Top 10 Last TV Kisses

Over the course of this dark comedy’s many seasons, these two unlikely lovers have gone through their fair share of ups and downs, including a couple of intense breakups. Ian and Mickey are both quite volatile people, so their goodbyes are rarely without drama. After a stint in prison, Mickey escapes and reunites with Ian, with the pair planning to escape to Mexico; however, at the very last second, Ian decides to stay behind. While this scene is heartbreaking, the fact things did not turn violent shows just how much Mickey has grown over the years. Thankfully, as much as this felt like their final goodbye, it wasn’t actually the end of their story ("Face It, You're Gorgeous").

Considering how often they seemed to get on each other's nerves, the abrasive Sam and the relatively geeky Freddie seemed like a poor match. But sure enough, in keeping with the law of opposites attracting, the teenagers slowly grew closer until their dynamic became a romantic one. Sam and Freddie’s relationship only lasts for a very brief period, as the two quickly realize they are simply too incompatible to make it work - at least at this point in their lives. Although last kisses tend to be tragic, “iCarly” maintains its general lighthearted tone by just having Sam and Freddie behave like – well – teenagers. If there must be a final kiss, why not make it a really long one?

Love is complicated enough without throwing in vampires, a love triangle, and a witch into the mix. Stefan and Elena do not break up for good until Season 4; however, the couple’s most heartbreaking final kiss happens much earlier. When Katherine begins to hurt other people as punishment for the couple refusing to call it quits, Stefan and Elena are left with no choice but to break up in order to protect the ones they love. This kiss provides no closure; in fact, all it does is confirm that Stefan and Elena are still absolutely crazy about each other - and that Katherine is just the worst.

A demon and witch falling in love is likely to produce more than its share of challenges, especially when the two are traditionally better known for being mortal enemies. As one of the most powerful demons in the game, Cole genuinely tries to turn good in order to remain by Phoebe’s side. Sadly, life and The Underworld have other plans. Forced to pick between the love of her life or her sisters, Phoebe has to make the hardest choice of all, and say goodbye to Cole. In hindsight, Phoebe and Cole were doomed from the start, but that does not make this final kiss any less devastating.

Technically speaking, these two had long since parted ways by the time this last kiss occurs; nevertheless — and despite the distance between them — Caroline and Klaus continued to share an almost unbreakable connection. In the last episode of “The Vampire Diaries’” spin-off, the vampire/werewolf hybrid Klaus is finally set to die but cannot find the courage to say goodbye to Hope, his daughter. Caroline steps in to give some advice while also getting some much-needed personal closure between the two of them. Klaus and Caroline were always great together, and this kiss reminds us of just how much more they could have been if only fate had dealt them a different hand.

In a Joss Whedon show, there is no surer sign that a death is on the horizon than a happy couple. Following years of build up, Wesley and Fred finally become an item in Season 5. Want to know how long it takes for the grim reaper to make an appearance? One single episode. With Fred’s soul literally being destroyed to make room for an ancient power, a helpless Wesley is left with nothing to do but watch as his better half slowly fades away. Just in case the scene’s raw emotion was not enough to send everyone running for the tissues, Fred’s final line is guaranteed to trigger the waterworks.

They began as enemies, with Lexa and Clarke each representing two opposing groups struggling to co-exist. In this futuristic version of Earth, peace is hard to come by, but – for a brief period – Lexa and Clarke’s unexpected romance seems set to be the bridge that connects the 12 clans and the Sky People. Then Lexa accidentally takes a bullet meant for Clarke. Lexa’s death is incredibly sudden, bringing to a halt an exciting relationship that had yet to fully blossom - and that tearful kiss goodbye is absolutely heartbreaking. After tasting companionship and tenderness, Clarke is once again back to being an isolated figure with barely anyone to trust.

Not even death can keep these two apart. Like everyone who found themselves stranded on the mysterious island, Sun and Jin experience absolute hell over the course of six seasons. But, through thick and thin, they remain by each other’s side, unwavering in their dedication to one another. So when Sun becomes trapped in a submarine that is quickly filling with water, sure enough Jin is right there to make sure that they go into the dark together. Watching these two awesome characters drown is nothing short of devastating, but at least Sun and Jin go out as a team, sharing one last passionate kiss as they sink.

Sometimes, a kiss on the hand is just as potent as one on the lips . . . and this scene between Claire and Jamie has both. Originating from different eras, Jamie and Claire were never supposed to meet, but that doesn’t stop the couple from falling in love. To get Claire away from dangers posed by the 18th century and the likes of Black Jack Randall, Jamie convinces the accidental time-traveler to return to her safer future. It would not take long for “Outlander” to give these two the reunion they deserved, but even in hindsight, that in no way lessens the impact of Jamie and Claire’s initial goodbye.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Rose & the Doctor
“Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)

Ianto & Jack
“Torchwood” (2006-11)

Carter & Reese
“Person of Interest” (2011-16)

Peyton & Jake
“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)

When Angel – the vampire cursed with a soul – experiences true happiness and, consequently, reverts to the evil Angelus, the titular Slayer has no choice but to face off against her boyfriend. With Angelus’ destruction being the only way to close a portal to hell, Buffy finds the resolve to save the world; however, this is a Joss Whedon series, so of course, Angelus reverts back to Angel in the very last second. This Season 2 moment is not the last time this romance drives a stake through audiences' hearts, but this one stung the most, and was sealed with a kiss that no fan will ever forget.