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Since the 1950s, when televisions became a household staple, TV romances have mesmerized viewers. From the dramatic twists of soap operas to the lighthearted charm of sitcoms, audiences have always been drawn to tales of true love. Iconic TV weddings have even rivaled real-life royal ceremonies, drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
Romance is a universal theme that transcends genres, whether it’s science fiction, medical dramas, or crime series. Some love stories unfold gradually over seasons, while others spark instantly. Though many TV romances face challenges like tragedy, separation, or heartbreak, we’re celebrating the ones that shine brightest. Here, we highlight the ten most unforgettable TV romances of all time.
10. Sun & Jin: Lost
Widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of the 21st century, Lost boasts numerous awards and critical acclaim. Love is a central theme in this series, with intimacy and tension driving many storylines. While some characters navigate love triangles and uncertainty, Sun and Jin’s relationship stands out as a beacon of enduring love and loyalty.
This intricate series weaves its narrative through flashbacks, flash-forwards, and imaginative flash-sideways sequences, offering glimpses into alternate timelines that might have been. Fans discover that Jin, the son of a humble fisherman, had to earn the approval of Sun’s father, a powerful businessman with deep connections to organized crime. Their marriage endures significant challenges, and as they depart Sydney for Los Angeles, Sun contemplates leaving Jin. However, she has a last-minute change of heart, and their lives take a dramatic turn when they board their fateful flight.
Despite overwhelming obstacles, the two lovers defy time and space to reunite. Though their lives end tragically, their love story remains legendary.
9. Lucy & Ricky: I Love Lucy
One of the most beloved TV shows in history, I Love Lucy, is essentially a fictionalized portrayal of the real-life romance between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. As the Ricardos, Lucy and Ricky share a New York City apartment with their best friends, the Mertzes. Lucy frequently devises outlandish schemes with Ethel Mertz, much to Ricky’s dismay. These plots often stem from her envy of Ricky’s flourishing career as a bandleader. Lucy craves the limelight just as much as Ricky, but her endeavors typically lead to hilarious chaos that viewers cherish.
Over six seasons and 181 episodes, Lucy and Ricky captured hearts with their enduring affection. Their on-screen pregnancy marked the first time an openly pregnant woman was depicted on TV. The show also pioneered numerous television milestones, including being the first scripted series filmed on 35 mm film in front of a live studio audience.
8. Cory & Topanga: Boy Meets World
Audiences witnessed Cory and Topanga’s journey from strangers to best friends, and eventually, from dating to marriage. Over seven seasons, this intelligent girl and class clown became the quintessential TV couple many aspired to emulate. They navigated the ups and downs of relationships with poise and charm. In the final season of Boy Meets World, their engagement briefly ended, but they reunited, sought counseling, and reaffirmed their lifelong commitment to each other.
Fifteen years later, their story continued in Girl Meets World, where they relocated to New York City. Cory became a middle-school teacher, and Topanga a successful lawyer, raising their daughter Riley, who was also Cory’s student. Their relationship evolved uniquely, starting as childhood sweethearts and maturing into fully realized adults, leaving an indelible mark on TV history.
7. Randall & Beth: This Is Us
This Is Us stands out as one of the most emotionally resonant TV series, chronicling the extraordinary lives of the Pearson family. In the early 1980s, Jack and Rebecca Pearson expected triplets, but tragedy struck when one baby was stillborn. Simultaneously, an abandoned child at a fire station was brought to the hospital, leading Jack and Rebecca to adopt him and name him Randall. As a Black child in a white family, Randall’s upbringing added a unique layer to the Pearson family dynamic.
The narrative unfolds through a mix of flashbacks and flash-forwards. Randall grows up, meets Rebecca in college, and they fall deeply in love, eventually marrying. Together, they raise two daughters and foster a third. Both brilliant and driven, they strive to live their best lives despite the challenges they encounter. In a series brimming with couples, Randall and Rebecca stand out for their ability to bring laughter rather than tears.
6. Pam & Jim: The Office
The Office is not just one of the most iconic comedies ever made; it also pioneered the mockumentary sitcom genre. “From the very beginning, Jim and Pam’s dynamic caught the eye of the documentary crew, with their playful banter and shared humor hinting at deeper, unspoken feelings.”
Starting as close friends with matching senses of humor, their relationship blossoms over nearly a decade into one of TV’s most heartwarming and funny love stories. Pam initially dates someone else but ultimately leaves him, realizing she deserves more than her less-than-ideal fiancé. Despite numerous hurdles, their unwavering affection for each other remains clear.
5. Edith & Archie: All in the Family
Archie Bunker is the quintessential grump, disliking almost everyone. He embraces stereotypes about anyone different from himself and is easily offended by perceived slights against his worldview. “Opposites attract, and Edith’s gentle nature balances Archie’s rough edges.” All in the Family aired for nine seasons, concluding with one of TV’s most heartbreaking moments: Edith’s passing. Archie continued in the spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place for four additional seasons.
The original show’s intro featured the couple sitting at a piano, humorously singing the theme song together. Over the years, their constant bickering became endearing to audiences. When Edith died, millions of viewers mourned as if they had lost a family member. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms ever, its spinoffs included The Jeffersons. While George and Louise Jefferson didn’t make this list, they certainly deserve an honorable mention.
4. Uncle Phil & Aunt Vivian: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
While the sitcom revolved around Will Smith’s character, Phil and Vivian’s relationship “offered lessons on class, race, and real-world issues, all while showcasing their enduring love in every episode.” The show ran for six seasons and 148 episodes, becoming one of the most beloved series of its time.
Its immense popularity catapulted Will Smith’s acting career and inspired a recent reboot, though the new version is a drama rather than a comedy. Phil and Vivian’s love even endured a casting change, with Daphne Maxwell Reid replacing Janet Hubert midway through the series. Despite challenges on and off-screen, their relationship remains a model for real-life couples.
3. Kermit & Piggy: The Muppet Show & Muppet Babies
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy debuted on The Muppet Show in 1976. The series spanned five seasons, featuring 120 episodes, numerous guest stars, and the first-ever pig-and-frog romance. It inspired thirteen movies and an animated prequel. Over the years, Kermit and Piggy tackled some of the strangest challenges any couple could face, from Gonzo’s relentless attempts to woo Piggy to Kermit’s dedication to friends like Fozzy and Rolph, and even quests for buried pirate treasure.
The couple was married for a time but eventually divorced. Despite this, they remain close friends and continue to work together. Their relationship began in their infancy, marked by mutual fascination. As adult Muppets, they seem to have stopped aging, leaving fans hopeful for a future reunion. Regardless, their love story remains one of the most iconic in TV history.
2. Riker & Troi: Star Trek: The Next Generation & Picard
From the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the chemistry between Commander William T. Riker and Counselor Diana Troi was evident. Over seven seasons, their bond deepened beyond romance or friendship, evolving into a familial connection. However, by the series’ end, they were no longer romantically involved, with hints of Troi’s future relationship with Lt. Worf. The show was followed by four films, culminating in Nemesis.
Nemesis opens with a twist for viewers: the wedding of Riker and Troi. Their relationship is central to the film’s plot, and as revealed in Star Trek: Lower Decks, they continue their journey together aboard the USS Titan, with Riker now serving as captain.
Nearly two decades later, we learn they have two children. Their eldest son, Thadeous, tragically passed away from a rare blood disorder. Though their appearances in season one of Picard are brief, they take on significant roles in season three. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and equality, cements them as one of television’s greatest couples.
1. Eleanor & Chidi: The Good Place
This love story defies the boundaries of life and death. Over four seasons, the series delves into the afterlife, revealing Eleanor and Chidi as soulmates. While their paths might not have crossed on Earth, they find each other in the afterlife, falling in love as their truest selves. “Their bond isn’t about clichéd opposites attracting but about growth, maturity, and the belief that people can change if they truly desire to.”
The Good Place has become a cult classic, blending comedy with profound philosophical themes. The series concludes on a poignant note, exploring the human condition and the concept of universal balance. Chidi and Eleanor conquer extraordinary challenges to be together, ultimately sharing countless lifetimes in each other’s company.
