Comedies about married couples have been common for generations; marriage is the basic building block of the family sitcom. Certainly there have been some classic husbands and wives in sitcom history, but what about great sitcom romances? Here’s a list of iconic couples who met, fell in love and, in some instances, got married over the course of their sitcoms.
Ross Geller & Rachel Greene, 'Friends'
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It was obvious almost from the very first episode of Friends that Ross and Rachel were meant to be together, but they always seemed to get their wires crossed. One would be ready, and the other would be unavailable. And even when they were a couple, things didn’t always work out. But Ross and Rachel had a romance for the ages, and by the end of the show’s run they’d had a child together and decided to finally commit to each other for the long haul.
Sam Malone & Diane Chambers, 'Cheers'
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The quintessential “will they or won’t they?” couple gave in to their mutual attraction in the show’s second season, but their love-hate relationship continued until Shelley Long, who played Diane, left at the end of the end of the fifth season (she came back for the final episode). The uncouth bartender and the uppity waitress became the template for countless future sitcom couples whose relationships were fraught with sexual tension.
Steve Urkel & Laura Winslow, 'Family Matters'
Originally conceived as a single-appearance guest star, Jaleel White’s uber-nerd Steve Urkel became the most popular character on Family Matters, and was always motivated by his love for Laura Winslow. As the show became more fantastical and absurd, Steve cloned himself, and his suave doppelganger became Laura’s boyfriend. In the end, though, she chose nerdy Steve over his romantic (yet scientifically improbable) alter ego.Niles Crane & Daphne Moon, 'Frasier'
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Cheers spin-off Frasier got a lot of mileage out of its own “will they or won’t they?” couple, fussy psychiatrist Niles and earthy physical therapist Daphne. Niles’ marriage to the never-seen Maris, along with his natural timidity, kept the couple apart for six seasons, and their road to eventual happiness was a bumpy one. But they did end up finding bliss and even having a son, making Niles a much greater success in love than his brother Frasier.
Jim Halpert & Pam Beesly, 'The Office'
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The original British version of The Office had its own star-crossed lovers in Tim and Dawn, but their romance was much briefer, and reached a definitive conclusion. The U.S. version of the show has already had a significantly longer life, so co-workers Jim and Pam have had plenty of time for their romance to blossom and develop. Even though it hit its share of obstacles, Jim and Pam's relationship had a happy ending when they got married in the show's sixth season.
Eric Forman & Donna Pinciotti, 'That ’70s Show'
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Neighbors and childhood friends Eric and Donna got together early on and weathered plenty of storms, including the departure of actor Topher Grace, who played Eric, at the end of the show’s seventh season. But they always ended up back in each other’s arms, and their sarcastic repartee was an expression of their genuine true love. The show ended on a hopeful, if uncertain, note for their future.
Chachi Arcola & Joanie Cunningham, 'Happy Days'
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It was right there in the title of their Happy Days spin-off: Joanie Loves Chachi. Chachi, cousin of Fonzie, and Joanie, sister of Richie Cunningham, fell in love while pursuing their rock-star dreams. Joanie Loves Chachi, which found the two moving from Wisconsin to Chicago to play in a band, didn’t last long, but Joanie and Chachi’s love did; they got married in the Happy Days series finale.
Joe Gerard & Rhoda Morgenstern, 'Rhoda'
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Rhoda’s romance with Joe blossomed on her spin-off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and the episode featuring their marriage was a highly rated event. It wasn’t meant to last, though, as the couple ended up divorcing in the show’s third season, a development that led to a steep ratings decline. Fans may have known that Joe and Rhoda were meant to be, but they never got to see the couple reunite.
Andy Taylor & Helen Crump, 'The Andy Griffith Show'
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There’s perhaps no more wholesome TV presence than Andy Griffith, and his small-town sheriff Andy Taylor had a pretty darn wholesome relationship with teacher sweetheart Helen Crump. Double dating with Barney Fife and his girl was about as racy as Andy and Helen got, although they did have their share of tiffs. The squeaky clean lovebirds eventually got married on Andy Griffith Show spin-off Mayberry R.F.D.
John “J.D.” Dorian & Elliot Reid, 'Scrubs'
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The two awkward doctors got it on pretty early in Scrubs’ run, and have been back and forth in their relationship ever since. Although each has had significant romances with other people, J.D. and Elliot always drifted back together, and eventually ended up married and expecting their first child by the show's ninth season.
