Valentine’s Day is around the corner. For some, that means celebrating with their partners. For others, it means watching the happy couples from the sidelines. But while the PDA might get annoying, watching it on screen isn’t all that bad. These are some of the best TV couples that viewers would happily play third-wheel to.
Miranda and Ben, Grey’s Anatomy
Miranda Bailey and Ben Warren are one of Grey’s staple couples. Their commitment to each other through thick and thin makes them stand out. Despite going through rough patches, some leading them to separate for some time, they ultimately choose their marriage over everything else. Miranda and Ben show us why being your partner’s biggest cheerleader and encouraging them to chase their dreams is crucial to a successful relationship.
Kev and V, Shameless
TV has never seen two people match each other’s energy as much as Kev and V do. Shameless is a wild ride of a show, and these two bring a much-needed levity. Kev and V are each other’s best friends. Their banter together is unparalleled, and even in their serious moments, they can’t imagine a world without the other talking their ear off.
Santana and Brittany, Glee
Santana and Brittany are one of those unexpected couples that, once you see them together, you can’t imagine them with anyone else. Though both girls had stints with other characters, nothing clicked. Both of these characters have their own quirky personas but they also share a lot of insecurities. Together, they don’t have to worry about being the weird, ditzy girl or the popular mean girl. They see each other for who they really are.
Chandler and Monica, Friends
Ross and Rachel may be each other’s lobsters, but Chandler and Monica are built to last. While the former’s back-and-forth relationship had fans rooting for them hard, Chandler and Monica’s more steady dynamic is everything. Don’t be fooled. These two have their flaws. But as they say, opposites attract, and these two bring out the best in each other.
Greta and Riley, Genera+ion
Genera+ion being canceled after just one season was a real loss. Even more so because the show featured one of the sweetest depictions of a young, budding relationship. Greta and Riley’s explorations of their sexualities and identities, as well as their discovery of each other, were about as real as it gets.
Ian and Mickey, Shameless
No one said the couples on this list were perfect. Only that they’re the best. Sometimes it’s these imperfections between two people that make their dynamic so great to watch on screen. Ian and Mickey are a prime example of this. Virtually everyone on Shameless is deeply flawed. Neither Ian nor Mickey are raised with the best examples of healthy relationships. So it’s no wonder their own has so many ups and downs. But after everything they’ve been through together, their commitment can’t be questioned.
Derek and Meredith, Grey’s Anatomy
This pairing is an obvious one when it comes to the best TV couples. One of the central aspects of Grey’s appeal is Derek and Meredith’s love story. Even after Derek’s untimely death, he remains an integral part of Meredith’s life. She carries his spirit around with her and, even after 21 seasons, their love is still a guiding force in her life.
Lucy and Ricky, I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy may be in black and white but Lucy and Ricky bring their own unique color to the screen. If you need a good laugh, this is the couple to watch. Their antics will get a laugh out of even the most cynical of viewers. Maybe it’s the fact that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were also a couple in real life that makes their chemistry so genuine.
Stef and Lena, The Fosters
Stef and Lena are the cornerstones of the Fosters family for good reason. Alone they bring protection and nurture respectively to their children, but together they’re an unstoppable force. They balance each other out, allowing themselves to give their all to their family. Navigating a large, blended family is no simple task but when the going gets rough, they have each other to turn to.
Martin and Gina, Martin
From the 90s to now, Gina and Martin have been a mainstay in pop culture. They may seem different. One is mischievous and charismatic. The other is practical and full of ambition. But put them together and they make the perfect pair. They have a natural comedic flow to their interactions while also indulging in some very heartfelt moments together.
Callie and Arizona, Grey’s Anatomy
Despite the eventual end of Callie and Arizona’s relationship, they spent many years of marriage together, during which they made a huge impact on fans and beyond. This relationship was groundbreaking for television. These two strong, career-focused women navigated love and parenthood all while facing their own struggles. Even if they weren’t each other’s endgame, they left as much of an impact on each other as they did on viewers.
Jesse and Becky, Full House
Full House‘s Jesse and Becky are another classic pop culture couple. This is yet another case where two characters bring out different sides of each other by way of their relationship. Jesse learns to settle down and prioritize family while Becky learns to let go and embrace life’s little joys. This couple also gets bonus points for having the cutest pair of twins ever.
Maya and Carina, Station 19
Station 19 fans rallied around the Marina ship quickly and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they endlessly sweet, but their struggles are real. They both have insecurities and trauma to work through. Whether it’s dealing with family and career pressures, questions about building a family, or even simple jealousy, they don’t shy away from real issues. They better themselves individually and as a team.
Dre and Rainbow, Black-ish
Last but certainly not least for best TV couples is Dre and Rainbow of Black-ish. Like a few other pairings on this list, this a classic example of opposites attract. A head-in-clouds, occasional troublemaker meets a grounded yet ambitious character, and the rest is history. Dre and Rainbow are the pinnacle of mutual respect and love. They form a powerful front, building a family together and weathering all life throws their way.
After reflecting on some of the best TV couples that made their mark on pop culture, hopefully, some of you have been converted from love-haters to love-enthusiasts. These couples’ bonds persist far beyond just one day out of the year.
