Why Malec Feels Different: 7 Reasons That Prove It

The Shadowhunters fandom will happily ship anyone with anyone… except Malec. 
Malec is somehow untouchable — the one relationship that everyone agrees just works. 

Today, we’re opening the case on why this pairing feels so powerful, so grounded, and so beloved that people will watch the entire show just for them. Let’s investigate the love of Alexander Gideon Lightwood and Magnus Bane. 

1. They Have Fun Together 

From teasing about Alec’s snoring to Magnus getting adorably jealous, these two genuinely enjoy each other’s company. 

It sounds like the bare minimum — surely couples on TV should like each other — but it’s surprisingly rare. So many relationships rely on drama, angst, or kisses as emotional shortcuts. Malec doesn’t. 

Their humour is the moment. The “I did it” joke with the ley lines. The fatty tuna scene. Alec joking about leaving after their first night together. These aren’t plot devices — they’re glimpses into a relationship built on ease, joy, and comfort. 

And unlike many shows, their light moments aren’t distractions from trauma. They’re simply two people being themselves, completely in love, even in the middle of chaos. 

2. They Talk About Their Problems 

From the very beginning, Magnus and Alec choose to communicate — openly, honestly, and without weaponising the information later. 

Alec opens up about the pressure of the Clave and his family. Magnus listens without judgement. After their first fight, Magnus tells Alec not to push him away — and Alec goes to him, even after being possessed by a demon. They talk. They share. They repair together. 

Their communication continues across every season: 

• Magnus admitting he’s afraid of the next step 

• Talking through immortality and the fear of losing moments 

• Magnus sharing his childhood 

• Alec talking about work pressure, Jace, and feeling lost 

• The iconic “numbers” conversation, where they decide it doesn’t matter 

Every vulnerable moment is met with respect — never thrown back later as a cheap jab. That alone puts them in the top tier of TV couples. 

3. Their Fights Make Sense 

We don’t want them to fight… but when they do, it never feels like drama for drama’s sake. 

Their arguments come from genuine pressure: Institute leadership, warlock politics, grief, responsibility, and the fact that one is 20 and the other is a few centuries old. 

Most conflicts last only an episode — Alec following Clave orders to get Magnus’s DNA, or lashing out after losing Jace. And then there are the two big ones: 

The Soul Sword: Alec hides information out of duty, Magnus feels betrayed, and his anger is real — “You’re no better than the Clave.” Painful, but understandable. 

Immortality: Alec can’t quite process the enormity of Magnus’s past; Magnus tries to help but accidentally makes it worse. It ends badly — and realistically. 

These are two strong-willed people trying to merge wildly different lives. Of course they’ll clash. The miracle is how they move forward afterward. 

4. They Apologise — Properly 

After every fight, one or both apologise. And not the “sorry if you felt hurt” brand of apology — the real kind. 

They take responsibility. They adjust. They learn. 
Alec apologises for secrets and emotional outbursts. Magnus apologises for shutting Alec out or letting anger cloud his judgement. 

And once they’ve resolved something, it never gets dragged back up. They don’t recycle each other’s vulnerabilities as weapons. Every repaired fracture strengthens the foundation. 

5. They Are Faithful — Even When Hurt 

One of the most underrated things about Malec is how steadfast they remain, even during the most painful conflicts. 

When Magnus is devastated by Alec following Clave orders, he goes out with Dot — drinks, dances… and when she kisses him, he immediately pulls away. “One soul at a time kind of guy.” Iconic. 

When Alec is upset about their experience gap, he gets drunk with Underhill — who is very obviously into him — but all Alec does is talk about Magnus. He won’t even play pool because it’s their thing. He gets into the cab alone. 

Their loyalty is not dramatic or performative. It’s instinctive. 

6. They’re Not Afraid to Show Affection 

Some couples feel like they’re together because the plot says so (hi, Simon and Clary), but Malec radiates affection in every scene. 

Their first kiss at the wedding is public and explosive, but then they retreat into a more private space as they navigate the early stages of dating. Their second kiss — after Alec refuses to walk away following their first date — is tender and intimate. When Jace walks in, they break apart, not quite ready for the world to see yet. 

But after Valentine’s attack? Everything changes. They exchange “I love you” openly. They hug and kiss without worrying about who’s watching. Alec goes from “don’t even be seen with me in the hallway” to “I will kiss my warlock boyfriend in the Institute foyer and whoever has a problem with it can choke.” 

Their affection appears in tiny moments too — compliments, gentle touches, domestic scenes, shopping together, putting the padlock on the sign, planning to move in together. 

Their warmth is constant and palpable. 

7. They Have the Hots for Each Other 

Let’s be honest — their chemistry is ridiculous. Off-the-charts, undeniable, can-feel-it-through-the-screen ridiculous. 

Magnus teasing Alec about not kissing because “you know how we get.” 
Their “training session” that becomes a make-out session. 
Alec wanting Magnus in a tux for their wedding. 
Magnus melting anytime Alec touches him. 

Their passion doesn’t overshadow the emotional connection — it enhances it. They desire each other just as much as they respect each other. And seeing two powerful characters be this soft, open, and loving with each other is honestly beautiful. 

Conclusion 

Plenty of TV couples tick some of these boxes, but Malec ticks all of them — consistently, sincerely, and with depth. 

They’re fun, honest, vulnerable, loyal, affectionate, and passionate. They feel different because every moment between them carries heart. Whether they’re joking around, sharing quiet confessions, fighting through supernatural chaos, or rebuilding after a mistake, their relationship always feels real. 

It’s no wonder the fandom is still obsessed. 

What’s your favourite Malec moment — or the reason you think they just work? Drop it in the comments. I’m always up for another deep dive into these two.