20 TV Couples That Had Us Believing in Love in 2019
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back at some of TV’s top couples and what landed them on our Top 20 list of the year. Quite a few of the couples on our list have one thing in common: the obstacles they went through to get together or stay together were larger than anything they had faced before.
But whether it’s the fate of the multiverse, prison time, or society that stood between them, they’ve all shown that love may overcome it all.
In no particular order, here are 20 of the best TV couples in 2019:
1. Jane and Rafael, Jane the Virgin
The road has been long, twisty, tear-filled, and wild for Jane and Rafael over the course of Jane the Virgin. But in its final season, the soapy dramedy put the couple to the ultimate test with Michael’s return from the dead.
They had their heartwarming ups and heartbreaking downs in the final run, but through it all, they came out stronger together, willing to fight for each other. It’s their unwillingness to give up on each other that makes their happy ending all the more well-earned and earns them a spot on this year’s list.
2. Oliver and Felicity, Arrow
Oliver and Felicity have faced a lot of tremendous obstacles throughout Arrow’s run. But this year, Olicity faced possibility their most significant obstacle yet: having to say goodbye again to save the multiverse.
Through it all, though, they’ve supported each other wholeheartedly, confided in each other, and loved each other with everything they have. It’s what makes one of Felicity’s last lines to Oliver so seemingly truthful. No matter what is thrown at them, they can get through it together and find each other, proving that their “love is bigger than the freaking universe.”
3. Nico and Emma, Vida
The second season of Starz’s Vida gives us the most compelling queer sex scene of all time. That’s not the only reason to love Nico and Emma as a couple, but it sure is a satisfying one! The chemistry between this pair, whose ship name is Emico, is electric.
What makes this ship exceptional, though, is the attention to detail in all aspects. Whether a thoughtful reference to “bird by bird,” or the touching of bodies by the kitchen sink, the storytelling between these two women is specific. The dialogue, setting, music, blocking, gestures and more things we’ll surely notice on our thousandth watch all contribute to the nuanced romance.
It is a rich and complex relationship that manages to feel seasons-long even though it’s only developed over seven episodes. Emico alone is a sufficient reason to check out Vida on Starz.
4. Angel and Lil Papi, Pose
Friends-to-lovers is a popular TV trope and it is superbly done with Angel (Indya Moore), and Lil Papi (Angel Bismark Curiel) on Season 2 of FX’s Pose.
Well, it is more house siblings-to-lovers since the two are in the Evangelista family within the world of New York’s ballroom scene on which the show centers. It is an unexpected pairing, but not untenable. In fact, the way their love blossoms throughout the season, you wonder why you didn’t see how perfect a pairing they were before.
It is a beautiful, romantic queer love story where two people that have seen so much darkness find light and love in each other.
5. Jo and Alex, Grey’s Anatomy
Jo and Alex have not had an easy road, but 2019 was especially trying for this couple. Jo found her birth mom and found out the truth about where she came from, which caused her to isolate herself and spiral out of control.
At the start of the season, Jo was entering a rehab facility and willing to break it off with Alex because their marriage wasn’t legally binding. Alex wasn’t willing to let her go so quickly, though. He was waiting at the end of her treatment program ready to propose again and reaffirm his commitment to his wife.
6. Anne and Ann, Gentleman Jack
At the beginning of Gentleman Jack, it seems that Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) is nothing more than a conquest for Anne Lister (Suranne Jones), a rebound after her lover ends their relationship to marry a man. That MO quickly falls away when the Ann(e)s fall for each other. Neither of them can deny the true and real feelings that they have.
As you’d expect, lesbian lovers see their fair share of obstacles and adversity in 19th century England, and their story is a rollercoaster with emotional highs and lows. True love prevails, though, and they figure out a way to be together in a world that’d rather keep them apart.
7. Jamie and Claire, Outlander
After being separated by an ocean, and you know, time, Claire and Jamie got to stay together, in the same era, this year on Outlander.
Despite facing their new reality in the “new world,” and the complexities that come with Jamie meeting his daughter from the future, we got to see them on solid ground. Jamie and Claire were just as in love as they always were and a stabilizing force amid uncertainty. It’s a rare sight to see on TV, but lovely to have.
8. Logan and Veronica, Veronica Mars
Veronica and Logan have been through it over their long history. So, it was a relief to know that they were thriving when Veronica Mars returned this summer. It was amazing to see how much their relationship had grown since we saw them last, supportive, and loving.
Of course, LoVe ultimately lived up to their iconic line, sharing a love story that “was epic…spanning years and continents. Lives ruined and bloodshed.”
While we get to see the pair get married, the happiness is cut bitterly short, but for those ten episodes, we get to a bit of joy and love for them.
9. Syd and Elena, One Day at a Time
Syd and Elena’s relationship on One Day at a Time has been so lovely and heartwarming to watch, especially as they have continued to grow as people and as a couple.
One Day at a Time Season 3 saw them reach significant milestones, from their first fight to their first time, and it was wonderfully refreshing every step along the way.
10. Nadia and Guzman, Elite
Elite has been a wild ride this year. But amid the craziness, the relationship that stood out was Nadia and Guzman’s.
Their story is the classic “bad boy” tries to corrupt “good girl” with a bit of a twist when real feelings get involved beyond the apparent chemistry. Season 2 saw them get even closer, adding more depth to their dynamic while trying to find a way to get past the obstacles to their relationship.
11. Jake and Amy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Jake and Amy’s story is one of the greatest examples of the rivals-to-friends-to-lovers trope on TV in a while. So, it’s no surprise that Peraltiago would make this year-end list.
Seeing their growth into this adorkably sweet married couple has been hilarious and sweet, especially as they settle into married life over the last year. From their honeymoon to their day-to-day interactions at the precinct, married Jake and Amy has been fun to watch.
12. Donna and Harvey, Suits
In the aftermath of Harvey’s epiphany about his relationship with Donna, Suits fans get the moment they’ve been waiting for!
Seeing Donna and Harvey navigate the territory beyond their friendship after so many years was such a treat and a natural progression from where they were. The chemistry, the love, the teasing, and the teamwork only adds to what we loved about the pair’s friendship.
It’s these qualities that make their (really) quick engagement and subsequent wedding an absolutely perfect ending for Darvey.
13. Diana and Matthew, A Discovery of Witches
The latest addition to the supernatural star-crossed lovers club is Diana and Matthew on A Discovery of Witches.
The moment the pair are so much as in the same room together, the chemistry is palpable. Diana and Matthew find themselves further drawn to each other as they learn more about their history, their abilities, and the supernatural world order.
It’s the chemistry paired with Diana and Matthew’s fierce protectiveness of each other that can draw anyone in.
14. Zari and Nate, Legends of Tomorrow
The latest addition to Legends of Tomorrow’s couples canon, is equal parts sweet and sizzling. Zari and Nate’s relationship is one that grew slowly over time, with a bit of fake dating, wild dreams, and a dragon egg thrown in.
It’s fun to see how their relationship develops in such an earnest way, with adorable, awkward moments as they try to figure out their feelings for each other that sets them apart.
15. Stella and Severide, Chicago Fire
After a bit of a bumpy ride, Stella and Severide found their way back to each other this year on Chicago Fire, and now they look like they’re stronger than ever.
With the drama behind them, they’re able to support each other in more significant ways, both in their personal lives and in their careers. It’s a joy to watch them grow together.
16. Jonah and Amy, Superstore
With Jonah and Amy finally together, we got to see everything we loved about each of them with the added benefit of also seeing another side to them. They still tease each other mercilessly, and never miss an opportunity to do so, but they also have a different kind of energy about them.
That energy especially comes through when Jonah tries to go the extra mile for Amy, whether it involves Cloud 9 business or involving Amy’s daughter. It’s an aspect of their relationship that we’ve really come to love about this couple’s relationship.
17. Mickey and Ian, Shameless
If you’re a Shameless fan, you definitely know that Mickey and Ian have been through it the last few years. It’s why the moment they found themselves together again—behind bars—it provided a bit of optimism for the future of Gallavich.
Now, with the new season underway, and prison time being served, these two are trying to navigate their relationship while also serving out their respective sentences.
18. Magnus and Alec, Shadowhunters
HARRY SHUM JR., MATTHEW DADDARIO
Magnus and Alec are one of the iconic couples on Shadowhunters and another supernatural entry on this list. The pair worked through so much, from the internal fears and insecurities to the external threats from their world, to stay together.
It’s why their ending is so well earned, as the pair end up married and happy together and living fearlessly.
19. David and Patrick, Schitt’s Creek
David and Patrick’s relationship has come a long way on Schitt’s Creek. Their story is filled with sweet first kisses, getting comfortable in their own skin, and heartwarming serenades.
Their latest step, an engagement, is heart-meltingly sweet and has us excited for what’s to come for two of our favorite Schitt’s Creek residents.
20. Conrad and Nic, The Resident
Nic and Conrad’s story has definitely been difficult on The Resident. From break-ups and jealousy to miscarriages and arrests, the pair have definitely been put through the wringer.
Season 3 has CoNic showing solid growth, agreeing to move in with each other, trying to get a foothold on everything, working together as partners.
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Who were your favorite TV couples from this year? Let us know in the comments below!
*Additional contributions by: Lauren Busser, Janelle McCammack, Ashley Bissette Sumerel, and Erin Allen.
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Brianna Martinez
Brianna spends her time away from briefs, legal research, and pleadings, watching TV and writing about it. She generally has a lot of feelings about TV, which you can read about here and on Twitter.