It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that co-stars don’t always get along when the cameras aren’t rolling, but the on-screen professionalism of some TV duos does a great job of hiding real-life feuds. Like Will Smith and Janet Hubert, many of their real-life feuds have been buried. However, there are some feuds, like the one between George Takei and William Shatner, that have lasted for years.
At the end of the day, whether they portray siblings, best friends, or TV colleagues, the actors on these shows are coworkers. Long filming hours and stressful days on set can cultivate years-long resentment among castmates.
10
Ed O’Neill and Amanda Bearse
Married… with children (1987-1997)
Married… with children is one of the longest-running comedies whose depiction of the dysfunctional Bundy family was refreshing to some and distasteful to others. Working for 11 seasons, tensions are expected to rise among the cast, with the most notable rivalry between Ed O’Neill and Amanda Bearse. In early 2024, O’Neill spoke with Modern Family co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson node Dinner is on me podcast, explaining the harsh feelings between the two arose after O’Neill did not push for Bearse and David Garrison to be in a TV Guide magazine cover with the rest of the main cast.
9
Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
In the Vampire DiariesElena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) had a complicated relationship that captivated the audience. Since then, Dobrev and Wesley have become close friends after the series finalebut they didn’t always get along. In 2019, Dobrev was at Directionally Challenged podcast and we discussed how there was some tension between her and Wesley. Dobrev said: “I respected Paul Wesley, I didn’t like Paul Wesley… We didn’t really get along for the first five months of filming.“
8
Mark Harmon and Pauley Perrette
NCIS (2003-present)
NCIS is a series beloved for its procedural format and the on-screen family formed between its main characters. However, the ongoing series is not without its behind-the-scenes drama. A series regular for 15 seasons as forensic expert Abby Sciuto, Pauley Perrette left NCIS after a disagreement with lead actor Mark Harmon. In 2019, Perrette took to social media to clarify that she would not be returning to the show, saying that “scared of Harmon” (through USA today). Most reports suggest the fight occurred after Harmon’s dog bit someone on set and Perrette’s request to keep her pet away was ignored.
7
Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano
Enchanted (1998-2006)
Starring Enchanted As two of the three witch sisters, Prue and Phoebe, Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano’s behind-the-scenes relationship was very different. Doherty left the show after the third seasonwith his contentious relationship with Milano acting as a factor. However, in 2017, Milano said that she and Doherty had recently spoken and put the past behind them, saying, “I think we are at the right age that what happened 15 years ago, or a long time ago, is irrelevant” (through Vulture).
6
William Shatner and George Takei
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
When Star Trek: The Original Series isn’t being discussed for its impact on pop culture, people are probably talking about the enduring conflict between two of its stars, William Shatner and George Takei. For years, actors come and gowith Takei praising Shatner for his talent but taking issue with his treatment of others on set, claiming he was “not a team player” (through ABC News). In 2022, Shatner spoke to The Times UK and said your Star Trek co-stars spoke badly of him years later because they were “embittered.”
5
Bea Arthur and Betty White
The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
The stories of four single elderly women have continued to make audiences laugh over the years. The women of The golden girls represented a group of people that aren’t always highlighted on TV. However, despite what was seen on screen, The golden girls there was no scenario without drama. In 2011, Betty White spoke with The Voice of the Village and admitted that her co-star, Bea Arthur, didn’t like her. White suggested that her overly positive attitude may have been the main thing about her that drove Arthur crazy.
4
Kate Mulgrew and Jeri Ryan
Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
THE Star Trek the franchise is no stranger to behind-the-scenes drama, with Kate Mulgrew and Jeri Ryan at the center of the on-set rivalry of Star Trek: Voyager. Added to the series’ main cast after a few seasons was Ryan as Seven of Nine. Mulgrew’s resentment towards Ryan’s character led her to treat the actress poorly on set, ostracizing her in front of everyone. Mulgrew took responsibility for his actions and admits he felt Ryan’s appearance compromised the show’s ability to succeed without sex appeal.
3
Will Smith and Janet Hubert
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
After the third season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airthe character of Aunt Viv was played by Daphne Maxwell Reid. Previously playing the role was Janet Hubert. While it’s not uncommon for actors to leave a show on their own, that’s not the case with Hubert’s departure from the show. Reports of a feud between Hubert and Will Smith circulated after the actress said Smith got her fired. The actors have since reconciled, explaining their sides to each other at the series’ 2020 reunion (via Today).
2
Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall
Sex and the city (1998-2004)
Since the debut of Sex and the citythe sequel to the series, Is that so…, Talk of a feud between Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall has been a hot topic. Despite being an integral part of the original series, Cattrall’s appearance in Is that so… was limited, as the actress distanced herself from the cast. Parker hasn’t made accusations against Cattrall, but the latter has spoken openly about being mistreated on set of Sex and the citymainly by Parker (via She).
1
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson
The X-Files (1993-2018)
The X-Files was led by FBI special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). The two were captivating and had an audience as invested in their relationship as they were in their investigations. While Neither party disclosed details about their strained relationship during filmingDuchovny and Anderson confirmed that there were times when they didn’t get along. Anderson said it would get intense at times, resulting in the two not speaking to each other for long periods of time (via The Guardian).