On the subject of TV exhibits, there’s nothing fairly as maddening—and addictive—as watching two characters with simple chemistry dance round one another with out sealing the deal.

They trade longing glances, share heart-stopping moments, and depart us shouting, “Simply kiss already!” at our screens.

And over time, we’ve seen numerous pairs that had been teased however by no means delivered.

So, seize your tissues and put together for some critical frustration as we rely down these 25 TV ships we are able to’t consider by no means kissed!

Bensler (Legislation & Order: SVU)

After over 20 years of will-they-won’t-they pressure, it’s nearly prison that Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler nonetheless haven’t kissed.

These two are the epitome of “companions with chemistry,” standing by one another by means of numerous harrowing instances and private struggles.

Each look, each lingering second—all of it screamed romance. But, regardless of their simple connection, they continue to be simply associates.

With Stabler’s return to the Legislation & Order universe, followers are nonetheless holding out hope, however severely, how lengthy do we now have to attend?!

Bensler is the slowest of sluggish burns, and we’re operating out of endurance.

Bellarke (The 100)

Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake had been The 100’s beating coronary heart, main their individuals by means of post-apocalyptic chaos with unparalleled chemistry.

They went from enemies to trusted allies, and their bond deepened with every inconceivable problem. Whether or not they had been saving one another’s lives or bickering like an previous married couple, the stress between them was palpable.

Followers waited seven seasons for a kiss that by no means got here. As an alternative, they had been left with heartbreak because the present refused to discover the romance that so many believed was inevitable.

Bellarke deserved higher, and we’ll by no means cease questioning what may’ve been.

Buddie (9-1-1)

Buck and Eddie’s bond on 9-1-1 is nothing in need of extraordinary.

From risking their lives for one another to co-parenting Eddie’s son, their partnership is filled with emotional depth and quiet, romantic undertones.

Followers have passionately campaigned for Buddie to go canon, however the present has saved them strictly in bromance territory.

Nonetheless, each lingering look and heartfelt second retains the hope alive. Buddie is a slow-burn romance within the making—we’re simply ready for the writers to make the leap.

Kanej (Shadow & Bone)

Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa are proof that love could be quiet, sophisticated, and soul-deep.

Their bond on Shadow & Bone is a masterclass in pressure, as Kaz’s contact aversion and Inej’s eager for freedom hold them aside. But, each look and whispered promise speaks volumes.

Their chemistry is electrical, however the present stayed true to their slow-burn journey, leaving followers craving for a kiss that by no means got here.

Kaz and Inej could not want a kiss to show their love, however it wouldn’t harm, proper?

Garcy (Timeless)

Lucy Preston and Garcia Flynn’s relationship on Timeless was a sluggish burn of epic proportions.

Their shared grief, mutual respect, and simple chemistry had followers begging for a romantic decision.

However regardless of all of the longing seems and emotional moments, their relationship by no means crossed the road into romance.

Garcy shippers had been left heartbroken when the present ended with out giving them the payoff they deserved. Time journey could also be sophisticated, however come on, a kiss wasn’t an excessive amount of to ask for!

Johnlock (Sherlock)

John Watson and Sherlock Holmes had one among TV’s most iconic partnerships on Sherlock.

Their deep bond, limitless banter, and unwavering loyalty sparked limitless hypothesis about whether or not there was extra beneath the floor.

Each heartfelt second had followers questioning if a romantic twist was on the horizon. However regardless of years of transport, Johnlock stayed purely platonic—leaving viewers with loads of subtext however no precise kiss.

It’s a thriller we could by no means resolve.

Ichabbie (Sleepy Hole)

Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane’s chemistry was the magical thread holding Sleepy Hole collectively.

Whether or not they had been battling headless horsemen or deciphering historical mysteries, their banter and mutual admiration felt like one thing extra than simply friendship.

Ichabod’s old-world appeal clashed delightfully with Abbie’s modern-day wit, and their deep belief made each scene between them electrical.

However as a substitute of giving us the romantic payoff we had been dying for, the present saved them firmly within the “platonic” zone.

Ichabbie shippers deserved a minimum of one kiss—and we’ll all the time mourn this missed alternative.

Caryl (The Strolling Lifeless)

Carol Peletier and Daryl Dixon are the last word ride-or-die duo in The Strolling Lifeless universe.

Their friendship is constructed on years of belief, survival, and shared trauma, making their bond unshakable.

Followers have lengthy speculated about their romantic potential, however the present has by no means pulled the set off. As an alternative, they continue to be a testomony to platonic love—or possibly one thing extra unstated.

With the principle sequence wrapped, we now need to put all our hopes on the Daryl Dixon spin-off. However kiss or no kiss, Caryl’s connection is unforgettable nonetheless.

Supercorp (Supergirl)

If there was ever a case for “simply kiss already,” it’s Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor.

Their friendship had been the spine of Supergirl, and their chemistry usually felt stronger than the present’s precise romantic subplots.

From heartfelt confessions to epic emotional stares, Supercorp had every thing a ship may ask for—besides a kiss. Followers begged, tweeted, and theorized, however the writers saved them firmly within the “associates” zone.

Supercorp deserved its second, and we’re nonetheless not over it.

Locklyle (Lockwood & Co.)

Anthony Lockwood and Lucy Carlyle had been the proper mix of haunted pasts and simple chemistry.

As ghost hunters navigating hazard and thriller, their belief in one another grew stronger with each case.

Lockwood’s charming but guarded demeanor, paired with Lucy’s sharp wit and vulnerability, created a dynamic that screamed slow-burn romance.

Followers had been certain a kiss was coming, however Netflix’s cancellation left us hanging.

Locklyle deserved to discover their connection additional, and we’re nonetheless haunted by what may’ve been.

Sleeping Warrior (As soon as Upon a Time)

As soon as Upon a Time gave us many fairytale pairings, however none had the potential of Mulan and Aurora.

Mulan’s unstated love for Aurora was fantastically heartbreaking, and their shared adventures hinted at one thing deeper.

However as a substitute of letting Mulan confess her emotions—or giving us even a touch of reciprocation—the present sidelined their story altogether.

Followers had been left eager for a love story that would’ve damaged boundaries and introduced a brand new type of magic to the present. Sleeping Warrior was a fairytale ship that deserved its pleased ending.

Bamon (The Vampire Diaries)

As a romantasy sequence, The Vampire Diaries could have pushed the Damon-and-Elena love story, however let’s discuss the actual spark: Damon and Bonnie.

From their witty banter to their surprisingly deep emotional bond, these two had a dynamic that would’ve been epic.

Bonnie softened Damon’s tough edges, and Damon introduced humor to Bonnie’s seriousness. Their time trapped within the jail world proved simply how excellent they could possibly be collectively.

However as a substitute of exploring this sudden gem of a pairing, the present left us excessive and dry. Bamon deserved their second, and we’re nonetheless bitter about it.

Hannigram (Hannibal)

Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter’s relationship on Hannibal is the definition of darkish, twisted, and magnetic.

Their cat-and-mouse dynamic developed into one thing far deeper, with a chilling degree of intimacy and mutual obsession. Hannibal’s affection for Will and Will’s reluctant fascination with Hannibal made each interplay crackle with pressure.

By the top of the sequence, it was clear their bond transcended something typical.

A kiss could not have match their lethal dynamic, however followers couldn’t assist however want for that one second of darkish romance.

Tedbecca (Ted Lasso)

Ted and Rebecca’s friendship on Ted Lasso is without doubt one of the present’s core strengths.

From their shared struggles to their emotional help for one another, their dynamic usually felt prefer it was teetering on the sting of romance.

Followers hoped for a kiss that by no means got here, however their bond stays lovely, even with out romantic closure.

Tedbecca shippers may nonetheless be dreaming of what may’ve been, however their platonic connection is simply as significant.

Thasmin (Physician Who)

The Thirteenth Physician and Yasmin Khan introduced a refreshing dynamic to Physician Who.

Their shut friendship developed into one thing that felt prefer it may’ve been extra—particularly when Yasmin’s emotions for the Physician turned clear.

The refined moments of connection between them had followers rooting for Thasmin to turn out to be canon. However the present shied away from exploring their romantic potential, leaving viewers with a bittersweet longing.

Thasmin may’ve been an iconic Physician Who love story, however alas, it stays a “what if.”

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 dialog, their bond is magnetic—Owen’s heat and humor completely steadiness Hannah’s quiet energy and introspection.

Their flirtations are tender but restrained, and their mutual take care of each other is unmistakable. However as their story unfolds, we uncover the heartbreaking fact: Hannah is a ghost, unable to totally embrace the life—and love—she yearns for.

Their lack of a kiss is not only a missed alternative; it’s a tragic reflection of their circumstances. They’re a hauntingly lovely reminder of affection that would have been, had time and destiny been kinder.

Morganders (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation)

Greg Sanders and Morgan Brody introduced a refreshing spark to CSI with their playful banter and simple chemistry.

Because the quirky, science-loving Greg and the sharp, decided Morgan labored instances collectively, their rising connection turned a fan favourite.

Their interactions usually hinted at one thing deeper, with refined glances and moments of vulnerability sprinkled all through. But, regardless of seasons of will-they-won’t-they pressure, their relationship by no means crossed the road into romance.

For followers, their lack of a kiss stays some of the irritating unsolved mysteries of the present—in any case, the proof of their chemistry was crystal clear.

Destiel (Supernatural)

Few TV dynamics have impressed such passionate fan devotion as Dean Winchester and Castiel in Supernatural.

The angel and the hunter share a bond that defies straightforward definition—it’s deeply emotional, fiercely protecting, and brimming with unresolved pressure.

Castiel’s declaration of affection within the sequence’ ultimate season felt like a fruits of their years-long connection, however it additionally left followers reeling as a result of Dean by no means reciprocated—and even acknowledged it absolutely.

Regardless of moments that screamed “simply kiss already,” their relationship was in the end left ambiguous.

Whether or not you noticed them as associates, brothers, or one thing extra, one factor’s for certain: Supernatural missed a possibility to present followers the last word Destiel second.

Rizzles (Rizzoli & Isles)

Jane and Maura had been the crime-solving duo with chemistry so palpable that followers created a whole ship identify: Rizzles.

The detective and the health worker had a deep connection rooted in belief, banter, and a shared capacity to kick butt whereas fixing Boston’s hardest instances.

Their dynamic regularly blurred the strains between friendship and one thing extra, with lingering seems and moments of emotional intimacy. But, the present stubbornly caught to conserving them “simply associates.”

Followers, nevertheless, noticed all of the indicators of a slow-burn romance that by no means ignited, and the dearth of a kiss nonetheless looks like an unresolved case within the Rizzoli & Isles universe.

McDanno (Hawaii 5-0)

Steve McGarrett and Danny Williams, affectionately dubbed McDanno by followers, introduced an entire new that means to the time period “work husband.”

Their bickering was legendary, their loyalty to one another unwavering, and their chemistry simple.

Whether or not they had been bantering over breakfast or risking their lives to avoid wasting each other, their bond went far deeper than simply coworkers or associates.

The fixed “married couple” jokes from different characters solely fueled the concept that they had been extra than simply companions. However regardless of over a decade of refined (and not-so-subtle) moments, they by no means crossed that line.

For McDanno followers, a kiss was the dream that by no means got here true.

Merthur (Merlin)

The bond between Merlin and Arthur on Merlin was nothing in need of legendary.

Their journey from servant and prince to trusted associates brimming with mutual admiration had followers glued to their screens.

Merlin’s unwavering loyalty and Arthur’s begrudging affection made their relationship some of the compelling components of the present. Add of their fixed teasing and heartfelt moments, and it’s no surprise followers noticed romantic undertones.

However alas, the sequence stayed firmly in platonic territory, leaving Merthur shippers perpetually craving for a second of acknowledgment—or perhaps a kiss—that by no means got here.

Their connection was magical, even when it by no means absolutely blossomed.

Finn and Alicia (The Good Spouse)

Finn Polmar and Alicia Florrick on The Good Spouse had been the slow-burn pairing that had followers hooked.

Finn, the charming and supportive lawyer, shared simple chemistry with Alicia throughout her post-divorce journey of self-discovery.

Their witty banter, significant stares, and quiet moments of vulnerability created the proper setup for a romantic connection. But, regardless of all the stress, their relationship remained strictly skilled—leaving followers craving for that kiss that by no means got here.

Their dynamic was a refreshing mixture of mutual respect and flirtation, however in a present filled with complicated relationships, Finn and Alicia’s almost-romance felt just like the one which acquired away.

Thiam (Teen Wolf)

Liam and Theo’s dynamic on Teen Wolf was all about pressure—emotional, bodily, and in any other case.

Theo began off as a manipulative villain, however his eventual redemption arc introduced him nearer to Liam, sparking a love-hate relationship that followers couldn’t get sufficient of.

Their bickering was electrical, their battle scenes intense, and their grudging teamwork hinted at one thing deeper.

Followers noticed chemistry in each stolen look and heated trade, dubbing them “Thiam.” But, regardless of the groundwork for a slow-burn enemies-to-allies-to-lovers arc, the present by no means delivered a romantic payoff.

The dearth of a kiss saved followers howling for extra, even after the sequence ended.

Beth and Townes (The Queen’s Gambit)

Beth Harmon and Townes from The Queen’s Gambit had a connection that was refined but undeniably magnetic.

From their first encounter throughout a chess match, there was a right away spark between the assured chess prodigy and the charming journalist.

Townes’ heat and admiration for Beth introduced out a uncommon vulnerability in her, and their quiet moments collectively hinted at one thing deeper. But, their potential romance remained unstated, leaving followers questioning what may need been.

Whereas the present was primarily about Beth’s journey to chess greatness, the lingering chemistry between these two left many wishing for a minimum of one stolen kiss amidst the chessboards and tension-filled matches.

Dave and Penny (Blissful Endings)

Dave and Penny on Blissful Endings are the definition of a ship that ought to have set sail.

Their playful banter, deep friendship, and easy chemistry made followers root for them to take their relationship past platonic territory.

Penny’s unrequited crush on Dave was a recurring theme all through the present, however it by no means fairly blossomed into the romance viewers hoped for. Even their funniest moments had been peppered with simply sufficient pressure to maintain us guessing.

Whereas Blissful Endings leaned into the humor of their dynamic, it left followers annoyed that the 2 by no means shared a significant romantic second—or perhaps a comedic unintended kiss.

Penny and Dave’s ship could have stayed within the pal zone, however followers will perpetually surprise, “What if?”