Jackie & Kelso – That ’70s Show
Jackie and Kelso are a dingbat couple, but they’re so much fun. Here they are heading out on a date: “You can’t just maul me in front of my father,” Jackie complains. Kelso answers, “He didn’t even notice.” Jackie returns, “He yelled at you to stop it.” And Kelso, “Oh, I thought he was talking to you.” Corny but sweet.
They have trouble staying together because they’re continuously two-timing each other, but the makeups are amorous. They split in the end. The good news is they’re together in real life.
Ryan & Marissa – The O.C.
Troubled and dysfunctional, this is a couple who have a lot in common. They do better when they’re together, but, like many on-again-off-again love stories, those times are few and far between. But, then again, so tender when they happen.
Their friendships with Summer and Seth are also sweet. Ryan and Marissa were made for each other, and you realize this as she dies in his arms.
Kitty & Red – That ’70s Show
Quite possibly the least romantic couple on the list, Kitty and Red do have their moments. Red’s response to Kitty’s request for certain relationship goals is: “Kitty, I want us to grow old and withdraw into ourselves.” He’s a bit insensitive, but he gives in.
While Red, a stereotypical Navy man who served in the Great War and the Korean War, is allergic to emotion, Kitty is like his foil. Playing the loving mom and wife, she’s a dutiful housewife who manages him—they’re a great comedy team.
Rainbow & Dre – Black-ish
This couple is the centerpiece of Black-ish. They are the parents of a wealthy middle-class family committed to love. Think polar opposites of Cookie and Luscious, and you’re on the right track. Mom’s a doctor and dad’s an ad exec who tries to instill the values of black culture into his children.
Rainbow and Dre’s affections are sweet. When their perfect marriage is challenged, they keep it real and work on their relationship. They get their “flow” back and that’s all that matters.
Pacey & Joey – Dawson’s Creek
We love Pacey and Joey because they represent the quintessential teenage love story. Full of spit and vinegar toggled with gooey romantic attraction, it’s got adolescent angst all the way to the bone. An on-again-off-again love triangle contributes to the will-they-or-won’t-they suspense.
The tension, whether it’s a love scene or another bicker and fight brawl is equally passionate. They break up, grandly, and then literally sail off to sea, romantically, in a sailboat, into the sunset. Can’t get more cliché-perfect than that!