15 of TV’s Most Memorable First Kisses

Not every first kiss is as foot popping and magical as Mia Thermopolis imagines.

TV is especially good at making them either awkward as heck or passionate and extremely anticipated, making us laugh in discomfort or squeal in excitement. Whether romantic or super awkward, first kisses hold a special place in our hearts.

We’ve compiled a list of TV’s most memorable first kisses that did it all — the good, the cringey, and everything in-between. Check out our picks for the 15 most memorable TV kisses:

1. Finn and Rachel (Glee)

Aw, the good ole Finn and Rachel first kiss. Rachel’s biggest dream came true when she finally got to kiss Finn during their first “date” in the auditorium.

No matter how much Finn tried to deny his feelings for Rachel, he clearly couldn’t hide his feelings when they had their first kiss. Remember when he had to waddle away to hide his excitement? Unforgettable.

Their chemistry was electrifying, and Rachel made it known fromGlee Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” that she was good at getting what she wanted. Cory Monteith’s unfortunate passing kept Rachel and Finn from officially getting back together, but we knew they were end game.

So that made their first kiss even more memorable for every Finchel shipper.

2. Jamie and Dani (The Haunting of Bly Manor)

Jamie and Dani are hands down one of the cutest couples on television, and their first kiss wasn’t far off either. Just as Dani was learning and accepting her sexuality, she met Jamie who gave her the final push.

When Dani was telling Jamie about her dead ex-fiance who still haunted her and held her back from moving on, the scene shifted from melancholy to loving. It was the first time Dani had truly opened up to anyone, and she showed her true affection for Jamie.

Jamie and Dani’s relationship was so organic and precious, and their first kiss made so much sense. It was filled with passion and desire and although it was rudely interrupted by the ex-fiance, it was the start of their sweet romance.

3. Zoey and Max (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist)

The love triangle between Zoey, Max, and Simon lasted the entire first season, and just when Zoey seemed to have made her decision, she went the other way. When she and Simon kissed, it seemed like she had made her choice.

Even Max thought Zoey had put him in the friend zone. Zoey and Simon’s chemistry seemed forced, while her chemistry with Max was natural. And this was easily understood during their first kiss.

The first kiss was the moment we realized Max might have a chance! It proved all the signals between Zoey and Max were there and not just figments of Max’s imagination. It was a joyous moment for all, especially for Max whose heart song might have ruined the moment, but at least it did so in the sweetest way possible.

4. Villanelle and Eve (Killing Eve)

Throughout the entire first two seasons, we were left wondering if Eve and Villanelle would eventually share a kiss. The cat and mouse game they engaged in was the perfect build-up.

Villanelle’s obsession with Eve was unwavering, and with Eve’s rejection on Killing Eve Season 2 Episode 8, “You’re Mine,” Villanelle was left just as shocked as we were when Eve locked lips with her on the bus.

The kiss was only a brief moment, but it was still the kiss we were all waiting for. There were many times prior that it seemed like Eve and Villanelle were having a moment, but nothing came of it.

Their first kiss wasn’t very romantic, considering Eve headbutted Villanelle immediately after. It was the sort of kiss you’d expect between an assassin and her bounty hunter. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have fit with their characters, nor the story, had it been superheated.

5. Ted and Robin (How I Met Your Mother)

Unlike most of the kisses on this list, Robin and Ted had their first kiss right from the start, no build-up necessary.

On How I Met Your Mother, Season 1 Episode 2, “Purple Giraffe,” Ted and Robin were talking on the roof, and just when Ted thought he could either convince Robin that they were perfect for each other or that he could turn off his feelings for her, they shared their first kiss.

Robin totally felt something in that first kiss but was realistic enough to know she and Ted weren’t right for each other. From then on, Ted knew Robin was the one who got away and that his feelings for her would never subside.

Right then and there you were either on the Ted and Robin bandwagon or hoped she’d run for the hills fast.

6. Chidi and Eleanor (The Good Place)

The good boy and bad girl energy Chidi and Eleanor exuded flipped the original trope on its head, leaving behind a perfect match. There’s no doubt they were soulmates, no matter what soulmate mix-up might have occurred in the beginning.

It took two entire seasons before Chidi took matters into his own hands, without his typical hesitation. After he found inspiration in Janet’s love confession to Jason, he confidently walked up to Eleanor and kissed her.

And hot-diggity-dog was it an eye-opening kiss for both of them. They finally realized their undeniable mutual feelings.

7. Victor and Benji (Love, Victor)

The last thing anyone wants following their first kiss with their crush is to be rejected. Poor Victor chose an unideal moment to kiss Benji and was turned away. We knew the kiss was going to happen, but it was a question of when and how. And the “how” was a bit anticlimactic.

But, the pure innocence of this first love is what makes them an unforgettable couple thus making their first kiss memorable.

In the hotel room alone, following Benji’s moment of vulnerability, Victor couldn’t deny his attraction for Benji. And this connection was a big turning point for Victor’s journey toward accepting his sexual identity.

8. Jane and Rafael (Jane the Virgin)

Team Rafael or Team Michael, that was the real question. No matter how strictly Team Michael you might have been, there was definitely still room in your heart for Rafael.

Their first kiss may have been years before their lives became entangled, but their second first kiss was something out of a telenovela — with rose petals falling and all!

After Jane told Rafael about her breakup with Michael, they didn’t waste any time cozying up to each other. The tension between the two was apparent from the first episode, and the kiss was simply magical.

9. Casey and Izzie (Atypical)

These two are the typical, enemies-turned-lovers. While Casey was unsure of her feelings for Izzie, Izzie was certain about her feelings for Casey.

While Casey was in a relationship with Evan, Izzie wasn’t subtle about her disapproval and jealousy. Izzie confronted Casey for avoiding her and telling her that she never meant to jeopardize their friendship with feelings.

Casey took the opportune time to interject with a kiss, solidifying her reciprocal feelings. The unrestrained passion brought the two best friends together in each other’s arms and left viewers waiting for Atypical Season 3 to finally dive deeper into their relationship.

10. Arizona and Callie (Grey’s Anatomy)

Arguably, Callie and Arizona are the cutest couple onGrey’s Anatomy. Sure they had some big issues, but so did every other couple on the show.

Their courtship was playful and sexy. And Arizona’s blatant confidence as she walked into the bathroom on Grey’s Anatomy Season 5 Episode 14, “Beat Your Heart Out,” as Callie was crying and proceeded to kiss her out of nowhere, was pure badass energy.

After that first kiss, they were smitten. It was an unforgettable good moment in their relationship, despite the bumps leading to their unfortunate end.

11. Rachel and Ross (Friends)

Definitely one of the most important kisses in TV history, Ross and Rachel, loved by all, made everyone’s hearts full when they finally admitted feelings for each other.

At first, it seemed like they were going to admit feelings and leave it at that, especially since Ross was in a relationship with Julie.

Ross may have been dating Julie, but his attraction to Rachel proved stronger. When Rachel reopened that door he didn’t hesitate to step in and give her a big kiss.

Their first kiss sealed the deal and was a serious highlight of the entire series. Ross’s undying love for Rachel certainly paid off.

12. David and Patrick (Schitt’s Creek)

Talk about soulmates, David and Patrick are the very definition of the word. From the beginning, there was love in the air for these two.

There was a huge shift in David’s maturation when Patrick came into his life, especially after he agreed to let their relationship continue on Patrick’s terms.

They sat in the car and lingered, both knowing that the kiss was going to happen. Once it did, David’s huge grin showed how much the moment meant to him. The chemistry between the actors was so believable, and their kiss was so sweet; it can never be forgotten.

13. Luke and Lorelai (Gilmore Girls)

Luke’s a man of few words, except for when he fought for Lorelai. He believed his actions were obvious and that he had done everything by the book. Unfortunately for him, Lorelai never picked up on them.

They engaged in their usual banter, each having to get the last word in, and arguing over Luke’s supposed clear signals.

Until, finally, in the most Luke and Lorelai way, they both shut up and shared their first kiss. The two are a classic couple that everyone had hoped would finally admit their feelings. And when they did, everyone rejoiced.

14. Emily and Sue (Dickinson)

Sure Sue’s married to Emily’s brother, but nobody would suspect the strong love they share.

When Emily finds out that Sue and Austin are engaged, she’s hurt and doesn’t understand why Sue would marry her brother when she thought they shared something special. As Sue described it, she would always love Emily and only married Austin out of necessity.

The first onscreen kiss they shared showed desperation and longing making it a milestone in their timeline. It gave viewers so much hope for something to unravel between them in future seasons. There’s so much more yearning in their kisses than between Sue and Austin.

15. Otis and Ola (Sex Education)

Extremely reminiscent of the Finn and Rachel fiasco, Otis and Ola’s first kiss was an easy segue into exploring Otis’s sexual awakening. We’re still waiting for Otis and Maeve’s first kiss, but right now we can at least appreciate his first kiss with Ola and his body’s response to said kiss.

Otis’s charm is his awkwardness and naivete and his mini-speech before the kiss made the moment more adorably embarrassing. Although, it was unfortunate that Maeve had to witness their kiss just as she was about to confess her feelings for Otis.

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What are some of your favorite memorable first kisses on TV? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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