When creating a show, writers have a set plan for how the series should play out structurally. Romances are often decided in advance so they can be properly built up to. But, once in a while, characters take on a life of their own and change everything. Many of the best relationships on television are ones that weren't planned.
Viewers pick up on actors who have incredible on-screen chemistry, and the fans' keen eye often surprises showrunners. Sometimes, the audience sees things that the series never even thought to explore. By keeping an open mind when it comes to fan responses, shows can craft relationships that feel more natural than the ones they try to force.
Dean And Castiel: Supernatural
Castiel first appeared in Supernatural during the Season 4 premiere. He wasn't supposed to be around for more than a couple of episodes, but his character quickly became a fan-favorite.
After pulling Dean out of hell, Dean and Castiel (or "Destiel") began to form a profound bond. Their relationship was unique from others in the show, and it always seemed as though there was more bubbling beneath the surface. Castiel finally confessed his love for Dean in the show's final episodes, as the writers could no longer deny the romance that fans had seen since the beginning.
Joey And Pacey: Dawson's Creek
Dawson's Creek was one of the first television shows to go against the grain. The main love story was meant to be between Joey and Dawson, and that's what the series spent years building up to.
However, many fans found themselves more interested in Joey's dynamic with Pacey, Dawson's best friend. A romance between them wasn't part of the original plan, but they decided to go for it anyway. To this day, Joey and Pacey are one of the most iconic teen drama couples in history.
Quinn And Rachel: Glee
Quinn and Rachel (or "Faberry") are two characters who didn't start off on the best of terms. More often than not, they were competing for Finn's affection. However, the two share moments outside of Finn which makes it clear they both cared for each other more than they let on.
The writers of Glee weren't intentionally writing a romance between them, but since they had such chemistry, it makes sense that fans were drawn to them.
JJ And Kiara: Outer Banks
The cast outright admitted to being shocked at the response to JJ and Kiara's relationship in Outer Banks. Kiara was part of a love triangle with Jon B. and Sara but ended falling for Pope in the end.
Not many people shipped Kiara with either of her potential suitors, as her relationship with JJ was the most appealing. The two have a deep connection, and their scenes often hold the most weight. Hopefully, the writers will be open to possibly taking this route after fans helped them realize their potential.
Buck And Eddie: 9-1-1
Buck and Eddie were written like a slow-burn romance from their first meeting, so it makes sense that so many viewers root for this relationship. Because of the unexpected fan response, 9-1-1 has leaned into Buck and Eddie's relationship a bit more.
The two are often mistaken for a couple, and Buck even helps Eddie out with his kid. The foundation is there if the show ever wants to build on it, but it doesn't seem like they want to deviate from whatever their original plans were.
Tim And Lucy: The Rookie
Due to the difficulties that could come with a rookie/T.O. relationship, Tim and Lucy were never a part of the original game plan. Much to everyone's surprise, the two characters ended up forming one of, if not the, most profound bond in The Rookie.
Their unique dynamic is one of the show's main draws and because of the underlying romantic tension between them. Tim and Lucy's surprisingly natural relationship thrives partly because it was so unexpected. It's unclear if it will occur, but fans are rooting for it.
Emma And Regina: Once Upon A Time
It's easy to see where viewers are coming from with this relationship in Once Upon A Time. Emma and Regina ("SwanQueen") started off as antagonists who were both fighting for custody of their son. Logically speaking, things would have been a lot easier if they all became one happy family.
But the desire for a romance between Emma and Regina was about much more than Henry. The two pushed each other to be better and their journey from hate to love was a beautiful one. Although they never got together, they're still beloved by fans.
Mac And Dennis: It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Seemingly because of the fans' enthusiasm, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia began to play up the relationship between Mac and Dennis. After the early seasons, it becomes clear that Mac is in love with Dennis, but Dennis is so busy trying to pick up women that he doesn't pay attention to Mac's feelings.
Despite Dennis's attitude, it's clear that he cares about Mac. They live together and act like an old married couple, which just highlights the point that they'd be perfect for each other.
Raven And Murphy: The 100
Murphy and Raven ("Murven") didn't interact much, at first, and it was clear that they were both going to have other love interests. In fact, Murphy is the reason that Raven was impaired for the majority of The 100.
But fans quickly hopped on board this ship when Murphy started to earn his redemption. It was obvious that what he did to Raven plagued him every day, and Murphy did everything in his power to make up for it. The two end up forming a close relationship and willingly sacrifice their lives for each other on more than one occasion.
Kara And Lena: Supergirl
The writers of Supergirl had quite a few love interests for Kara in mind and Lena was never meant to be one of them. Yet the characters took on a life of their own and the chemistry between Kara and Lena ("Supercorp") continued to grow the more they got to know each other.
Fans picked up on their potential, and the two quickly became beloved by a large majority of viewers. Sadly, the last season of the series has been announced, and there's been no indication from the writers that Kara and Lena will become more than friends.