TV Couples from the ’80s and ’90s That Viewers Rooted For
These vintage TV couples from the 1980s and 1990s remind us why audiences fell in love with sitcoms and dramas of that era. From first kisses to heartbreaks, these on-screen romances shaped how millions saw love and partnership on television. This collection celebrates the chemistry charm and storytelling that made these relationships unforgettable pieces of pop culture history.
1. Ross Geller and Rachel Green from ‘Friends’
The tango of Ross and Rachel always kept us hanging on throughout the ten seasons of “Friends.” Still, the question remains: Were they on a break?
2. Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence from ‘Boy Meets World’
Cory and Topanga grew up together, and we all rooted for them to land their happily ever after (which they did).
3. Uncle Jesse and Rebecca Donaldson from ‘Full House’
We all had a crush on Uncle Jesse, yet somehow we adored him with Rebecca Donaldson despite our own unrequited feelings.
4. Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski from ‘ Saved by the Bell’
Giving us a TV movie where Zack and Kelly got married was so kind of “Saved by the Bell,” and we’ll never be able to thank them enough.
5. Steve Urkel and Laura Winslow from ‘Family Matters’
Because who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
6. Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper from ‘The Wonder Years’
The sweet, nostalgic young love that made everyone remember their first crush.
7. Buffy and Angel from ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’
Their love was dark, doomed, and dramatic — exactly what every ’90s teen heart secretly craved.
8. Mulder and Scully from ‘The X-Files’
They solved mysteries, chased aliens, and somehow found time for one of the slowest burns in TV history.
9. Sam Malone and Diane Chambers from ‘Cheers’
Their on-again, off-again relationship kept Cheers fans guessing until the very end.
10. Pacey and Joey from ‘Dawson’s Creek’
When Pacey and Joey finally got together, it felt like a victory for every underdog who ever crushed on their best friend’s crush. They gave us the slow burn of the decade.
11. Donna and David from ‘Beverly Hills 90210’
From high school sweethearts to wedding bells, Donna and David’s love story gave fans a reason to keep tuning in long after graduation.
12. Tony and Angela from ‘Who’s the Boss?’
Their chemistry was undeniable — a housekeeper and his boss who somehow balanced flirting, family, and friendship without ever quite crossing the line (until they finally did).