Any TV relationship should make us smile, laugh, and feel a range of emotions, and these are the greatest couples from the sitcom genre. While most comedies have at least a few romances, it’s rare for a sitcom pairing not to rely on cliches, stereotypes, or the same old storylines, time and time again.
From memorable 1990s sitcom couples to characters from more recent shows, these are some of the most captivating love stories on TV. Although many of these couples have some flaws or don’t get along as well as others, they’re all fairly perfect for each other, and it’s meaningful seeing their entire journey.
Katie And Greg
American Housewife
Greg and Katie in a scene on American Housewife looking seriously at each other
The main couple on the underrated sitcom American Housewife doesn’t get much love in pop culture discussions, which is a shame considering their fascinating dynamic.
Confident and bold Katie (Katy Mixon) and smart, nervous Greg Otto (Diedrich Bader) switch up the stereotypical and offensive unhappily married couple sitcom trope. They’re two fully formed people who truly love each other, and while they get overshadowed by others, they have a healthy relationship.
Chidi And Eleanor
The Good Place
Eleanor (Kristen Bell) and Chidi (William Jackson Harper) watching a slideshow in The Good Place.
Chidi Anagonye (William Jackson Harper) and Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) have an epic romance on The Good Place that is unlike a regular sitcom love story, which is what makes it so special.
Philosophical Chidi and rebellious Eleanor are so much fun to watch because you never know what new twist will be introduced. While other pairs have become more iconic parts of pop culture, it’s still special seeing their bond.
Nick And Jess
New Girl
Zooey Deschanel as Jess in New Girl, Smiling and Embracing a Frowning Jake Johnson as Nick Miller, as He Sits at a Table Eating Pasta
Nick Miller (Jake Johnson) and Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel) have a classic “will-they, won’t-they” TV romance. They’re also friends first, which is relatable and refreshing. But, since their immaturity and miscommunication can be frustrating, they’re not as solid as some sitcom love stories both before and after.
Bernadette And Howard
The Big Bang Theory
Howard looking devastated while Bernadette is laughing or crying in The Big Bang Theory
From their intelligent personalities to their love for their close friend group, Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch) and Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) have a mostly great relationship. Since you love their nerdy approaches to life, you want them to work out, which makes their storylines exciting.
However, Howard’s closeness to his mother is overwhelming, and while it might be played for laughs, it ultimately makes him and Bernadette a weaker and more frustrating couple than they could be.
Amy And Jake
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago holding hands in Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The classic saying “opposites attract” is the best way to describe studious Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) and casual goofball Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Since Amy motivates Jake to try harder, and he helps her see the joy and fun of everyday life, they’re a good match. It’s also fun to see their relationship evolve from coworkers to friends to a married couple. But, unfortunately, their wedding day is full of too many obstacles, which makes them a bit of a sitcom cliche.
Jesse And Becky
Full House
Becky (Lori Loughlin) and Jesse (John Stamos) holding their twins in Full House
Whether they’re happily living in a house packed with nosy family members or adjusting to being parents of twins, Becky (Lori Loughlin) and Jesse (John Stamos) are a great example of a couple who can get through any ups and downs.
They want each other to be themselves and explore their career paths, but agree that family is the most important thing to both of them. While they’re not quite as interesting as some other sitcom couples we’ve watched since, we’ll always appreciate their bond.
Jane And Brad
Happy Endings
Jane and Brad sitting together with food in front of them on a table on Happy Endings
In contrast to most sitcom marriages that involve gender stereotypes and negativity, Jane Kerkovich (Eliza Coupe) and Brad Williams (Damon Wayans Jr.) have a beautiful bond, and feel like a genuine, authentic couple.
They know how to have serious talks without devolving into immaturity, and every time they have a disagreement, Happy Endings shows us a realistic portrayal of what it’s like to love someone but feel frustrated by them. Sadly, though, Jane and Brad don’t get enough pop culture love since Happy Endings is a 2010s sitcom that flew under the radar.
Mike And Phoebe
Friends
Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd) and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) smiling at each other in Friends
Although not the most beloved Friends couple, or even the second best, Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd) and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) deserve some praise for their compassionate relationship. When Phoebe chooses Mike instead of David (Hank Azaria), it’s easy to agree that Mike is the right one because he loves Phoebe’s offbeat sensibility.
Frank And Estelle
Seinfeld
Frank and Estelle talking to each other in their kitchen in Seinfeld
On a lesser show, Frank (Jerry Stiller) and Estelle Costanza (Estelle Harris) would be a typical bickering married sitcom couple. Thanks to the clever storytelling on Seinfeld, they’re always hilarious, thanks to Frank’s stubbornness and Estelle’s constant anger at George’s (Jason Alexander) mistakes. When compared to other pairs, though, the pair doesn’t seem particularly in love.
Cory And Topanga
Boy Meets World
Cory and Topanga look at one another at graduation in Boy Meets World
For many of us, Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) are a memorable, sweet, and nostalgic couple we grew up watching. It’s moving to see them grow up together while dealing with friendship problems and school stress. However, since the Boy Meets World characters can be immature, that makes them less compelling than some other pairs.