9 Best Unexpected TV Character Pairings Of The 2020s

Summary Characters from different worlds or genres offer a fresh dynamic.

Opposite roles can create engaging and enjoyable relationships.

Differences in experience and genres can enhance on-screen chemistry.

There are some great dynamic duos in the world of TV who just make sense together, but some pairings are more unexpected, but they have undeniable chemistry together. TV relies on the characters and their relationships to create strong, compelling stories. If two characters have a natural chemistry, and they display a genuine connection, this can stand out in their performance and the overall quality of the show.

However, while some pairings make perfect sense, such as two comedy actors, or actors who have appeared in various roles together, the unexpected pairings can make something potentially even more interesting. Actors who typically appear in different worlds and genres, or characters that are complete opposites make for a unique dynamic. And in recent years, more and more TV shows appear to be skewing toward these odd pairings.

9 Skeet Ulrich & Giancarlo Esposito

Parish

Image via amc

Parish features Giancarlo Esposito in the titular role as a man who returns to a life of crime and revenge after the brutal murder of his son. The series is based on a BBC drama series by Danny Brocklehurst, who wrote and developed the story for AMC. However, despite the show failing to connect with audiences and critics in some ways, as reflected by the mixed reviews, there is a silver lining to the series.

Within the world of the show, Esposito's Parish, and Skeet Ulrich's Colin Broussard are old friends. The dynamic between the pair is electric, and despite the two actors appearing to be from very different worlds, with credits that seem largely opposite each other, they manage to create something special in the show. Ulrich is best known for his role as Billy Loomis in Scream, and he has largely been a supporting character ever since, while Esposito has a commanding presence and several leading roles.

Related 10 Best Giancarlo Esposito's Characters (Movies Or TV), Ranked Through Spike Lee movies and Breaking Bad, Giancarlo Esposito has become a household name. Here are the actor's best movie and TV roles.

8 Jason Sudeikas & Hannah Waddingham

Ted Lasso

In Ted Lasso, there are a wide variety of characters who appear to be in close connection with each other, but perhaps one of the best and most unexpected dynamics comes from coach Ted and club owner Rebecca. Ted is played by Jason Sudeikis, a well-established comedy actor, and Rebecca is played by Hannah Waddingham, whose career tended towards more serious parts. However, the unexpected coupling makes for a great combination in Ted Lasso.

Ted and Rebecca initially appear to have a rift, with Rebecca trying to distance herself, and hoping to sabotage her ex-husband's favorite team, but over time, they become dear friends. Their interactions are a highlight of the show, and the way they care for one another is brilliantly portrayed in the show. However, the duo don't immediately make sense looking at their former roles.

7 Ella Purnell & Walton Goggins

Fallout

Amazon Prime's Fallout series based on the video games of the same name has proven to be a smash success. This is likely due to the colorful cast of characters who hail from very different worlds, and their dynamic interactions. One of the most unique relationships shown in the series occurs between Ella Purnell's character, Lucy MacLean, and Walton Goggins' Ghoul. Not only do these two characters come from different times and worlds, but they also possess very different ideas about morality, and right and wrong.

Despite this, the pair teamed up later in the first season to try and pursue a common goal. While Goggins' body of work reflects his role in Fallout, as a gun-slinging, tough-talking, action star, Purnell is not so experienced in the genre. Her role in Yellowjackets may have given her some of the necessary experience, but Fallout shines a light on her ability to play an action hero.

Related 10 Wild Fallout Season 2 Theories That Could Actually Happen Fallout has been renewed for a second season, and theories about where the story could go next are already being broadly shared and circulated.

6 Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey

The Last Of Us

Continuing within the vein of post-apocalyptic dystopian dramas, The Last of Us on HBO is another video-game adapted TV show with an unlikely duo at its core. The show follows events that occur years after the world falls into chaos with a virus outbreak that turns people into monsters. At the beginning of the show, Pedro Pascal is introduced as a loving father named Joel, but within a short time of the outbreak, he tragically loses his daughter.

Years later, Joel is introduced to a young girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) who may just hold the answers to a cure in her blood. With Joel having lost a daughter, and the teenager Ellie being alone, their match-up makes sense. And, while the actors appear to be from very different backgrounds, their connection is spectacular. Both actors showcase their incredible talents, and create a dynamic friendsip between the pair.

5 Melanie Lynskey & Christina Ricci

Yellowjackets

Returning to Yellowjackets, but moving on to look at a different coupling, there is another great example of unlikely pairings. Melanie Lynskey plays the older version of Shauna Shipman, and the central character on the show. Playing opposite Lynskey is Christina Ricci, who experienced a lot of early success for her roles in dark family films like Casper and The Addams Family. Lynskey, on the other hand, tended toward more comedy-based roles.

Yellowjackets is a dark and thrilling series with wild mysteries and dark surprises around each corner. The pair play older versions of the young women who escaped from the island, but Ricci appears to be stuck in the past. The characters are strange bedfellows, and they don't get along at the best of times, but their chemistry is undeniable.

Related 10 Yellowjackets Characters Most Likely To Die Before The Show Ends, Ranked Both Yellowjackets timelines are full of shocking twists and even unexpected main character deaths, which means no one is safe until the finale.

4 Bill Hader & Henry Winkler

Barry

While Bill Hader and Henry Winkler both hail from comedy backgrounds, they exist in completely different eras. Bill Hader is an outstanding writer and performer on SNL who has dabbled in other TV and movie work. Henry Winkler got his big break back in the 1970s, and he built his career to explore more of what he loves, such as light and comical shows.

However, in the dark comedy TV show, Barry (Hader) struggles to fit in and fight his loneliness until he joins an acting class that changes his life. Winkler plays the acting coach who helps the kids to develop their skills. Over the course of the show, the characters grow closer together, forming a father-son relationship. The dynamic between Hader and Winkler is a wonderful thing, and despite their differences, they make a perfect match on the show.

3 Jason Segal & Harrison Ford

Shrinking

Another odd pairing that turned out far better than expected was a central relationship within the Apple TV+ series, Shrinking. Shrinking offers an insightful look behind the curtain at the world of therapy and the lives of those whose job it is to help others process pain, grief, and loss. However, when Jason Segal's character is at the other end of these challenging feelings, it is not as simple as sitting down and talking through the emotions.

The other half of this unexpected relationship is none other than Harrison Ford. Ford plays an older therapist, and the man in charge at their clinic. Segal's pedigree sees him land numerous roles in comedy forward shows, while Ford has been an action movie star for most of his career. However, despite their differences, the pair are an effective casting for this emotional series.

Related Shrinking Episode 10 Ending Explained: What Happened In The Season 1 Finale Shrinking became one of the most talked about AppleTV+ shows thanks to its relatable take on grief, but episode 10 ended on a shocking cliffhanger.

2 Jenna Ortega & Emma Myers

Wednesday

Jenna Ortega has recently exploded in popularity with her role on Wednesday as the title character propelling her career to new heights. However, Ortega has frequently appeared in horror movies and thrillers, showing a clear preference for these gripping films. While Wednesday carries over some of the darker themes usually present in horror and thrillers, it is distinctly different as a dark comedy with elements of mystery throughout.

The series shows Wednesday to be a melancholy, monochrome character who despises color and things that could be traditionally called fun. This creates tension with her roommate, Enid, who adores color, and loves to be social. But in the series, the pair make a unique opposites-attract connection. Similarly, Emma Myers and Ortega appear to be very different actors with opposing preferences, but their chemistry and connection is undeniable.

1 Tom Hiddleston & Owen Wilson

Loki

Finally, the last unexpected pairing on this list features two incredible actors who have spent much of their careers exploring entirely different realms of acting. Owen Wilson has long been a popular actor in Hollywood with a list of appearances in various comedy movies. From Zoolander, to Wedding Crashers, and Marley & Me, Wilson is one of the biggest stars in comedy. However, as the years went on, Wilson shifted his focus to appearing in more serious and dramatic roles than before. While Loki is not strictly a series that features no comedy, the bigger focus is the dramatic narrative.

Appearing opposite Wilson, Tom Hiddleston appears in the titular role and helps to bring an air of class and grace to the series. Hiddleston is a classically trained British actor who spends much of his time appearing in the West End when he is not starring in major feature films. He is comfortable playing tragedies and dramas on the stage, such as Shakespeare, and he was able to utilize this experience while playing the mythological Norse god, Loki. However, despite their differences, Hiddleston and Wilson make a great duo, excelling in comedy and drama throughout the series.