15 Best Rivalries in TV History

Nothing hooks you like a great TV rivalry, where characters clash with stakes that feel personal and intense. The best ones mix sharp tension, deep emotions, and moments that keep you talking long after the episode ends.

From fiery enemies to complicated frenemies, these 15 rivalries are my picks for the most unforgettable in TV history.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021) – Jake Peralta vs. The Vulture

Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ on NBC butts heads with The Vulture, a case-stealing detective played by Dean Winters. Their goofy showdowns are pure comedy.

The Vulture’s smugness pushes Jake to hilarious antics, making every clash a laugh riot. This lighthearted feud is a fan favorite.

Succession (2018-2023) – Kendall Roy vs. Shiv Roy

In HBO’s ‘Succession,’ siblings Kendall and Shiv Roy, played by Jeremy Strong and Sarah Snook, fight for control of their family’s media empire. Their sibling drama stings.

Constant backstabbing and sharp jabs drive the show’s tension. The personal betrayals make their rivalry painfully real.

Arrested Development (2003-2019) – Lucille Bluth vs. Lucille Austero

‘Arrested Development’ on Fox pits Lucille Bluth, played by Jessica Walter, against her rival Lucille Austero, played by Liza Minnelli. Their socialite spats are viciously funny.

The catty insults and petty schemes deliver sharp humor. This feud adds bite to the show’s chaotic charm.

The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) – Sheldon Cooper vs. Wil Wheaton

CBS’s ‘The Big Bang Theory’ features Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, feuding with Wil Wheaton, playing himself. Their nerdy rivalry over games and fame is a hoot.

Wheaton’s taunts spark Sheldon’s over-the-top meltdowns, fueling geeky fun. This playful clash is a series highlight.

Gossip Girl (2007-2012) – Blair Waldorf vs. Serena van der Woodsen

In ‘Gossip Girl’ on The CW, best friends Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen, played by Leighton Meester and Blake Lively, turn into rivals. Their teen drama rocks Manhattan.

Fights over boys and status deliver soapy thrills. Their love-hate dynamic keeps the show addictively messy.

True Detective (2014-Present) – Rust Cohle vs. Marty Hart

HBO’s ‘True Detective’ season one pairs detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, played by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Their clashing styles create raw tension.

Rust’s dark philosophy grates on Marty’s grounded nature, sparking heated debates. Their uneasy bond drives the case.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019) – Cersei Lannister vs. Margaery Tyrell

In ‘Game of Thrones’ on HBO, Cersei Lannister, played by Lena Headey, battles Margaery Tyrell, played by Natalie Dormer, for power. Their cunning feud electrifies King’s Landing.

Margaery’s charm challenges Cersei’s ruthlessness, creating gripping drama. This high-stakes clash keeps you glued.

Six Feet Under (2001-2005) – Nate Fisher vs. David Fisher

HBO’s ‘Six Feet Under’ shows brothers Nate and David Fisher, played by Peter Krause and Michael C. Hall, clashing over their family’s funeral business. Their sibling tension hits hard.

Nate’s reckless streak jars with David’s caution, fueling emotional fights. Their complex bond anchors the show.

Veep (2012-2019) – Selina Meyer vs. Amy Brookheimer

In ‘Veep’ on HBO, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, spars with her aide Amy Brookheimer, played by Anna Chlumsky. Their power struggles are wickedly funny.

Amy’s sharpness clashes with Selina’s ego, sparking brutal banter. This rivalry’s wit powers the political comedy.

Scandal (2012-2018) – Olivia Pope vs. Mellie Grant

ABC’s ‘Scandal’ pits Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, against Mellie Grant, played by Bellamy Young. Their fight for influence and love fuels the drama.

Mellie’s ambition challenges Olivia’s control, creating fiery tension. This rivalry’s emotional depth keeps you hooked.

Better Call Saul (2015-2022) – Jimmy McGill vs. Chuck McGill

In ‘Better Call Saul’ on AMC, brothers Jimmy and Chuck McGill, played by Bob Odenkirk and Michael McKean, feud over their legal paths. Their sibling rift is gut-wrenching.

Chuck’s resentment of Jimmy’s charm drives painful betrayals. This slow-burn feud adds heart to the story.

Breaking Bad (2008-2013) – Walter White vs. Gus Fring

‘Breaking Bad’ on AMC features Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, against drug kingpin Gus Fring, played by Giancarlo Esposito. Their power struggle is intense.

Gus’s icy control pushes Walt to desperate moves, building nail-biting suspense. This rivalry’s stakes feel huge.

Smallville (2001-2011) – Lex Luthor vs. Clark Kent

In ‘Smallville’ on The CW, Lex Luthor, played by Michael Rosenbaum, and Clark Kent, played by Tom Welling, go from friends to foes. Their arc shapes the Superman saga.

Lex’s growing darkness clashes with Clark’s morals, creating deep conflict. This slow-build rivalry captivates.

The Sopranos (1999-2007) – Tony Soprano vs. Phil Leotardo

HBO’s ‘The Sopranos’ sees Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, battle rival mob boss Phil Leotardo, played by Frank Vincent. Their turf war is brutal.

Phil’s aggression forces Tony into violent corners, driving the crime drama. This feud’s raw intensity grips you.

Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014) – Nucky Thompson vs. Jimmy Darmody

In ‘Boardwalk Empire’ on HBO, Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi, faces his protégé Jimmy Darmody, played by Michael Pitt. Their mentor-student clash turns deadly.

Jimmy’s ambition threatens Nucky’s empire, sparking betrayal and tragedy. This rivalry’s emotional weight is my top pick.

Which TV rivalry got you invested, or did I miss a legendary feud? Share your favorite in the comments!