Top 10 Most Paused TV Love Scenes

“The Tudors” (2007-10)

Period romances are among the steamiest genres. Few embody that as boldly as “The Tudors” does. The first season builds toward the Anne/Henry romance, layering it with several charged-up moments and electrifying encounters. But it’s the finale that pays off their chemistry big-time. No longer denying their attraction, the pair surrender to their desires far from prying eyes. A tryst in the middle of the woods doesn’t exactly scream sexy, but the sheer hunger the lovers have for one another will convince anyone otherwise. Their raw, animalistic connection radiates through the screen even if it doesn’t exactly uphold courtly decorum. In a show featuring bare-skinned moments almost every episode, this one refuses to fade from memory.

“Suits” (2011-19)

Network TV isn’t where you usually go for sizzling love scenes, but “Suits” turns up the heat in its second season finale. Out of excuses, Mike confesses his legal career is built on a lie – he never went to Harvard. What follows is a textbook case of the “Slap-Slap-Kiss” trope, as his and Rachel’s long-simmering attraction reaches its breaking point. So, after the first two slaps, most of us know where this is going. After two seasons of incredible sexual tension, it’s no surprise that when the moment finally arrives, the pair can barely keep their hands off one another. Why bother hopping into a cab and heading home, when you can just hook up in the middle of the file room?

“Mad Men” (2007-15)

It’s as if this series looked for excuses to feature Jon Hamm in all kinds of compromising positions. This season 2 episode had the camera lingering on the actor a lot more than usual – not that we’re complaining! Spending most of it in the arms of his latest conquest, Bobbie Barrett, fans get multiple scenes of Don Draper at his sensual best. While it never goes fully graphic, their love scenes burn with incredible chemistry. Aggressive, powerful, yet emotionally detached, they perfectly capture Don’s complex relationship with sex. Sure, the scenes are important to the plot – but let’s be honest, are we really watching them for the story, or for all the Jon Hamm they have on display?

“Girls” (2012-17)

The characters in this HBO series are usually found in various states of undress. And yet, the fourth season premiere still managed to shock audiences. Despite being with someone else, Desi finds the time to have some fun on the side with Marnie – or in this case, from, err, shall we say, a rather unexpected angle. If you needed any proof of the intensity of their attraction, then the now-infamous kitchen scene does the job. In an interview with “Vulture,” Allison Williams credited its authenticity to “TV magic.” Watching it back, it’s hard to deny just how convincing it is – even if it gets zero points for hygiene!

“Outlander” (2014-)

There’s no shortage of skin in this period romantic drama, but few were prepared for how provocative it could be early in its run. While many prefer the tenderness in Claire and Jamie’s initial hookup, their “rougher” encounter truly popped some eyes. After struggling with the dynamics of their relationship, the pair reach an uneasy resolution. The ensuing physicality emphasizes the fragile nature of their agreement, as each partner vies for dominance. It’s raw, uneasy, yet undeniably intense, as both try to outdo the other in the most aggressive form of intimacy. The scene set the standard for the series, showing fans that there’s a lot more to this couple than meets the eye.

“Weeds” (2005-12)

Bored and frustrated with living off the grid, Nancy gets on the nerves of an attractive bartender, played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar. If you’re used to his wholesome “Saved by the Bell” days, prepare to have that image shattered. Realizing her unruly attitude only ramps up the tension, Nancy continues to provoke him until everything goes off the rails. This dark comedy often pushes the boundaries of provocative content – and there’s no better example than this scene, as our heroine unleashes chaos with her screen partner. Undignified, primal, and even violent, the pair come dangerously close to wrecking the entire establishment during their explosive tryst. So, is the scene seductive, or is it completely unhinged? That’s for you to decide.

“Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)

From on-call rooms to supply closets, the doctors on this show get busy in just about every location. This time, the action spills over to the showers. Irritated with her boyfriend’s daughter, Lexie heads over to Callie’s apartment for a nice, relaxing cleanse – only to stumble upon Callie and Arizona in a steamy shower session. It’s almost a blink-and-miss moment – but that doesn’t stop anyone from hitting the pause button. This couple isn’t shy about passionate displays of affection, and this scene proves it. Not all of it is visible, thanks to some strategically placed mist on the shower glass. But there’s also just enough to leave little to the imagination.

“Homeland” (2011-20)

Assigned to spy on Nicholas Brody, Carrie finds herself falling for him. Relating to his trauma, her integrity begins to blur, as their relationship heats up. Their affair deepens in this episode, adding additional layers to their intimacy. While connecting on a level neither anticipated, Carrie and Brody succumb to their emotions. It’s a surprisingly poignant scene that depicts the complexities of both characters. Though two attractive actors in such an entanglement is visually pleasing, the scene goes beyond that, aligning their passion with the show’s overall narrative. The scene captures two people who truly “get” each other – even if their relationship is doomed to fail.

“Bridgerton” (2020-)

Let’s be honest: the sultry, steamy moments first attracted viewers to this series. Sure, the high-society drama keeps us hooked, but it’s all the racy material that grabbed the world’s attention. After teasing viewers with stolen moments and lingering glances, Simon and Daphne’s brimming attraction finally boils to the surface. Bound by marriage and with their feelings laid bare, the couple embraces what comes next. While their many liaisons during the season are memorable in their own right, this scene gets full points for its sensual execution. And with its bold display of the human form, it’s no wonder the show broke all viewership records upon debut.

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

From the moment they meet, Jon and Ygritte’s relationship beats with palpable tension. Despite all the taunts and insults at his expense – especially her iconic “you know nothing” quote – her attraction to him is undeniable. After several failed attempts, the two finally give in – in an icy cave of all places! Tired of all the games, Ygritte forces Jon to acknowledge their feelings. With everything out in the open, this pair of forbidden lovers waste no time getting down to business. It’s the perfect way to kick-off a romance that was a long time coming. By the end, it’s safe to say that there are certain things Jon does know pretty well.


Which love scene had you glued to the screen? Let us know in the comments.