12 Best TV Couples Of The 1990s

The biggest 1990s TV shows left a huge mark on pop culture, and the most iconic couples from that era can still have a strong hold over the hearts of the audiences who grew up alongside them. The best romantic relationships of the era ranged from sweet high school romances that stay strong to the end to tumultuous relationships filled with thrilling drama. In their own ways, they were guaranteed to be entertaining (even if some of them ended in more tears than cheers).

The best couples from era-defining 1990s TV shows keep audiences engaged and entertained with their endearing antics, heartfelt confessions of love, and their personal and relationship struggles. Some of them were long-term plans for the shows, while others grew spontaneously during production. TV couples with fascinating romances are impossible not to root for, and these iconic relationship cemented their status as incredible 1990s TV romances.

12

Sabrina And Harvey

Sabrina The Teenage Witch (1996–2003)

A perfectly sweet romance that’s very indicative of the times, Sabrina and Harvey’s romance in Sabrina the Teenage Witch is one of the decade’s cutest romances. Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a coming-of-age teen comedy revolving around the titular character, Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), as she navigates life as a witch and teenager. Sabrina’s adorable romance with her high school sweetheart Harvey Kinkle (Nate Richert) faces hurdles due to Sabrina’s double life, but the duo always find each other.

Sabrina and Harvey are confirmed to be soulmates in the series finale. Their devotion and love for each other remain strong for the entire run of the show, even when they’re not together romantically. Sabrina and Harvey’s sweet romantic gestures throughout the run of Sabrina the Teenage Witch solidify their place as one of the best 1990s TV couples.

11

Leo And Piper

Charmed (1998–2006)

The supernatural drama series Charmed revolves around the Halliwell sisters as they use their newfound magical powers as witches to fight evil. They have do this while keeping their identities a secret from their loved ones, complicating their relationships. While the relationship between the sisters was the focus of the show, the romances between them and their love interests were also central to the show.

Season 8’s “Forever Charmed” revealed, through a brief time-jump, that Piper and Leo lead long lives together and are still alive and together in 2050.

The forbidden romance between Piper Halliwell (Holly Marie Combs) and the whitelighter Leo Wyatt (Brian Krause) was a charming relationship filled with conflicts due to their roles as a witch and guardian angel. The push and pull of their relationship was one of the show’s key emotional story arcs. Piper and Leo’s relationship grew through the seasons of Charmed and won the hearts of the audience by the time the show came to an end.

10

Jesse And Becky

Full House (1987–1995)

Full House is a heartwarming sitcom that follows a widowed father, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) as he raises his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos) and his best friend Joey Gladstone (David Coulier). Similar to Charmed, the bond between the family is the focus of the sitcom, however, the relationship between Jesse and Becky (Lori Loughlin) became an iconic part of the show. Initally portrayed as just friends, the chemistry between the two eventually developed into one of the show’s biggest romances.

With two marriage proposals under their belt, the friendship turned romance between Jesse and Becky is filled with entertainment and minor ups and downs that the couple always works through. Their marriage is one of the show’s best moments, full of genuine heart and romance. The sequel series Fuller House reveals that Jesse and Becky are still happily married and have adopted a baby, cementing their relationship.

9

Corey And Topanga

Boy Meets World (1993–2000)

The coming-of-age sitcom series Boy Meets World is best known for its heartwarming and grounded depiction of family, friendship, and a first love that developed into a lifetime relationship. The friendship and subsequent romance between Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and his classmate Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) is central to the series. Throughout Boy Meets World, Cory and Topanga’s on-and-off relationship changes and grows as they go from young middle school students to college students.

Cory and Topanga’s sweet romance faces countless hurdles, however, often with relatable emotional depth. Despite their relationship’s ups and downs, the duo always finds their way back to each other. In the sequel show, Girl Meets World, it’s revealed that Cory and Topanga are still going strong, and have raised two children together while weathering the challenges any married couple confronts.

8

Fran And Maxwell

The Nanny (1993–1999)

The sitcom The Nanny revolves around Fran Fine (Fran Drescher) after she is dumped by her boyfriend and loses her job and becomes the nanny to Maxwell Sheffield’s (Charles Shaughnessy) three children. Fran and Maxwell’s relationship progresses throughout the show’s run, and the hilarious duo’s mutual attraction and bond turn into a romantic relationship. Notably, the comedy never dips even as the romance becomes more prominent.

The Nanny is able to keep audiences enthralled by the slow-burn romance between Fran and Maxwell, as they form a strong bond despite their constant bickering. This back-and-forth kept them on equal footing in a way that remained charming for the entire show. Maxwell’s hesitance to commit to a romantic relationship and refusal to admit his feelings create a compelling push-and-pull relationship between the two, making them one of the best TV couples.

7

Pacey And Joey

Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)

The popular teen romance drama series Dawson’s Creek follows a group of close-knit friends as they navigate the complexities of teenage life, with all the romance one could expect from the premise. The show follows Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek), his deep bond and his friendship and love interest Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), and the duo’s dynamic with Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson). The love triangle between Dawson, Joey, and Pacey became central to the show.

While Dawson and Joey’s adorable friendship and relationship is iconic, Pacey and Joey are the couple that won hearts. Joey and Pacey’s relationship faces countless issues that either cause them to break up or help them grow. Their banter and steady character growth make Pacey and Joey one of the best teen TV couples.

6

Carrie And Big

Sex And The City (1998–2004)

Sex and the City is a romantic comedy series that follows the lives of four female friends living in New York City. The award-winning show is best known for its depictions of sex, friendship, and relationships, and one of the most engaging romantic dynamics is the one between Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her on-and-off love interest, referred to as Big or Mr. Big (Chris Noth).

Carrie and Big’s on-and-off relationship is guaranteed to be entertaining as it’s filled with drama and romance. Their tumultuous relationship struggles result in a thrilling journey, as the couple goes from strangers to a married couple over the course of the show. Their romance was so foundational to the story of Carrie Bradshaw that it carried over into film and even into the sequel show where Big tragically passed.

5

Niles And Daphne

Frasier (1993–2004)

Frasier is a spin-off of the beloved sitcom Cheers and follows the titular psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) as he returns to his hometown and reconnects with his family. Throughout the course of the show, the budding bond between Frasier’s younger brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves) is compelling to witness. Niles instantly falls for Daphne, and their relationship slowly develops over time and is filled with near misses and banter that the sequel show tried to replace.

Niles and Daphne finally take the leap in the Frasier season 7 finale and confess their feelings. This set them up to actually have a romantic relationship in season 8. The sweet and endearing will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Niles and Daphne cements them as an incredible TV couple audiences can’t help but root for.

4

Xena And Gabrielle

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)

Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee O’Connor) from Xena: Warrior Princess are one of the most iconic couples from 1990s TV shows, despite their romantic relationship only being confirmed off-screen over 20 years later. The supernatural action series follows the titular character Xena, a skilled warrior, and her companion Gabrielle as they roam ancient Greece and protect the innocent. The two get into all sorts of adventures, but they can always depend on one another.

The growing romance between Xena and Gabrielle was only confirmed in the comic book continuation years after the show ended. However, the clear subtext, LGBTQ+ representation, and chemistry between the two leads make the 1990s TV couple one of the best couples in television history. It also helps that Lawless and O’Connor’s natural chemistry was clear from the earliest episodes of the show.

3

Mulder And Scully

The X-Files (1993–2018)

The X-Files is a supernatural horror series that revolves around two FBI special agents, the believer Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and the skeptic Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). The show follows the duo as they investigate unsolved cases that are seemingly paranormal. Over the course of the show, their partnership developed a sexual tension that added a compelling new layer to the story.

The mystery element of The X-Files is compelling, however, the will-they-won’t-they relationship between Mulder and Scully quickly became popular. The professional partnership and personal bond between Mulder and Scully is an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between the actors helped turn Mulder and Scully into one of the most iconic TV couples ever.

2

Tara And Willow

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a coming-of-age supernatural drama filled with iconic couples that ruled the late 1990s and early 2000s. The titular character, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) had thrilling romances over the course of the show. However, it was Willow Rosenberg’s (Alyson Hannigan) relationship with Tara Maclay (Amber Benson) that audiences resonated with and loved. Initally portrayed as only attracted to men, Willow’s coming out storyline in season 4 was rooted in her romance with Tara.

Tragically, Willow and Tara did not have enough time together, as Benson joined the cast as Tara in season 4 and Tara is killed off by the end of season 6. Willow and Tara’s tragic relationship shaped the trajectory of Willow’s arc, the show, and LGBTQ+ representation in media. It can also never take away the core heart and romance at the center of their dynamic.

1

Chandler And Monica

Friends (1994–2004)

Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) from Friends have nothing on the most iconic couple from the 1990s, Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and Monica Geller (Courtney Cox). While Friends had countless adorable moments between Chandler and Monica in the early seasons, their platonic relationship turns into a romantic one when they hook up in London during the season 4 finale. This quick gag turned into one of the show’s best dynamics.

Cox and Perry’s chemistry, along with the audience’s positive reception to the plot twist, resulted in a compelling and beloved sitcom couple that remains iconic to this day. Chandler and Monica help each other grow and love and support each other despite their hangups. Chandler and Monica’s relationship is based on their strong friendship and love for each, making them the best TV couples of the 1990s.