From The OC to The Good Place: The TV Romances That Define a Generation
Television has long been a canvas for love stories that capture our hearts, from fleeting crushes to epic sagas. Guardian writers have curated a list of the greatest TV romances, highlighting couples whose tales resonate deeply with audiences. These relationships, often marked by chemistry, growth, and poignant moments, continue to inspire and entertain.
Seth and Summer in The OC: A Nerdy Love Story with Spark
In The OC, Seth Cohen and Summer Roberts embody a classic teen romance. Nerdy boy wins over the popular girl, leading to a rollercoaster of breakups and reunions over four seasons. Despite some ridiculous plotlines, their connection is anchored by palpable chemistry. The sarcastic banter, physical sparks like the iconic Spiderman kiss, and a foundation of genuine friendship allow both characters to mature. Watching them navigate insecurities and poor choices offers a comforting mirror to our own adolescent struggles, reminding us of the longing for grand gestures and unwavering commitment.
Mae and George in Feel Good: A Queer Love Story Full of Realness
Feel Good presents Mae and George as an odd couple who are wrong in practice but right at the soul level. Their relationship is a refreshing portrayal of queer love, blending silliness, horniness, sweetness, and trauma into something profoundly real. From early kisses to deep personal growth, including Mae's transition, their journey culminates in a tender scene under a tartan blanket, discussing photosynthesis. This romance stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth in a genre often lacking such representations.
Sun and Jin in Lost: A Tragic Love That Breaks Barriers
Sun and Jin's love story in Lost is groundbreaking and heart-wrenching. Initially strained by control and secrets, their relationship evolves through flashbacks that reveal a complex history of honor and pride. Jin becomes the husband Sun deserves, just as they face new challenges. Their romance was notable for overturning stereotypes and featuring one of the first mainstream kisses between Asian characters on US TV. A tragic end on a sinking submarine, with a poignant goodbye, leaves viewers in tears, showcasing a love that feels bone-deep real.
Dawn and Tim in The Office: A Relatable Workplace Crush
In the UK version of The Office, Dawn Tinsley and Tim Canterbury represent unrequited soulmates in a mundane workplace. Their bond, built on shared eye-rolls at boss David Brent, remains unspoken until a pivotal Christmas finale. After Dawn receives a Secret Santa gift of oil paints and a sketch from Tim, she breaks off her engagement and returns to kiss him. Set to Yazoo's Only You, this moment captures the relatable ache of workplace crushes and the joy of finally taking a chance on love.
Bill and Frank in The Last of Us: Love in a Hopeless Place
Amid the brutality of The Last of Us, Bill and Frank's romance in episode three, Long, Long Time, shines as a beacon of beauty. Through flashbacks, we see misanthropic survivalist Bill soften after meeting extroverted Frank. Their domestic life, filled with gardening and painting, offers a haven from the post-apocalyptic horror. As Frank succumbs to illness, they choose to end their lives together, embodying Rihanna's idea of finding love in a hopeless place. This story highlights how love can transform even the darkest settings.
Fleabag and the Hot Priest: A Doomed Yet Profound Connection
In Fleabag, the relationship between Fleabag and the priest is a masterclass in tragic romance. Their chemistry is electric, built on flirty chats and shared moments, but it's doomed from the start. The priest is the only one who notices when Fleabag breaks the fourth wall, seeing her true self. This connection allows Fleabag to be vulnerable, exploring themes of being seen and accepted. Though short-lived, their romance resonates deeply, reminding us of the power of being truly understood.
Charles, Sebastian, and Julia in Brideshead Revisited: A Heartbreaking Trio
The 1981 ITV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited presents a sumptuous yet heartbreaking love story involving Charles Ryder and the Flyte siblings, Sebastian and Julia. Their infatuation is intertwined with themes of Catholicism and self-sacrifice, as they cling to faith while their youth and hopes fade. This trio's doomed romance, filled with emotional depth and sacrifice, leaves viewers weeping, capturing the pain of love lost and the complexities of human connection.
Hal and Kate Wyler in The Diplomat: A Rivalry-Fueled Love
In The Diplomat, Kate and Hal Wyler's relationship is built on stimulating rivalry as much as affection. As political figures, they are the only ones who can keep up with each other, sharing ambitions and deep understanding. Despite plans for divorce and global crises, tender moments break through, showcasing a love that is both competitive and profound. Their dynamic offers a spicy metaphor for shared ambitions and the unique bond of two equals in love and work.
David and Patrick in Schitt's Creek: A Sweet Queer Romance
Schitt's Creek features David and Patrick, a moving love story that balances humor and heart. David, pansexual and dramatic, meets stable Patrick, who accepts him fully. Their relationship, marked by support and unique renditions of songs like The Best, offers a refreshing antidote to often tragic queer portrayals on screen. Patrick sees David for all he is, creating a sweet, honest, and funny romance that resonates with audiences.
Niles and Daphne in Frasier: A Sitcom Romance for the Ages
In Frasier, Niles and Daphne's romance evolves from unrequited love to a heartfelt connection. Starting with comedic longing, their relationship deepens through poignant moments and eventual elopement. While later seasons may not match the early magic, their journey from yearning to commitment remains a highlight, blending laughs with emotional depth. This sitcom romance captures the essence of love found in unexpected places.
Woody and Lol in This is England: Stability Amid Chaos
In This is England, Woody and Lol's relationship provides stillness in a world of dysfunction. Their wedding, marred by trauma and drama, illustrates how their love holds not just them but their entire group together. This earned happy ending feels righteous, showcasing a bond that withstands chaos and offers a beacon of hope in turbulent times.
JD and Turk in Scrubs: A Bromance with Emotional Weight
Scrubs treats the friendship between JD and Turk with the narrative weight of a romantic relationship. Their platonic love requires care and commitment, challenging stereotypes of male vulnerability. Without irony, they express affection through terms like "Chocolate Bear" and heartfelt confessions, making their bromance a groundbreaking portrayal of straight male friendship and love.
Angie and Will in Will Trent: A Complicated Yet Compelling Bond
In Will Trent, Angie and Will's relationship is rooted in shared trauma from foster care. Their connection is narratively rich, balancing darkness with lightness as they rescue each other professionally and emotionally. This portrayal counters toxic tropes, offering a compelling view of love that understands deep wounds without causing suffering.
Chidi and Eleanor in The Good Place: A Multiverse Love Story
In The Good Place, Chidi and Eleanor start as opposites but grow into a beautiful romance. Placed together as torture in the afterlife, they balance each other out, with Chidi relaxing and Eleanor becoming gentler. A multiverse twist reveals they choose each other in almost every timeline, highlighting how love can push us to become better versions of ourselves.
Angela and Jordan in My So-Called Life: The Yearning That Launched Fantasies
My So-Called Life captures the intense yearning of Angela Chase for Jordan Catalano. Their romance, marked by secrecy and complications, culminates in a public hand-holding moment that alters viewers deeply. This story unleashes a lifelong love for yearning, reminding us of the powerful emotions of first love and the desire to be seen.
These TV romances, from The OC to The Good Place, showcase the diverse ways love is portrayed on screen. They make us laugh, cry, and reflect on our own relationships, proving that great storytelling can turn fictional couples into timeless icons of the heart.
