While playing adoptive siblings on Dexter, actors Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter quietly developed a real-life relationship behind the scenes.

The two reportedly began dating around 2007 before getting married on New Year’s Eve in 2008, surprising many fans who only knew them as Dexter and Debra Morgan on screen.

Their relationship later became even more talked about after the couple separated and filed for divorce in 2010 — yet continued working together on the hit series for several more years while still portraying brother and sister until the show ended in 2013.

That unusual situation became a huge topic online because most people couldn’t imagine continuing such emotionally intense roles alongside an ex-partner, especially on a series filled with dark storylines and complicated character dynamics.

Even years later, many fans still see it as one of television’s most unexpected behind-the-scenes relationships.