It shouldn’t be a surprise to learn co-stars don’t always get along when the cameras aren’t rolling, butthe on-screen professionalism of someTV duosdoes a great job at concealing real-life feuds. Like Will Smith and Janet Hubert, many of the real-life disputes have been buried. However, there are some feuds, such as the one between George Takei and William Shatner, that have lasted for years.
At the end of the day, regardless if they’re portrayingTVsiblings, best friends, or colleagues, the actors in these shows are co-workers. Long filming hours and stressful days on set can cultivate years-long resentment among co-stars.
10Ed O’Neill & Amanda Bearse
Married… with Children (1987-1997)
Married… with Childrenis one ofthe longest-running sitcomswhose depiction of the dysfunctional Bundy family was refreshing to some and unpalatable to others. Working for 11 seasons, tensions are bound to rise among the cast, with the most notable feud between Ed O’Neill and Amanda Bearse.
At the beginning of 2024,O’Neill spoke withModern Familyco-star Jesse Tyler Fergusonon theDinner’s On Mepodcast, explaining the harsh feelings between the two came out afterO’Neill didn’t push for Bearse and David Garrison to be on aTV Guidemagazine cover with the rest of the main cast.
9Nina Dobrev & Paul Wesley
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
InThe Vampire Diaries, Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) had a complicated relationship that had audiences hooked. Dobrev and Wesley have since become close friends following the series' ending, but they didn’t always get along.
Vampire Diaries: Why Elena Chose Damon Over Stefan
Despite initially being in a committed relationship with Stefan, Elena ultimately chose to be with Damon. We break down what prompted that decision.
In 2019,Dobrev went on theDirectionally Challengedpodcastand discussed how there was a bit of tension between her and Wesley. Dobrev said,“I respected Paul Wesley, I didn’t like Paul Wesley…We really just didn’t get along the first maybe five months of shooting.”
8Mark Harmon & Pauley Perrette
NCIS (2003-Present)
NCISis a beloved series because of its procedural format and the on-screen family formed among its main characters. However, the ongoing series is not without its behind-the-scenes drama. A series regular for 15 seasons as forensic specialist Abby Sciuto,Pauley Perrette leftNCISfollowing a falling out with lead actor Mark Harmon.
In 2019, Perrette took to social media to clarify she’s not returning to the show, saying she’s “terrified of Harmon”.
In 2019, Perrette took to social media to clarify she’s not returning to the show, saying she’s “terrified of Harmon” (viaUSA Today). Most reports suggesttheir falling out came after Harmon’s dog bit someone on setand Perrette’s request to keep his pet off-set was ignored.
7Shannen Doherty & Alyssa Milano
Charmed (1998-2006)
Starring inCharmedas two of three witch sisters, Prue and Phoebe, Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano’s relationship behind the scenes was vastly different.Doherty left the show after the third season, with her contentious relationship with Milano playing as a factor.
However, in 2017, Milano said she and Doherty had recently spoken and put the past behind them, saying, “I think we’re just at ages now that what happens 15 years ago, or however long ago that was, it’s irrelevant” (viaVulture).
6William Shatner & George Takei
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
WhenStar Trek: The Original Seriesis not being discussed for its impact on pop culture, people are likely talking about the enduring conflict between two of its stars, William Shatner and George Takei.
For years, the actors have been going back and forth, with Takei praising Shatner for his talent but taking issues with his treatment of others on set, claiming he was “not a team player” (viaABC News). In 2022, Shatner spoke withThe Times UKand said hisStar Trekco-starswere speaking poorly of him years later because they were “embittered.”
5Bea Arthur & Betty White
The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
The stories of four single elderly women have continued to make audiences laugh throughout the years. The women ofThe Golden Girlsrepresented a group of people not often highlighted on TV. However, despite what was seen on screen,The Golden Girlsdid not have a drama-free set.
In 2011,Betty White spoke withThe Village Voiceand admitted her co-star, Bea Arthur, was not fond of her. White suggested her overly positive attitude might have been the main thing about her that drove Arthur crazy.
4Kate Mulgrew & Jeri Ryan
Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
TheStar Trekfranchise is no stranger to behind-the-scenes drama, with Kate Mulgrew and Jeri Ryan at the center of the feud on the set ofStar Trek: Voyager. Added to the series' main cast after a few seasons was Ryan as Seven of Nine.
Mulgrew’s resentment of Ryan’s character led her to treat the actress poorlyon set, ostracizing her in front of everyone.Mulgrew has taken accountabilityfor her actions and admits she felt Ryan’s appearance compromised the show’s ability to succeed without sex appeal.
3Will Smith & Janet Hubert
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
After the third season ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the character of Aunt Viv was played by Daphne Maxwell Reid. Playing the role previously was Janet Hubert. While it’s not uncommon for actors to leave a show on their own accord, that’s not the case with Hubert’s exit from the show.
Reports of a feud between Hubert and Will Smith circulated afterthe actress said Smith got her fired. The actors have since reconciled, explaining their sides to one another in the series' 2020 reunion (viaToday).
2Sarah Jessica Parker & Kim Cattrall
Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Since the premiere ofSex and the City’s sequel series,And Just Like That…,conversations abouta feud between Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrallhave been a hot topic. Despite being an integral part of the original series,Cattrall’s appearance inAnd Just Like That…was limited, as the actress has distanced herself from the cast.
10 Best Episodes Of Sex And The City
The best episodes of Sex and the City feature the best of the friendships, humor, and heart in the show.
Parker hasn’t made accusations towards Cattrall, but the latter has been vocal in the past about being mistreated on the set ofSex and the City, primarily by Parker (viaElle).
1David Duchovny & Gillian Anderson
The X-Files (1993-2018)
The X-Fileswas led by FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). The two were captivating and had audiences as invested in their relationship as they were in their investigations.
While neither party has divulged details about their strained relationship while filming, Duchovny and Anderson have confirmed there were moments where they didn’t get along.
While neither party has divulged details about their strained relationship while filming,Duchovny and Anderson have confirmed there were moments where they didn’t get along. Anderson said it got intense at times, resulting in the two not speaking to one another for long periods (viaThe Guardian).
