25 TV couples ranked from Ross and Rachel To Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski

The Ultimate List: 25 TV Couples That Made Us Laugh, Cry, and Believe in Love

Television has been a treasure trove of memorable couples, from those we rooted for through thick and thin to those who kept us on the edge of our seats with their rollercoaster relationships. Whether married, dating, or just figuring things out, TV has given us couples for the ages. Here’s an extended journey through the top 25 TV couples that have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Table of Contents

1. Ross Geller and Rachel Green (‘Friends’)

Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) of ‘Friends’ brought the phrase “on-again, off-again” to new heights. Despite occasional annoyances, their memorable moments and eventual reunion solidified them as one of TV’s most iconic couples.

2. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (‘I Love Lucy’)

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, both on and off-screen, brought us Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, the heart of ‘I Love Lucy.’ Lucy’s comedic genius and Ricky’s suave charm created a timeless dynamic that remains a gold standard for TV couples.

3. Sheldon Cooper and Amy Fowler (‘The Big Bang Theory’)

Nerd love soared to new heights with Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) from ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ Their evolution from socially awkward individuals to a Nobel Prize-winning couple showcased the charm and quirks of love.

4. Mitchell Pritchett and Cam Tucker (‘Modern Family’)

From the very first episode of this massive ABC hit, we could not get enough of Mitch (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam (Eric Stonestreet). Whether hysterically fretting over baby Lily (at least in the beginning) to Cam’s flair (remember Fizbo?) for the dramatic to Mitchell’s hilarious issues with his father and sister, they remained the highlight of the show’s lengthy run. Their two-part wedding episode in Season 5 is considered one of the most important moments in not only the series’ history but also for network TV.

5. Derek Shepherd and Meredith Grey (‘Grey’s Anatomy’)

Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ faced complex challenges that divided fans. Despite the critics, their dysfunctional love story became a driving force for the show, leaving viewers with a love-hate relationship.

6. Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly (‘The Office’)

Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) of ‘The Office’ began as friends, and the evolution of their relationship kept us invested. From memorable moments to the birth of their children, they secured their place on this list.

7. Mitchell Eriksen and Lily Aldrin (‘How I Met Your Mother’)

There might not be a sweeter couple than Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan). They were truly meant for each other. Both are a little odd and nerdy but in that charming way. Marshall is as loyal as they come, and Lily is concerned as a good wife should. Plus, they can be a little wild at times. They’re also one of those couples that fit in well with their single friends and never make others feel uncomfortable.

8. Sheldon Cooper and Amy Fowler (‘The Big Bang Theory’)

Nerd love at its finest. Early in their friendship, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) were essentially the same know-it-all, cold-as-ice, socially awkward people incapable of having a romantic relationship. That changed over time, and their romantic dysfunction as a couple eventually subsided and became endearing for the TV world to watch. It was also not surprising that they would win a Nobel Prize in Physics.

9. Mike and Carol Brady (‘The Brady Bunch’)

Mike (Robert Reed) and Carol (Florence Henderson) Brady stand as one of TV’s iconic parenting duos. Tackling family issues in 20-minute episodes, they showcased a harmonious blend of love, humor, and problem-solving – all while sharing a bed, a rarity in that era of television.

10. Bette Porter and Tina Kennard (‘The L Word’)

Talk about ups and downs. Bette (Jennifer Beals) and Tina (Laurel Lisa Holloman) were all over the place as a couple during the run of this successful Showtime series. From the moment they met, the physical attraction could not be denied. However, the complexity of their respective lives seemed to hinder the staying power of their relationship. Perhaps that’s why it made for exceptional dramatic television.

11. April Ludgate-Dwyer and Andy Dwyer (‘Parks and Recreation’)

After breaking up with Ann, Andy (Chris Pratt) started dating April (Aubrey Plaza). Known for eating chili off a frisbee for breakfast, Aubrey and Andy are two strange birds who seem right for each other. Married shortly after they began dating, they eventually move to Washington D.C. when April gets a job there. In terms of dysfunction, this pair rates high up there, but in that charming, sitcom way.

12. Edith and Archie Bunker (‘All in the Family’)

Archie (Carroll O’Connor) wasn’t the easiest person to get along with. However, if there was one person who could tame Archie, it was his wife, Edith (Jean Stapleton). No matter how rough or gruff Archie was, Edith was usually able to turn him into a teddy bear.

13. Dre and Rainbow Johnson (‘Black-ish’)

Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) balance successful careers with the challenges of parenting. Their imperfect, humorous journey showcases the realities of modern relationships, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

14. Eric and Tammy Taylor (‘Friday Night Lights’)

Being the wife of a high school football coach can be tough, especially in Texas, where the importance of prep football is right up there with breathing. Yet, Tami (Connie Britton) does her best to be the voice of reason and calm to her husband, Eric (Kyle Chandler). Together, they make one formidably human team that provides some stability within the cut-throat world of Texas high school football.

15. Alice and Ralph Kramden (‘The Honeymooners’)

Why did Ralph (Jackie Gleason) and Alice (Audrey Meadows) make such a great couple? Because while Ralph can be hilariously overbearing and hot-headed, the real boss of the household was Alice — no matter how much Ralph wanted to send her “to the moon.” Alice was there whenever Ralph needed to be reined in, cooled down, or brought back to Earth.

16. Claire and Phil Dunphy (‘Modern Family’)

Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) Dunphy from ‘Modern Family’ epitomize the chaos and charm of family life. Their overwhelmed parenting and dysfunctional couple dynamic make them relatable and utterly lovable.

17. Brenda Walsh and Dylan McKay (‘Beverly Hills, 90210’)

Dylan (Luke Perry) was a rich bad boy with a heart. Brenda (Shannen Doherty) was a Midwestern girl with a rebellious streak. They were one of TV’s most popular couples during the 1990s. Even when they were no longer dating, their love for each other never faded. Unfortunately, they never got a chance to fulfill that love completely.

18. Carrie Bradshaw and John James “Mr. Big” Preston (‘Sex and The City’)

During the long run of this massively popular HBO series, the relationship between Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and “Big” (Chris Noth) was a prominent storyline. Carrie endured her share of failed relationships, and her run with Big could be exhausting. However, we knew he was the one love she could not shed, and she was the one who completed his life, even if they both tried to mess all that up. They stayed together until the end when Big died of a heart attack in the HBO Max revival ‘And Just Like That…’

19. Randall and Beth Pearson (‘This Is Us’)

College sweethearts Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) try to project the perfect marriage. Or, at the very least, an honest one. Their attempts are worthy, but life tends to get in the way. Still, they manage things well and are solid role models to their children and others within their circle. Their love for each other is not too over the top, but enough that viewers know it’s still strong.

20. Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence (‘Boy Meets World’ and ‘Girl Meets World’)

Even when they were kids, it was obvious that Corey (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) would get together and stay that way. Their relationship even warranted the Girl Meets World spinoff. They were able to make it through junior high, high school, and beyond as a couple, which says a lot about their staying power.

21. Jane Villanueva and Michael Cordero (‘Jane the Virgin’)

Rafael and Adam aside, it’s always been Michael (Brett Dier). Right? He was Jane’s first husband. While there were secrets and issues within the relationship, it seemed Michael was always the guy with whom Jane (Gina Rodriguez) was meant to be. Unfortunately, life threw them a tragic curve ball. All left was the thought of what could have been.

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22. Sam Malone and Diane Chambers (‘Cheers’)

During parts of the 1980s, Sam (Ted Danson) and Diane (Shelley Long) were arguably the most popular couple on network television. They were opposites. Diane, the intellectual, and Sam, the player, until Diane won his heart. Of course, it did not last, but the time they had was TV gold.

23. Carrie Bradshaw and John James “Mr. Big” Preston (‘Sex and The City’)

24. Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson (‘Glee’)

Being gay in high school was not easy for Kurt (Chris Colfer), who was regularly picked on and bullied — even when he found a home with the glee club. He transferred to the elite Dalton Academy, where he fell in love with another singer, Blaine (Darren Criss). Eventually, both would return to McKinley High. It wasn’t the easiest relationship, but it might have been when Kurt felt most comfortable.

25. Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski (‘Saved by the Bell’)

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Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) tried like crazy to get with Kelly (Tiffani Amber Thiessen). Plotting, scheming, and conniving his way to winning the love of his life. It eventually happened. There were some bumps in the road and even an emotional breakup. As expected, Zack and Kelly got back together and eventually married. Let’s also give an honorable mention to Slater and Jessie. They’re all still going strong on Peacock’s reboot series.