Top 10 Most Long-Awaited TV Kisses

#10: Damon Salvatore & Elena Gilbert “The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)

Also in:

Top 10 Funniest Damon Salvatore Moments

As soon as Elena quite literally ran into Damon in the second episode of the series, “Vampire Diaries” fans were hooked. Their love triangle with Stefan dragged on, and while there were small nuggets here and there – such as Elena chastely pecking Damon as he lay dying – the two didn’t officially kiss until season three. At the time, Damon and Elena were working to get Stefan back from Klaus, and Stefan and Elena were still together. Though Damon still considered Elena his “brother’s girl” – hello, patriarchy – he kissed her, knowing she would go back to Stefan in the end. It still took another season for these two to get together, but we appreciate the kiss in the meantime.

#9: Brienne of Tarth & Jaime Lannister “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Also in:

Top 10 Badass Brienne of Tarth Moments

Let’s just ignore everything that happens in the last few episodes of “Game of Thrones,” and only remember the good times – like when these two FINALLY locked lips. Jaime and Brienne didn’t start off on the best of terms – honestly, there probably aren’t worse terms two people could start on. But throughout the show, their respect for each other grew – Jaime trusted Brienne enough to tell her the true story behind the Mad King’s death, and Brienne’s honor inspired Jaime to be the knight he always longed to be. Season eight definitely lacks high points, but the scene where Jaime knights Brienne is one of the best in the show’s history – and their long-awaited kiss was pretty great too.

Towards the beginning of “A Different World,” the idea of romance isn’t really on Dwayne or Whitley’s mind – but it certainly was on the audience’s! As the show went on, the chemistry between the two was undeniable. Dwayne might not have been the type of guy Whitley would usually go for – he didn’t have the rich-guy look, he wasn’t on the finance or business track – but he was the only guy who cared to get to know her, and that’s what really matters. Plus, both of these characters dated and loved other people before coming together – they knew themselves and knew what they wanted, which made them perfect for each other… and made this kiss worth the wait.

#7: Luke Danes & Lorelai Gilmore “Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

Also in:

Top 10 Unforgettable Luke & Lorelai Moments

Quick banter and obscure pop culture references a happy couple make! Fans knew from the START that Luke and Lorelai had something special. They’re the epitome of opposites attract – he’s surly, she’s perky. She’s a caffeine addict, he runs a diner that sells coffee – it’s the perfect match. But the showrunners dragged this obviously perfect couple out for four long seasons before fans got that much-anticipated first kiss. In typical “Gilmore Girls” fashion, the build-up to the moment is hilarious and witty – Lorelai’s attempts to figure out if Luke is serious towards her are a hoot – and the culminating moment is absolute perfection.

When it comes to workplace romance, these two might take the cake for the longest wait time. Fans waited seven seasons for these two to finally take the plunge – although they would have to wait a whole other season for them to actually get together. But even though it took forever for them to get there romantically, these two always had each other’s backs. Actor Gabriel Macht even called the pair “each other’s other half.” He’s right: whether it was working a case or being there for each other emotionally – like when Harvey’s dad died – these two were basically in a relationship already, just minus the physical part. And boy, are we glad they added the physical part.

#5: Clark Kent & Lois Lane “Smallville” (2001-11)

Also in:

Top 10 Best Lois & Clark Moments on Smallville

There have been many iterations of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, but these two might win the award for the most screen time without a smooch. Lois didn’t make it onto the show until season four, but when she did, the chemistry she had with Clark was undeniable. Of course, the showrunners made fans wait until season NINE for that chemistry to finally come to fruition – all the while making Clark navigate his superhero life without letting Lois in on his secret. These two had smaller kisses before – but whether it was Clark masquerading as Green Arrow or a run-in with Red Kryptonite, something always made those kisses feel a little less official than this one – which is why it’s perfect.

Talk about making us WAIT FOR IT. Scully and Mulder may as well have invented the idea of the slow romantic burn. Ever since the beginning, the tension – both positive and negative – between these two could cut a knife. It may have had something to do with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny’s reported less than friendly relationship while filming, which could have had a hand in creating sparks on camera – but don’t worry, the two are good friends now. Tension aside, after 143 episodes, our favorite alien-hunting, crime-fighting duo finally locked lips – and at the turn of the century no less. Fitting!

#3: Josh Lyman & Donna Moss “The West Wing” (1999-2006)

Also in:

Top 10 Best Megan Pranks on Drake & Josh

Of course the polls could be the only thing to heighten the tension and finally push these two lovebirds over the hump. It’s hard to imagine “The West Wing” without Josh and Donna – but the relationship almost never existed. Janel Moloney was only hired for one scene in the first episode – the scene where she brings Josh coffee. Apparently, the chemistry between the two actors was so off the charts, producers hired her on as a regular. Seven seasons and much political banter later, the two finally kissed in the wake of a campaign victory. Ah, the romance of politics!

From the first time Niles laid eyes on Daphne, he was smitten … but he was married at the time, so – yeah – couldn’t really do anything about it. But even after Niles’ marriage ended, it took a long time for this relationship to come to fruition. The list of “almosts” for these two is too long to count – from the pair’s explosive tango at the ball, to the Seattle heat-wave fiasco, to Niles losing his nerve time and time again. But all the near misses made it all that more satisfying when the two finally did the deed – kissed, that is. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Seeley Booth & Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan - “Bones” (2005-17) Brennan, That Is NOT What Kissing Your Brother Is Like Joey Potter & Pacey Witter - “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003) Instead of Talking, There’s This Leo Fitz & Jemma Simmons - “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (2013-20) The Cosmos Wants Them Together Michonne & Rick Grimes - “The Walking Dead” (2010-) Walkers Can’t Keep Them Apart Oliver Queen & Felicity Smoak - “Arrow” (2012-20) Never Say Never

We know, we know – this one hasn’t TECHNICALLY happened ... yet! But doesn’t that mean it IS the most long-awaited kiss in television history? And we mean LONG. Stabler and Benson have everything going for them – professional respect, an emotional connection, and physical chemistry through the roof. Look: if you’re willing to die for someone, that’s a pretty good measure of how much you care about them. Christopher Meloni may have left the Special Victims Unit in 2011, but there’s a spin-off coming with Meloni on board … so we’re not writing anything off just yet!