© Corbis/Randy Faris 2008
#14: Magazine mogul Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius) with his perky and eccentrically dressed assistant, Betty Suarez (America Ferrera).
© ABC/Touchstone TV 2009
#13: Lovebirds Ned (Lee Pace) and Chuck (Anna Friel) cannot touch but love each other immensly.
© ABC and Warner Bros., 2008
#12: Teenage lovers Dylan McKay (Luke Perry) and Brenda Walsh (Shannon Doherty) were a fan favourite!
© FOX 1991
#11: The flashy girl from Flushing, Nanny Fine (Fran Drescher) with Broadway producer, Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy) make quite a couple!
© CBS and Sony Pictures Television, 1999.
#10: Gomez (John Astin) and Morticia Addams (Carolyn Jones) were part of one of America's favourite TV families back in the early 1960s.
© ABC 1964.
#9: Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and Joey (Katie Holmes) were a great couple because they were so relatable and understood one another very well.
© Warner Bros. Television and Sony Pictures Television, 2000.
#8: Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) may be posing as a couple for Chuck's family and friends but they clearly have feelings for one another.
© Warner Bros. Television, NBC Universal and College Hill Pictures, 2008.
#7: The beautiful chemistry between Doug (George Clooney) and Carol (Julianna Margulies) droves fans wild and with good reason: they're more than made for each other.
© Warner Bros Television, NBC Universal and Amblin Entertainment, 1998
#6: Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Big (Chris Noth) - a timeless love affair in the great big city!
© HBO 2004.
#5: Kate (Evangeline Lilly) and Sawyer (Josh Holloway) have more in common than jailbait - they're extremely in love with each other. Here's hoping to them finding one another again this season.
© ABC and Bad Robot Productions, 2008.
#4: Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim (John Krasinski) are genuine with their feelings toward each other and that's what makes them a sweet couple.
© NBC Universal 2008.
#3: Lois and Clark through the years have always been a fan favourite whether it be on Smallville (left: Erica Durance and Tom Welling) or Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (right: Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher).
© Warner Bros. 2009; ABC/ Touchstone TV 1996.
#2: Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) may have had an on and off relationship throughout their time together on Friends but there's no denying that they're meant for each other.
© Warner Bros. Television and NBC Universal, 2004.
#1: Homer and Marge may live in a world where they don't age but one thing's for sure: their love will never grow old.
© Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. 2007
Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated by many people around the world and with it the word love appears throughout the day. In recent years, the word love has been thrown around a lot and thus, the meaning gets lost into so many different forms of the expression. However if what Felix Adler, a popular lecturer once said in regards to love that it, "is an expansion of two natures in such fashion that each include the other, each is enriched by the other", then perhaps these TV couples are a true testament of that love.
In honor of Valentine's Day approaching, here is a list of 14 lovely couples of TV:
14. Daniel and Betty (Ugly Betty): Alright, so Betty and her boss are not exactly a couple but they are in a sense true to the Adler definition of love: they enrich each other's lives. When one or the other is having a dilemma, they always come to the rescue whether it be through action or words and like true friends, they call each other out in the error of their judgements. Their friendship is deep and genuine and comes off most sweet and considering that they trust each other is a big thing in their dynamic. The two stick by each other and the friendly admiration and affection Daniel has for Betty proves another side to the magazine mogul's playboy ways.
13. Ned and Chuck (Pushing Daisies): Some audiences might think that seeing as Ned and Chuck can never be a couple because his mere touch would kill her, there's not much affection between the two to even pay attention but that is wrong. Ned and Chuck have a solid relationship; they talk a whole lot and understand one another so deeply and the no-touching policy adds a classic chivalrous addition to their love story. Though it's sad, it does push for more creative ways Ned and Chuck can be together and feel for one another through the likes of plastic saran wrap for kissing, bee keeper outfits for an occasional dance on the rooftop and self-hand-holding and hugging for those days when they're utterly and simply loving each other after a sweet gesture made by one another. Ned and Chuck have a cute and bittersweet relationship and it often makes you want to shriek from all that bubbly and bright fun they have together.
12. Brenda and Dylan (Beverly Hills, 90210): Brenda and Dylan were the epitome of high school love; the sweet and thriving good girl and with the brooding James Dean-ish guy made not only for great ratings with the teen demographic but were a match made in TV heaven. The two of them loved each other no matter what and despite not ending up together much to Kelly Taylor's doing, the two of them will always have a place in each other's hearts for one another. Afterall, in The CW version of the new 90210, Brenda and Dylan got back together briefly.
11. Maxwell Sheffield and Nanny Fine (The Nanny): Fran Fine is down on her luck and in desperate need of a job when she comes to the doorstep of Manhattan Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield. She ends up getting the job of becoming the fashionable and zany nanny to his three children and much like an Elizabethan comedy, Mr. Sheffield and Nanny Fine go through quirky ups and downs, absurd scenarios of the week and various feelings for one another! Nonetheless, they make it work and they finally end up getting married! Mr. Sheffield and Nanny Fine had a hilarious and entertaining relationship that will surely leave a lasting impression on TV audiences for years to come.
10. Gomez and Morticia (The Addams Family): Originally appearing in a comic strip by Charles Addams in The New Yorker during the early 1930s, The Addams Family fast became a popular strip and stemmed into media including a television show, films and video games. The Addams Family was a satirical view of an eccentric American family who find utter amusement in macabre but are ignorant of how others find them frightening and strange. Gomez and Morticia are a pretty funny and interesting couple and despite what others may think about them, the two are whole-heartedly invested in each other and that's what counts. They keep the passion alive even if they've got two kids, a houseful of pets, in-laws and sure they're creepy and they're kookie but they're alright!
9. Joey and Pacey (Dawson's Creek): The young aspiring filmmaker, Dawson Leery and sweet girl-next-door Joey Potter seemed like they were made for one another and had a definite connection but if anything, it was that Pacey Witter and Joey were meant for each other with such an intense and almost envious chemistry. When Dawson discovered Joey and Pacey to be an item, he was more than upset – he was angered by the action and didn't want to be friends with Pacey creating a confusion between the two lovers and upset towards one another. Nevertheless, all great loves find their way back to each other and through all the grit and pain, Joey and Pacey are finally together and like the name of his sailboat, have found "True Love".
8. Chuck and Sarah (Chuck): Chuck doesn't have much luck with girls but luck is a funny thing because it happens when you least expect it: like when you're being tracked by a CIA agent for opening an email full of government secrets and having that information trapped in your head! Chuck and Sarah may not be a real couple as they only pose as one for his family and friends but that doesn't mean the two don't share an indubitable chemistry. Within the first few episodes of the show, you can actually tell that Chuck and Sarah are meant for each other from the conversations and ideals they share. Just because Sarah's an agent doesn't mean she doesn't want the same things in life like Chuck. She seems to be one of the only girls to fully understand Chuck and it's revealed through her genuine eye contact and smiles. Chuck is a pretty decent guy with a sweet sense of humour and as his pal Morgan puts it, "good looking but not classically handsome".
7. Doug and Carol (ER): From the pilot episode of ER, you'd never have guessed that Doug and Carol were meant for each other after seeing the affect he and other contributing obstacles had on her (she attempted suicide). Sure, Doug was quite the playboy doctor and even with the many different girlfriends he had and the array of one-night stands, audiences saw beyond that as he was much more committed to his work as a paediatrician. Nurse Carol Hathaway also saw beyond that bravado Doug had up. Carol was different from the other women he ever came across and she made him a better man from it. The two of them had such incredible chemistry with one another; it would have definitely felt awkward to pair them up with other characters on the show. Their relationship allowed fans to once again believe in happy endings as when Carol was pregnant in the sixth season with twins, she came upon the realization that Doug was her one and only soulmate and went out to search for him with what fans call "one of the happiest moments in TV history".
6. Carrie and Big (Sex and the City): Sex and the City was not only a pop culture phenomenon for women all around but for those hopelessly devoted to the fairytale aspect of love and finding "the one". Carrie has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Big and they've had a rollercoaster relationship full of ups and downs but they are constantly drawn back to each other through all the trials and issues they've faced. Carrie and Big have an incredible sense of love and devotion for each other and play off one another most tenderly whether it be a dinner date or even dancing in Big's empty apartment to "Moon River" before he leaves for Napa. Fans of the show have always preferred Big over Carrie's other boyfriends even when he's being a bit of a jerk to her as it makes the plotlines much more interesting.
5. Sawyer and Kate (Lost): Some might say that on the island of Lost there's a love triangle between Kate, Jack and Sawyer and it does seem like it but ultimately Kate must choose between the doctor and the southern rebel but in staying exact to the definition of love, Sawyer and Kate have a deeper mutual understanding for one another. They trust and value each other's judgement and decisions and from what their respective pasts have shown, they're equals. The two of them have an undeniable connection with one another and with the way the current season is scoping out, it appears as though Sawyer and Kate long for one another in the heartbreaking separation and sacrifice he made for her and the other Oceanic survivors. Hopefully these two will find their ways back to each other by season's end.
4. Jim and Pam (The Office): Jim and Pam may work in an awkward office with some oddball characters but their love and affections for one another are pretty amazing and add a beauty to the environment at Dunder Mifflin. Dubbed by some as one of the most realistic relationships on TV, Jim and Pam are more than meant for each other; the couple were born for one another. From the gauche flirting between the two, to the brief glances to one another during office meetings or when doing desk work, audiences greatly appreciate the honesty and realism in Jim and Pam's love and longing for one another. They bring out the best in each other and since they were friends to start with, they have reached a point in their relationship of comfort and familiarity.
3. Lois and Clark (Lois & Clark The New Adventures of Superman/Smallville): Lois and Clark are amongst some of the best known fictional characters in history and though the couple is in a bizarre love triangle with one another as Clark loves Lois but she loves Superman who happens to be Clark, it all makes for a quite intriguing love story! Regardless of Lois and Clark being in love with one another ultimately in every Superman embodiment, Smallville has Clark's affections primarily in his pre-red cape and blue tights life toward Lana Lang who will always be his one true love. Though it's because of that love for Lana, that Clark understands love and that the past relationship soon makes way for a relationship with Lois Lane.
2. Ross and Rachel (Friends): Ross and Rachel may have fought and argued with one another quite a bit but they're part of the modern American love story of that nerdy guy being in love with his sister's best friend who just happens to be a spoiled little princess. Their first kiss garnered much attention and praise from the audience and critics, anxiously awaiting the moment the two finally came together. However, when Ross and Rachel decided to take that infamous "break" from one another, fans of the show worldwide could be heard gasping and wondering what was next for the couple but gradually the couple made their way back to each other through more than one wedding (Ross' wedding to Emily as well as Ross and Rachel's quickie Vegas wedding) and unintentional parenthood. Ross and Rachel just fit so well together and were always meant to be more than just friends – though being friends with each other helps out.
1. Homer & Marge (The Simpsons): You could say Homer and Marge have been through pretty much everything together from perfecting their parenting skills to suspicions of infidelity to even Marge claiming authority over her husband's soul from the devil. Sure, Homer's usually misguided in his decisions but he means well. Afterall, he divorced Marge to give her a better second wedding after watching the Van Houten's marriage fall into shambles. Homer and Marge are the first couple of animated television to withstand such conflicts and make their marriage work because at the end of the day, through all their differences they love each other unconditionally and feed off each other's love for one another even if it makes us laugh at them.
Television has brought us so many diverse and relatable couples, a few that were a close second were the following:
1. Lucy and Ricky (I Love Lucy)
2. Samantha and Darren (Bewitched)
3. Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 (Get Smart)
4. Summer and Seth (The O.C.)
5. Pam and Bobby (Dallas)
6. Charles and Caroline (Little House on the Prairie)
7. Cliff and Claire (The Cosby Show)
8. Nathan and Haley (One Tree Hill)
9. Jessie and Becky (Full House)
10. Corey and Topanga (Boy Meets World)
11. Major Nelson and Jeannie (I Dream of Jeannie)
12. Buffy and Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
13. Kevin and Winnie (The Wonder Years)
14. Stewart "Mac" and Sally (McMillan and Wife)
For better or worse, richer or poorer, comedy, drama or adventure these couples have more than one thing in common than just being there for each other and loving one another unconditionally. We as an audience certainly love to love them for who they are and at the end of the day, we couldn't ask for anything more!
Ross and Rachel beat out Lucy and Ricky? Chuck and That-Hot-Blonde-Whose-Name-No-One-Knows-Or-Cares-To-Know-But-She-Is-Smoking-Hot-Did-You-Know-She-Is-Actually-Austrailian-Which-Is-About-The-Sexiest-Accent-To-Have-Anyway beat out Cliff and Claire? This is a travesty, a sham and a mockery. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the seldom seen TRAVESHAMOCKERY!
TRAVESHAMOCERY!
Well, I can go along with a zesty Valentine's I suppose ;)
For my money Gomez and Morticia Addams are and likely always will be the sexiest couple in TV history! Ok, they landed top ten, which is pretty good, but they could easily have rated #1.
Also (stunningly) missing: Rob and Laura Petrie from "The Dick Van Dyke Show"
For my money Gomez and Morticia Addams are and likely always will be the sexiest couple in TV history! Ok, they landed top ten, which is pretty good, but they could easily have rated #1.
Also (stunningly) missing: Rob and Laura Petrie from "The Dick Van Dyke Show"
How about Mulder and Scully (The X-Files)? Or Sam and Diane (Cheers)?
You know what, I always liked Sam and Rebecca far more than Sam and Diane. I think I am in the minority that believe Cheers got better once Shelly Long left.
Aeryn and John from Farscape are the ultimate couple.
But not enough people watch/watched Farscape, so I didn't expect them to be on your list. But I highly suggest watching the show - it's fantastic, and they're easily the best couple out there. By the time you get to the Peacekeeper Wars (movie made after Farscape) you'll be crying/cheering for them, I promise.
Where are Booth and Brennan from Bones?
Thank you, Tania, for a great job of making a memory lane for me. As I have grown older TV watching and what it has morphed into lacks the appeal it once had for me 20-30 years ago. Selling soap and what-have-you is now so distracting that my honey has to drag me to watch something on TV with her. That's my Valentine!
Ozzie and Harriet, Gomer, Alph and a few sit-coms were my speed. I never even thought about TV couples before I came across your hard work here. Even when I worked for Max Factor and hobnobbed around with Hollywood's finest I was an outsider to the entertainment crowd. It was and still is a fantasy world and there never seemed much of a draw for me.
I just like in your face down to earth stuff. I like my own stuff every day; not somebody else's intrigue...make-believe relationships...no way!
This was a great ride for those who like to travel and live vicariously!
I have a question: where is the top single people and the top "almost" couples? Some of us are flying solo this year, Tania!!
In case you ever do one, I vote for the following:
Single
Almost Couples
Sometimes love just don't work in real life, like most of us know first-hand LOL
Oh and by the way, Desmond and Penny totally should have made the list this year, they are the best LOST couple! Great chemistry between those two :)
Of course, you know Tania, that I am now an endangered species. I can sympathize with you about people's taste and opinions! A large preponderance of barbaric and savage comes to mind.
At coffee and conversation last Wednesday at our church (we were the eldest at the table) I asked if anyone ever used the word "chivalry" any longer? The response was: What do you mean by that? My wife glared at me...why bring that up.... my point is we no longer teach manners, etiquette, protocol, politesse, savoir-fairé to name a few.
My kids, and grand-kids can't be around my wife and I for very long, like several hours max. Conversation is boring. Plain and simple.
My son and his kids are game geeks and absent a mouse or a Wii they are completely out of sorts. My daughter's girls actually read books and write English properly. They are 6 and 9 respectively. Put that five together and they have "nada" in common.
And it's true. Manners are something people don't really learn anymore - it's how you're brought up now and it seems like a dying norm.
A quick story about this: One of the last "hot shot" MBA's I recruited for one of my clients before I retired was a perfect match for the search I had worked on for several months. The client was located in Buffalo, NY and the candidate was on the West Coast. The CEO, and several of the board members took the candidate out to dinner, as was their custom, and the report came back that he had the knowledge, the skill, the ability to do the job; but, there was one pre-condition: send the candidate to etiquette school, because his manners were terrible. This was a 200K position.
This happened in 2000, and I doubt whether this generation has improved any; in fact they have probably gotten worse.
Tania,
You might enjoy Eight Random Facts About Me
Max Factor was where I grew up and turned into an executive. I always stayed the sales animal that I chose to be after stumbling around like many do.
Thanks for the enjoyable dialog.
Definitely some great couples on that list, but here are some others that merit a mention (IMHO, of course ;) )
Dr. Quinn and Sully (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman)
Joanie and Chachi (Happy Days)
Abby and Luka (ER)
Lorelai and Luke (Gilmore Girls)
Not to mention a few "super couples" from the soaps.
Gomez and Morticia Addams for the win! They're def. the most perfect couple in TV history. Seriously, which two television characters are more suited for each other? Honestly.
Don't agree with the Angel/Buffy thing, though.
CARA MIA!!! LMAO, I loved those two morbidly awesome rockstars!
My favorites from your list:
Ned and Chuck (Pushing Daisies): Is this show gone forever :( or will we at least get to see a few more episodes?
Sawyer and Kate (Lost): We saw him risk his life for her and see how much he longs for her now.
Jim and Pam (The Office): They started out as such good friends. They were always destined to be together.
Tania,
Thank you very much for acknowledging Daniel and Betty on your list, even though they're not a "real" couple. :) You basically described in a nutshell why most of us Daniel/Betty fans love them. (And yes, this is why some of us feel that Daniel and Betty belong together in the long run. Cheesy as it sounds, they 'complete' each other in many ways.) It's always great to know that there are others who understand the special nature of Daniel and Betty's dynamic. So, thank you again for pointing it out here! ;D
Best regards,
MJ
Willow & Tara from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Jim and Melinda from Ghost Whisperer should be on here. Even death couldn't keep them apart :)
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