paris, there’s a revival within the works, which implies there’s nonetheless extra to return for this dynamic duo!
#5 Richard Citadel & Kate Beckett, “Citadel” (2009 – 2016) by Anjali
Greatest-selling creator meets NYPD Detective and sparks fly? Sure, but in addition not fairly? Richard Citadel and Kate Beckett’s relationship started at first with a flirtatious, seemingly unlikely partnership that slowly become friendship after which ultimately love; they undoubtedly had their moments of craving and totally different love pursuits that might by no means fairly maintain a candle over the seasons to the “one” they may not even have been actively conscious of. Nonetheless, that did not cease “Caskett” (among the best ship names if you happen to ask me!) from a “fake-out kiss” and a “trapped along with an nearly confession simply earlier than they thought this is perhaps the tip” and so many different tropes which we cherished to see – that season 4 finale cliffhanger particularly! (be nonetheless my shipper coronary heart!) The construct as much as them really attending to be with one another was undoubtedly definitely worth the wait. And it was good to additionally get an opportunity to see how the 2 of them navigated their skilled relationship even after they acquired married – as soon as Beckett turned NYPD Captain and Citadel took on his PI position, the partnership between them did not fade away into the background, they had been going to be one another’s particular person all the time.
#6 Elliott Stabler & Olivia Benson, “Regulation & Order: SVU” (1999 – 2011) by Anjali
Hear, I will be the primary one to confess that I have never seen something associated to Regulation & Order, in all of its numerous iterations and a few of the reveals which were ongoing for 20+ seasons, however that hasn’t stopped me from realizing about “Bensler” and the actual fact of the 2 of them being the literal definition of a “sluggish burn” pairing! They have been talked about for thus a few years now, by followers all over the place that one can not help attempting to look into what precisely their relationship is and what it must be or what it may very well be. Nonetheless, their romantic pressure apart and nearly kisses that did not fairly come to fruition, Benson and Stabler have a legendary partnership that lasted for twelve seasons and even when he returned in season 22(!!!) they had been capable of decide up from the place they’d left off, which is a real testomony to Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni’s dedication to their character’s and the respect that they’ve for his or her fan-base.
And to not point out, their chemistry is off the charts! I imply, take it from somebody who is aware of completely nothing about something however nonetheless can see the belief and care that they’ve for the opposite, you possibly can’t assist however root for them; one simply hopes that there is a first kiss someplace within the close to future!
#7 Lucifer Morningstar & Chloe Decker, “Lucifer” (2016 – 2021) by Mariasol
Chloe and Lucifer are a duo which may look like the widespread one in a procedural, a marketing consultant serving to a detective to resolve crimes, nevertheless it has a twist, since he’s the Satan himself, who left Hell to benefit from the lifetime of people in Los Angeles. Moreover, because the collection develops, their relationship, in addition to the story itself, transforms and turns into extra advanced as they go from being easy co-workers to friendship after which to a romantic relationship, however not earlier than going by numerous assessments. First, the detective battles Lucifer, as he realizes that when he’s near her, he turns into mortal, along with the truth that she is totally proof against the persuasive powers he has with different individuals. Later, Chloe discovers Lucifer’s secret, nevertheless it’s additionally revealed that she was actually created by God as a blessing to her dad and mom, which makes her cautious of her divine origin, similar to Lucifer, and that makes them query whether or not their emotions are free or attributable to some divine predestination.
#8 Daniel Pierce & Kate Moretti, “Notion” (2012 – 2015) by Anjali
I’ve a comfortable spot for this present and this pairing! “Notion” (TNT) ran for 3 seasons, starring Eric McCormack because the eccentric neuropsychiatrist Daniel Pierce and Rachael Leigh Cook dinner’s Particular Agent Kate Moretti, who was a scholar of his earlier than she joined the FBI. Their shared historical past and friendship was one of many defining issue’s of their working relationship and Kate was one of many few people who Daniel trusted; his paranoid schizophrenia would manifest in hallucinations – principally within the type of Natalie Vincent, an imaginary pal and adviser – but in addition would assist him see clues within the investigations he labored with Kate on that others would miss. Eric and Rachael’s chemistry was easy-going and one may sense that from the start of the collection – and even earlier than as we discover out later – Kate had a crush on Daniel, however the first season did appear to recommend that it wasn’t fully a one-sided factor in any respect; nonetheless regardless of issues by no means getting romantic between the 2 of them, these two really feel like a really underrated pairing and I would like to have seen extra of their story if we had gotten even another season!
#9 Patrick Jane & Teresa Lisbon from “The Mentalist” (2008 – 2015) by Mariasol
From the primary second we see them interacting, we will understand that their personalities are very totally different, however they nonetheless respect one another’s work and help one another more often than not, however additionally they confront one another when crucial, to face up for what they think about proper, particularly Lisbon with Jane, when she realizes he is crossing the road. All through the story, we will see how their relationship develops little by little as they go from being colleagues to shut associates, as a result of they’re those the opposite trusts essentially the most they usually complement one another. Over time they handle to grasp and know one another deeply, which finally leads them to start a romantic relationship.
#10 Eliza Scarlet & William “Duke” Wellington, Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020 – Current) by Eve
One in all my latest favourite crime-duos is Eliza Scarlet and William Wellington also referred to as ‘The Duke’. Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders) performs the headstrong Miss Scarlet and The Duke is performed by Scottish actor Stuart Martin (Insurgent Moon). When her father dies, Eliza Scarlet finds herself going through a troublesome selection. As an single girl, she faces poverty with no husband to supply for her. She decides to tackle the problem of operating her late father’s detective company, which might be unthinkable for a decent Victorian woman. Happily, she finds an unlikely associate within the unconventional and considerably stern Detective Inspector William Wellington of Scotland Yard, referred to as “The Duke”, and the pair start to sort out the crimes and mysteries of London collectively. At the start William finds Eliza’s involvement in his policework intrusive and annoying. Nonetheless, because the collection progresses, he begins to see her qualities and lean on her increasingly for brand new insights into circumstances. Eliza and William have recognized one another since their teenage years as Eliza’s father functioned as a mentor for William and took him below his wings. The historical past that they’ve between them creates nice chemistry and banter between the 2. The present leans closely on the will-they-wont-they pressure between two characters however hardly acts on it till the tip of season 4.
#11 Cole Ellis & Max Mitchell, “Wild Playing cards” (2024 – Current) by Cristina
Max Mitchell and Cole Ellis from Wild Playing cards on The CW are the last word odd-couple detective duo and a slow-burn romantic pairing that retains followers hooked. Max, a intelligent con girl with a knack for disguises and schemes, is the right yin to Cole’s by-the-book, no-nonsense detective yang. Collectively, they create a dynamic partnership, mixing Max’s appeal and outside-the-box pondering with Cole’s relentless dedication and grounded method to fixing crimes. Their chemistry is plain, with banter that is equal components hilarious and heartfelt, and moments of vulnerability that trace at a deeper connection. Regardless of their clashing personalities – and the betrayal that left their relationship on shaky floor on the finish of season 1 – they discover themselves drawn again collectively, compelled to depend on one another to crack circumstances and tackle excessive stakes missions. As they navigate their strained partnership and their very own private struggles, Max and Cole show that collectively, they don’t seem to be solely an unstoppable power within the subject, but in addition an ideal match – whether or not they’re able to admit it or not.
#12 Morgan Guillory & Adam Karadec, “Excessive Potential” (2024 – Current) by Cristina
Morgan Guillory and Adam Karadec from “Excessive Potential” on ABC are a dynamic and interesting crime-solving duo who deliver out the most effective in one another. Morgan’s unconventional pondering, sharp wit, and knack for seeing particulars others overlook, completely complement Karadec’s methodical method, rule following nature and expertise as a seasoned detective. Their unlikely partnership thrives on their variations, with Karadec grounding Morgan’s boundless vitality whereas she pushes him to assume exterior the field. Add their rising mutual respect and humor-filled banter, and you’ve got a staff that is not solely extremely efficient but in addition extremely enjoyable to look at.
#13 Elsbeth Tascioni & Kaya Blanke, “Elsbeth” (2024 – Current) by Anjali
One factor I’ve to say, I find it irresistible when television reveals deal with feminine friendships; not that there all the time hasn’t been lots of that through the years and throughout all style’s, nevertheless it’s nonetheless all the time a delight to look at! And on “Elsbeth” (CBS) proper from the very starting, when Elsbeth confirmed as much as against the law scene with a statue of liberty headband and met Kaya for the primary time, I knew that their relationship was going to be one of many highlights of the collection for me! Elsbeth and Kaya find yourself partnering collectively whereas fixing “howcatchem” mysteries, and their personalities aligning with one another throughout the 2 seasons present how they go from being coworkers to associates to even being short-term roommates! An excellent friendship may be the premise of a superb partnership and it undoubtedly rings true for these two.
#14 Will Trent & Angie Polaski, “Will Trent” (2023 – Current) by Cristina
Will Trent and Angie Polaski from “Will Trent” on ABC positive make an undeniably efficient crime fixing duo, because of their contrasting but complementary approaches to fixing circumstances. Will’s meticulous nature, sharp instinct and talent to see connections others miss are completely balanced by Angie’s road smarts, daring confidence and deep understanding of the human psyche. Their shared historical past and complicated relationship add layers of emotional depth to their partnership, making them not simply colleagues, however two individuals whose private struggles and resilience gasoline their dedication to hunt justice. Collectively, they type a dynamic staff that is as compelling because the circumstances they sort out.
#15 Liv Moore & Clive Babineaux, “iZombie” (2015 – 2019) by Mariasol
Let’s imagine that that is an uncommon duo for the sort of collection, since between them there’s solely a piece relationship that transforms into an excellent friendship, however doesn’t turn into one thing romantic. They work effectively collectively they usually handle to get alongside, though at first, their work could have some obstacles as a result of Clive doesn’t know Liv’s secret, which additionally ends in some humorous conditions. After a while, Clive learns the reality, which doesn’t stop him from persevering with to work alongside Liv or proceed their friendship.
BONUS: Mabel Mora, Charles-Haden Savage & Oliver Putnam, “Solely Murders within the Constructing” (2021 – Current)
Okay, so I do know that this technically is a trio of crime-solving character’s, however can you actually have an article with out these three? I imply, the solid itself could be motive sufficient to incorporate them, nevertheless – “Solely Murders within the Constructing” (Hulu) is a very excellent, superb, breakout present that has had audiences hooked for 4 seasons (and counting) now! And it is due to the completely fantastic chemistry that Selena Gomez has with Martin Brief and Steve Martin; the way in which that they play off of one another, their banter, the one-liners and humor that they every imbibe in not simply their respective characters, however within the relationships that they type with one another over the seasons too – it makes for actually nice comedy! On paper you would not know if this mixture would work, maybe it will or would not with one other solid, however with these three, there’s nothing fairly prefer it! Dwelling within the Arconia in New York Metropolis, this unlikely trio discover themselves embarking on fixing a homicide thriller whereas concurrently recording a podcast about their sleuthing – which over time not solely will get increasingly meta, within the newest fourth season, they even resolve to make a film about Charles, Mabel & Oliver’s lives, as a result of there’s nothing fairly like getting your life story up on the silver display screen is there?
