My friends can attest to the fact that I loathed Chemistry when I had to take it in high school. Maybe this was because I hated both math and science or perhaps I can attribute my dislike for the subject to the time of day I had to learn about it (7 AM, five days a week). Regardless of WHY I disliked Chemistry, I did. But there’s another kind of chemistry, a kind that exists between people, which is what I want to discuss. This word – chemistry – can really be classified as the palpable relationship between actors and characters in a form of media (be it television, movies, books, etc.)
So what does great chemistry look like? What makes one couple have great chemistry, while another pair falls flat? I think that the key to romantic tension, to cohesion, and to a spark is two-fold: 1) excellent writing; 2) connections between actors. In order for characters to succeed, they need talented and devoted people writing for them. Conversely, in order for a writer’s vision to come to fruition, they need talented and devoted actors willing to portray those characters. There is no magic formula for what makes a show succeed or fail. I can’t tell you why some actors have palpable tension, but I CAN give you examples of some of the best television chemistry as chosen by… you all!
That’s right – you’ve spoken and I’ve pondered and now I present you with some categories featuring the best in television chemistry. If you’re ready, grab some popcorn and prepare to squeal: these are the pairings that make you coo one moment and want to pull your hair out the next. They’re the will-they-won’t-theys and the actors that cause you to throw objects at your television sets.
But they all have one thing in common.
Chemistry.
