Television has given us countless relationships that have captured our hearts and stayed with us over the years. From sizzling love triangles to soulmates finding each other after countless obstacles, these iconic TV couples resonate with us because they show the ups and downs of love, the importance of connection, and the sheer joy (and pain) of making it work. Whether you’re binging these episodes on a lazy weekend or revisiting nostalgic favorites, these beloved TV duos have left a permanent mark on Millennials and Gen Z. Here's a deeper look at some of the couples that made us laugh, cry, and believe in love.

1. Ross and Rachel (Friends)

Ross Geller and Rachel Green are synonymous with iconic TV romance. Their on-again, off-again dynamic went beyond simple attraction, building a narrative of real-life complications. "We were on a break!" became a cultural phenomenon, sparking debates that remain relevant even after the show’s finale.

Their love story had everything audiences craved: dramatic tension, unrequited love, and big romantic moments. Rachel finding out about Ross’s feelings through his prom video still brings tears to viewers' eyes. Their first kiss at Central Perk and the emotional twist of Ross accidentally saying Rachel's name during his wedding to Emily are moments that prove why their story became a TV classic. Even after their ups and downs, the grand scene of Rachel getting off the plane to reunite with Ross was the rom-com ending we all rooted for.

What made Ross and Rachel truly unforgettable was their raw humanity. While often messy and imperfect, their relationship was a reflection of real love’s complexities.

2. Jim and Pam (The Office)

Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly’s love story in The Office taught us the beauty of patience, subtlety, and emotional growth. What set them apart was the realistic portrayal of how love can simmer beneath the surface before coming to light. Jim’s enduring affection and Pam's slow realization of her feelings were painfully relatable.

Who could forget when Jim finally confesses his feelings to Pam in the casino night episode? Or when he buys her a teapot for Christmas, hiding a heartfelt note inside that viewers didn’t get to read until seasons later? Their wedding at Niagara Falls, complete with a hilariously chaotic dance sequence, remains one of the most touching moments in sitcom history.

Pam and Jim’s relationship also explored real-life challenges like balancing work, family, and individual dreams. When Pam pursued her artistic passion or Jim started his business venture, their unwavering support for each other made them the gold standard for a healthy, modern relationship.

3. Blair and Chuck (Gossip Girl)

If drama had a king and queen, it would undoubtedly be Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf. Their toxic yet magnetic relationship was a highlight of Gossip Girl. Unlike the sunshiny love of some other TV couples, Blair and Chuck’s passion was stormy but captivating. Fans were enthralled by their push-and-pull, their vulnerability hidden under confident facades, and their undeniable chemistry that demanded attention.

From their secret rendezvous in the back of limos to the dramatic grand gestures (remember Chuck buying Blair her dream hotel?), their love story was a rollercoaster ride. While they had their fair share of deeply flawed moments, their growth as individuals and as a couple is what truly resonated. Chuck’s transformation from a scheming playboy into a man willing to sacrifice for Blair showed how love can inspire change even in the most unlikely people.

And, of course, these two wouldn’t be Chuck and Blair without iconic moments like Chuck confessing, “I’m all in,” or Blair saying, “Three words, eight letters." Few TV lines have had such lasting cultural resonance.

4. Monica and Chandler (Friends)

Monica Geller and Chandler Bing proved that sometimes the best relationships grow unexpectedly. Their romance went from playful to deeply loving in a way that surprised even the most die-hard Friends fans. What began as a drunken hookup during Ross's wedding in London became one of the strongest relationships on the show.

What made Monica and Chandler stand out was their blend of genuine love and humor. From Chandler proposing with a surprise candle-lit apartment to Monica helping him face his fear of commitment, their relationship was built on mutual growth and encouragement. Viewers loved how Monica’s organized, competitive personality meshed with Chandler’s sarcastic humor.

And who could forget their struggle with infertility? While it was heartbreaking, their decision to adopt resonated as profoundly realistic and heartwarming, making their relationship relatable to countless fans who face similar challenges.

5. Cory and Topanga (Boy Meets World)

True love often starts young, and nobody embodied this better than Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence. Their story from childhood friends to lifelong partners was the definition of a fairy-tale romance. Topanga’s bold, quirky confidence paired perfectly with Cory’s neurotic yet kind-hearted nature, creating one of TV's most iconic duos.

One of their most memorable moments came when Topanga proposes to Cory in front of their friends and family, flipping traditional roles. Another fan-favorite scene is when Cory writes a love poem about Topanga that hilariously rhymes her name with "eranga."

What made Cory and Topanga so beloved was their perseverance despite life’s hurdles. Long-distance challenges, career dilemmas, and miscommunications repeatedly tested their relationship, but they always found their way back to each other. For many Millennials, they were the couple that proved love could stand the test of time.

6. Nick and Jess (New Girl)

Nick Miller and Jessica Day’s relationship was anything but conventional, and that’s exactly why it worked. Their slow-burn romance carried New Girl’s chaotic charm. While wildly different – Jess was an optimistic school teacher with a penchant for quirky sweaters; Nick was a grumpy bartender with a knack for procrastination – their chemistry was undeniable.

From their first kiss in the elevator to their hilarious arguments, Nick and Jess felt surprisingly real. Their vulnerability, awkwardness, and growth as individuals made their eventual relationship feel refreshing. One of their standout moments happens when Nick builds Jess a bookshelf, signifying his growing maturity and his determination to support her.

Nick and Jess also provided poignant lessons on self-acceptance and finding humor in flaws. And even though their romantic path was bumpy, their love story taught us that opposites not only attract but can also create something beautiful.

7. Elena and Damon (The Vampire Diaries)

What’s a love story without a bit of forbidden romance? The Vampire Diaries gave us plenty of that through Elena Gilbert and Damon Salvatore. Damon, the brooding antihero, found redemption through his love for Elena. While their relationship wasn’t without its controversies (including a whole love triangle with Damon’s brother Stefan), their connection was undeniable.

One of their most memorable moments was their first real dance at the Miss Mystic Falls pageant, where their chemistry practically leapt off the screen. Adding to the tension, Elena’s struggle to resist her growing feelings for Damon while staying loyal to Stefan kept viewers hooked.

What solidified their love story was Damon’s evolving character. His sacrifices for Elena and growing desire to be better for her added depth to their relationship, making them one of the show’s most compelling couples.

8. Jake and Amy (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago balanced humor and heartfelt romance beautifully on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Their dynamic evolved from rivalry to partnership, with Jake learning from Amy’s discipline and Amy letting loose thanks to Jake’s adventurous spirit. Their banter and shared enthusiasm for solving crimes made them an undeniable power couple.

Amy’s Type-A personality and Jake’s clownish energy complemented each other in ways fans adored. A standout moment has to be Jake’s perfect-suitcase proposal on the precinct rooftop, an emotional confession layered with humor. Additionally, their professional support for one another, especially Amy cheering Jake on through difficult cases, provided a thoughtful depiction of love built on respect.

9. Lily and Marshall (How I Met Your Mother)

Lily Aldrin and Marshall Eriksen give new meaning to “relationship goals.” From college sweethearts to happily married adults, they stood out for their unwavering devotion. Unlike other couples who thrive on drama, Lily and Marshall showed that stability could be exciting, too.

Fans adored their countless quirks, like sharing "pause fights" where they’d halt arguments to enjoy snacks together or their recurring “Slap Bet” jokes. Their relationship wasn’t without challenges, though. Lily leaving Marshall to pursue her dreams created one of the most emotional arcs on the show, but their reconciliation was all the sweeter because of it.

Marshall’s goofy yet earnest personality blended perfectly with Lily’s fiery and creative spirit, symbolizing an ideal partnership.