Top 10 Teen TV Couples of All Time
Teen romance always seems like the most passionate. Welcome to MsMojo and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Teen TV Couples.
For this list, we’re looking at our favorite teen couples from both comedies and dramas.
#10: Betty & Jughead
“Riverdale” (2017-)
Top 10 Memorable Ugly Betty Moments
If you were a fan of the original Archie comics, you may find the concept of a relationship between good girl Betty and hamburger loving Jughead to be somewhat absurd. But if you’ve seen “Riverdale”, you know that these two have quickly skyrocketed to become one of the best and most beloved couples on modern television. They have a rabid fanbase of shippers who were undoubtedly thrilled when the actors who play the two characters, Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart, revealed that they were together in real life too. A close second on this show is the pairing between Cheryl and Toni, which is one of the best portrayals of a queer relationship we’ve seen on mainstream TV.
#9: Buffy & Angel
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
Top 10 Best Buffy the Vampire Slayer Couples
Love triangles seem to be prevalent in stories of paranormal romance, and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is no exception. While many fans love the forbidden love story between the villainous Spike and our favorite slayer, you can’t argue that the central relationship of the show was between Buffy and Angel. Their Romeo and Juliet-esque tale of an impossible romance between a human woman and a vampire has been often emulated, but in many ways this one is still the best. The arc in the second season where Angel loses his soul is still one of the most crushing things we’ve ever seen on TV.
#8: Seth & Summer
“The OC” (2003-07)
Top 10 Best Seth & Summer Moments on The O.C.
Technically, Marissa and Ryan were supposed to be the primary couple on FOX’s teen drama “The OC”, but there’s no question that Seth and Summer were the more likable. Seth was the definition of “adorkable”, and the object of his affection, Summer, was a cool girl that he thought was way out of his league. Their dynamic was full of witty banter and a somewhat antagonistic rapport, but once they got together the audience knew it was a good thing. While they definitely had some bumps along the way, these two still make our hearts skip a beat.
#7: Rory & Jess
“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)
Top 10 Unforgettable Jess & Rory Moments
Sure, Rory had other boyfriends, and Dean and Logan both had their moments, but there was no couple like Rory and Jess. She’d always been a good girl, but he made her act out in ways she never had before, allowing her to discover new facets of her personality. There were many questionable moments between these two, especially in the earlier part of their relationship, and we acknowledge that Jess didn’t always treat Rory well. But “Gilmore Girls” showed that people really can change, and the Jess we saw in later seasons was much more deserving of Rory’s love.
#6: Kurt & Blaine
“Glee” (2009-15)
Top 10 Unforgettable Kurt & Blaine Moments on Glee
“Glee” was a pop culture phenomenon that had a huge impact during its runtime. It addressed numerous social issues over its six seasons, and was one of the first mainstream comedy-dramas aimed at a younger demographic to put queer couples front and center. A huge part of that was Kurt and Blaine’s adorable relationship. From their first meeting to their first kiss, from their proposal to their unique wedding, we were so happy to be along for this ride. While Rachel and Finn’s relationship may have gotten more attention, we’d pick this one any day.
#5: Stiles & Lydia
“Teen Wolf” (2011-17)
Top 10 Stiles & Lydia Moments on Teen Wolf
There have been a lot of “will they won’t they” couples on TV, but as far as paranormal romances go, this show really made us wait for it. While Stiles and Lydia had a romantic connection from the very beginning, and Stiles always had feelings for her, it took until the sixth season of “Teen Wolf” for these two to properly get together. When they both finally revealed their feelings to one another, we were on the edge of our seats after waiting for so long to see this relationship come to fruition.
#4: Chuck & Blair
“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
Top 10 Unforgettable Chuck and Blair Moments
If you read the “Gossip Girl” books, it was hard to imagine these two very different characters getting together. But once the world of these Upper East Side teenagers made its way onto our TV screens, it quickly became clear that there was undeniable chemistry between Blair and Chuck. Their relationship was like a roller coaster ride that we were happy to be part of, with high highs and very low lows. They certainly faced their share of trials together, but we had a feeling they’d end up on top, which they did when they tied the knot in the series finale.
#3: Cory & Topanga
“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)
Top 10 Cory & Shawn Moments on Boy Meets World
It’s rare on a TV show that an audience gets to feel as though they really grew up with a cast, but that’s what happened on “Boy Meets World”. The characters were middle schoolers when we first met them, and by the time the show wrapped they were finished high school. Throughout most of the time, Cory and Topanga were a constant, after getting together officially at the beginning of the third season. Their relationship is wholesome and largely without major drama, but that doesn’t make it any less heartwarming.
#2: Pacey & Joey
“Dawson's Creek” (1998-2003)
Top 10 Pacey & Joey Moments from Dawson’s Creek
It may have seemed like “Dawson’s Creek” was setting up audience expectations for Dawson and Joey to be together from the very beginning. She was the classic girl next door archetype who climbed in through his window after all. So it was a bit of a shock when she took up with Dawson’s best friend Pacey. The thing is though, the chemistry between these two was palpable from early on, and the fanbase became split as to who she should end up with. Thankfully they got their happily ever after in the flash forward finale, even though it had started to seem like they might not be able to work it out.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Hannah & Caleb
“Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)
Veronica & Logan
“Veronica Mars” (2004-19)
Zack & Kelly
“Saved By The Bell” (1989-93)
Brenda & Dylan
“Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000)
Freddie & Sam
“iCary” (2007-12)
#1: Nathan & Haley
“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)
Top 10 Nathan & Haley Moments on One Tree Hill
Even though the show wasn’t centered on their love story, Nathan and Haley are undeniably the fan favorite couple of this very dramatic teen drama. When they first got together he was the popular jock and she was the innocent “tutor girl”, but they defied those stereotypes to become one of the sweetest couples in TV history. Most relationships that start in high school don’t last, but we actually got to see these two grow up together because of the time jump that “One Tree Hill” employed in season five.
