The Top 9 TV Show Rivalries That Kept Us Hooked
The dynamic relationship between the protagonist and the antagonist is one of the most compelling elements in any TV show. Here's a list of the top 9 TV show rivalries that kept us hooked with their intense chemistry and timeless conflicts.
1. Sherlock And Moriarty
Sherlock and Moriarty have one of the most enduring rivalries of all-time.
Sherlock and Moriarty
In many ways, the two men are mirror images of each other, both brilliant, callous, manipulative, and extraordinarily perceptive.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Andrew Scott as Jim Moriarty on a rooftop in Sherlock's "The Reichenbach Fall"
The spectacular performances and the incredible match of mental prowess, layered with mystery and games, make this the most enjoyable and engaging rivalry in TV.
Sherlock serving tea to Moriarty in Sherlock
2. Rick Grimes And Negan
Rick Grimes and Negan played out one of the most brutal and bitter rivalries on TV in The Walking Dead.
An image of Negan taunting Rick on The Walking Dead
The relationship evolved and shifted to become increasingly dynamic and complex, with Negan trying his best to atone for his past.
Rick Grimes and Negan in each other's faces as Carl watches in The Walking Dead
Initially underestimating the threat, Rick soon realized the seriousness of Negan's presence, leading to an intense and gripping conflict.
Rick vs Negan in The Walking Dead
3. Walter White And Gus Fring
Breaking Bad's Walter White seeks out the help of an established drug kingpin, Gus Fring.
Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring and Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad
Their bitter rivalry has several ups and downs, making for an incredible and tense story between two terrifyingly powerful men.
Walter argues with Gus Fring in Breaking Bad
Both men are incredibly level-headed, articulate, intelligent, and cautious, with Fring appearing to have the advantage on most of these fronts.
Breaking Bad's Gus Fring.
4. Eleven And Vecna
Stranger Things' Eleven and Vecna were subjects in a secret government experiment to tap into the potential for psychic powers.
Custom image of Eleven and Vecna in Stranger Things season 4
Their intense conflict led to a monstrous transformation of Vecna, who went on to control the Upside Down and plague Hawkins.
The gripping rivalry between the two characters is a testament to the power of their interconnected destinies.
5. Daredevil And Wilson Fisk
Netflix's more grounded take on a Marvel superhero introduced a spectacular rivalry between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk.
Daredevil and Wilson Fisk
The tense rivalry between the mortal human beings feels grounded and gritty, easily earning them a spot in the top 5 TV show rivalries.
Both actors delivered extraordinary performances, adding to the power of their powerful duel.
6. Rick C-137 And Rick Prime
Rick and Morty's Rick C-137 and Rick Prime have an irreversibly interconnected timeline, adding layers of complexity to their rivalry.
Rick beats up Rick Prime in Rick and Morty
The series engages with a multiverse full of countless other realities, revealing the depths of their intertwined destinies.
The gripping tension between the two characters is a result of their shared history and the pursuit of revenge.
7. The Flash And The Reverse-Flash
The Flash and the Reverse-Flash are some of the best paired individuals in a superhero story, with their iconic rivalry spanning across generations and the multiverse.
Flash and Reverse-Flash in The Flash CW show
The relationship evolved and changed as time went on, making them one of the most memorable and impactful villain-hero pairings.
The antithesis of the hero, the Reverse-Flash, adds a unique and compelling dimension to their timeless conflict.
8. Jim Halpert And Dwight Schrute
The Office's Jim Halpert and Dwight Schrute have a tense rivalry throughout much of the series, engaging in prank wars, competition for promotions, and several other games.
John Krasinski as Jim peering over Dwight's shoulder in The Office
Their rivalry adds immensely to the quality of the show, showcasing the dynamic between two characters who are not traditional heroes and villains.
The pair's remarkable natural talent and stickler for rules create an intense chemistry that kept the audience captivated.
9. Captain Raymond Holt And Madeline Wuntch
Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Captain Raymond Holt and Madeline Wuntch have a burning hot intensity between them, presenting as a hard-working police captain and a commanding officer chasing the bottom line.
Captains Holt and Wuntch on Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Their rivalry is memorable and adds to the fun of the show, showcasing a unique dynamic in the relationships between characters.
The burning hot intensity between the pair creates a timeless coupling that adds depth to the narrative.
