Top 10 Most Badass TV Couples
#10: Elizabeth & Philip Jennings
“The Americans” (2013-18)
Top 10 Queen Elizabeth II Moments on The Crown
When your show revolves around two KGB officers posing as an American married couple in 1980’s Washington, D.C., there’s bound to be drama and action aplenty. Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, played by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, respectively, are cookie-cutter parents by day and secret soviet spies by night; balancing international espionage with soccer practice and math homework. Throughout the show’s six season run, Elizabeth and Philip play up the sexy spy trope to maximum effect, with each assassination, manipulation, and covert operation adding to their overall badassery. They may not have loved each other in the beginning, but as their bond grew stronger, so did their effectiveness to infiltrate and disrupt the American government.
#9: Clarke Griffin & Lexa
“The 100” (2014-)
Top 10 Most Badass Clarke Moments on The 100
We wish their relationship had a different outcome, but let’s not forget just how badass Clarke and Lexa were before the latter was unceremoniously killed in Season 3. A classic case of forbidden love, what with Clarke being from the Ark and Lexa being a grounder, these two badass ladies formed an unlikely pairing when they got together in Season 2. Chased by both sides and forced to battle all manner of post-apocalyptic dangers, Clarke and Lexa used their skill and intellect to evade capture and death on numerous occasions. Sadly, this couple’s union was cut short by one of television’s worst plot devices.
#8: Richard Castle & Kate Beckett
“Castle” (2009-16)
They may have started as polar opposites, what with Castle being a celebrity crime novelist and perpetual goofball and Beckett a straight-laced police detective, but these two eventually found common ground and have been kicking butt together ever since. They share a passion for solving crimes, with each bringing something different to the table, be it Beckett’s knowledge of the streets or Castle’s ability to think outside the box. From kicking ass and taking names to falling head over heels in love, this badass TV couple engaged viewers in a way that was funny, charming, and wildly entertaining!
#7: Jamie & Claire Fraser
“Outlander” (2014-)
Top 10 Best Jamie & Claire Moments on Outlander
“Outlander”‚ is a time travelling epic that alternates between post-WWII England and 18th century Scotland. It focuses on the relationship between Claire and Jamie; one a stalwart 20th century nurse and the other a worldly Scottish warrior willing to die for his beliefs. Together they battle forces of evil across time and space, forming an unbreakable bond along the way. What makes Jamie and Claire such a badass TV couple is the way they combine their skill sets to solve problems and accomplish their goals. Mixing elements of sci-fi, drama, historical fiction, and romance, “Outlander”, is one of television’s most unique shows and appropriately features one of its most unique couples!
#6: Matt Murdock & Elektra Natchios
“ Daredevil” (2015-18)
Top 10 Jimmy Kimmel Vs. Matt Damon Moments
Is there anything more awesome than a couple sexy superheroes teaming up to simultaneously fight crime and hook up? Such is the case for Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, and Elektra Natchios. The two were a good old-fashioned couple once upon a time; and by that we mean they got off from their mutual love of thrill-seeking and ninja stuff. In the present, their relationship is a little more complicated, but no less badass. Elektra’s introduction to the series brought with it a tonal shift, one that was much darker than the previous season. Thankfully, this just meant more ass-kicking adventures for her and Matt. Also, she died and was resurrected as a weapon for the bad guys, what’s cooler than that?
#5: Ragnar Lodbrok & Lagertha
“Vikings” (2013-)
Ragnar Lothbrok and his wife Lagertha are two battled hardened Viking warriors simultaneously attempting to raise a family and a kingdom together. They raid and pillage their enemies and rule their subjects with open hearts and iron fists. Set in a time of great upheaval“Vikings”, is packed with fantastic action sequences and non-stop drama, with Ragnar and Lagertha participating in both. When he dies, she’s the one to avenge his death and take over as ruler. Unfortunately, this TV couple is no longer together, but the feats of badassery they accomplished in the first four seasons will never be forgotten!
#4: Jessica Jones & Luke Cage
“Jessica Jones” (2015-)
Top 10 Jessica Jones Easter Eggs You Never Noticed
When super strong superheroes hook up, the results are never good for bad guys; and in this particular instance, bed frames. Luke Cage and Jessica Jones are two New York-based individuals with extraordinary abilities who both happen to be running from their dark pasts. They temporarily team up to fight crime, but usually just drink together and discuss all the ways their lives have gone to hell. He’s bulletproof and she drinks her sorrows every day‚ what could possibly go wrong? Seriously, though, these two are as badass as they come, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they join forces again soon.
#3: Daenerys Targaryen & Khal Drogo
“Game of Thrones” (2011-)
Top 10 Badass Daenerys Targaryen Moments
What a king and queen these two would have made! “Game of Thrones” has provided viewers with no shortage of iconic pairings, from Jon Snow and Ygritte to Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand. However, if we were to focus on one, it would have to be Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo. It’s no secret that these two got off to a bit of a rocky start, what with the whole forced marriage thing. But Daenerys quickly earned her husband’s respect and by the end of Season 1 they were well on their way to taking back the Iron Throne together. The strength that these two characters demonstrated in a single season was more than most TV couples share in an entire series!
#2: Buffy Summers & Angel
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
Top 20 Most Badass Buffy Summers Moments
Vampire slayers and vampires typically don’t get along, which makes this iconic TV pairing all the more unique! Buffy and Angel were the definition of “opposites attract,” but somehow found a way to make it work. For the better part of three seasons, they used their abilities to fight all kinds of different evils. In the end, Buffy and Angel just couldn’t make it work and he left to fight the good fight in Los Angeles. This would pave the way for another badass TV pairing in Buffy and Spike, with the latter once again being a vampire who at one point tried to kill her! She clearly has a type
Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:
Chuck Bartowski & Sarah Walker
“Chuck” (2007-12)
Remi "Jane Doe" Briggs & Kurt Weller
“Blindspot” (2015-)
Michael Bishop & Nikita Mears
“Nikita” (2010-13)
#1: Rick Grimes & Michonne
“The Walking Dead” (2010-)
Top 20 Times Rick from The Walking Dead Went Beast Mode
Being a badass is pretty much a prerequisite in order to survive a zombie apocalypse and unless Daryl Dixon and Negan ever hook up, Rick and Michonne are the most badass couple “The Walking Dead” has to offer. After spending way too much time grieving for his wife, who let’s face it was a total dud, Rick finally allows himself to find happiness with Michonne, a katana-wielding, walker-killing badass of the highest degree. Together they lead a group of survivors through the darkness of their new world, which is plagued equally by flesh-eating monsters and deranged humans. Richonne, we salute you!
