Top 10 Underrated Sitcom Couples

The eponymous middle child may be the star of the show, but this beloved sitcom wouldn’t be the same without the underrated team of Hal and Lois. Before he shot to major stardom in “Breaking Bad”, Bryan Cranston stole our hearts as the central family’s hapless but loving father. Jane Kaczmarek played Lois, matriarch and bad cop to Hal’s good cop. It’s definitely a case of opposites attract, but this duo’s marriage is built to last. They don’t have much money and the boys are basically out of control. But there’s a lot of love in that household and the parents are at the root of it. They always have each other’s back and after many years of chaos, they’re still passionate about each other.

Of the three central couples in “Modern Family”, Cameron and Mitchell don’t always have the easiest time – perhaps that’s why they get overlooked. Mitchell finds Cam embarrassing and oversensitive at times. Cameron thinks Mitch is a little repressed. So why are they on this list? Sitcom couples are often painted in broad strokes, but Cam and Mitch are less cookie-cutter. They love each other, but making each other happy doesn’t always come naturally – they work at it. “Modern Family” has its failings when it comes to representation, but where it succeeds is making these two characters into fully rounded human beings. They’re not reduced to being stereotypes. They’re two very different people in a relationship that isn’t always perfect, but is always worth rooting for.

The hit BBC comedy “Ghosts” follows a young married couple who relocate to a haunted manor house after they’re left an unexpected legacy. Although Alison and Mike are regularly upstaged by their ghostly house guests, they’ve become one of our favorite TV pairings of recent years. They’re a happy couple, supportive of each other’s big ideas and content in their relationship. Much of the humor is drawn from Mike’s inability to see the ghosts, and it makes for a fun dynamic. Sam and Jay - their counterparts in the US remake - have a slightly different vibe, and the actors make the characters their own. Both couples are at the heart of their respective series, and they both deserve more love.

Like many sitcom couples, it’s the differences between Dre and Bow that make their dynamic interesting. He’s Compton born and bred, she grew up in a hippy commune. They have different parenting styles and they’re always at odds. In season four, they even come perilously close to splitting for good. But at the end of the day, she loves him and he loves her. They’re both intelligent, family-oriented people, and when hard times come they handle their issues like adults. As one of the few US sitcoms prominently focusing on a Black family, “Black-ish” gives us a central couple who are multifaceted, well-written and genuinely funny. They’re brought to life by the exceptional Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson, and it’s time they get more recognition!

US sitcoms prominently featuring Asian-American families are few and far between. In 2015 “Fresh Off the Boat” became the first to air on primetime TV since 1994’s “All-American Girl.” Based loosely on an autobiography by Eddie Huang, it follows a young Eddie and his family after they move to Florida. Randall Park and Constance Wu play the parents, Louis and Jessica - and they’re fantastic in the roles. It’s another case of strict mom and goofy dad, but the actors sell it to the utmost. Wu became the breakout star, with her pitch-perfect portrayal of Jessica. But it’s the oft-overlooked comic chemistry between the pair that really makes the show sparkle.

Everybody loves Jim and Pam - and for good reason. But they weren’t the only adorable office romance at Dunder Mifflin. Michael Scott had to wait a while to find the right woman to laugh at his jokes, but as season four came to a close, in walked Holly Flax. After all, everyone deserves love, even annoying regional managers. “The Office” writers did a great job of creating a believable character that was also Michael’s perfect match. Holly and Michael have a surprising amount in common and most importantly, they share a sense of humor. Actress Amy Ryan had great chemistry with Steve Carell, and it was lovely to see their characters’ romance blossom.

Raymond Holt is one of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” most iconic characters. An openly gay member of the NYPD, Holt’s career has been stunted by homophobia in the force. However, as Captain of the 99th precinct for much of the series, he’s determined to make his department the best they can be. Although his work persona is solemn and by-the-book, to his husband Kevin, Holt is “the funny one.” Together with their dog Cheddar, Kevin brings out a softer side to Holt. The depiction of their loving and long-term relationship is nothing short of lovely and unique. It’s the definition of a true partnership, and we wish they got more attention for it!

The romance between David Rose and Patrick Brewer from “Schitt’s Creek” became one of the best parts of the series, and we think this couple should be up there with the sitcom greats. For Patrick, who had never kissed another man before meeting David, this is partly a coming out story. It’s sensitively told without being sensationalized and beautifully acted by both Dan Levy and Noah Reid. Despite their different temperaments and journeys, both partners are supportive and non-judgemental of each other. As the series progressed, we watched David and Patrick fall in love and build a healthy, lasting relationship, eventually tying the knot. Their story is straightforward and simple by sitcom standards, but that’s what makes it special.

Nick and Jess shared one of the best TV kisses of all time, and Cece and Schmidt made it work against the odds. But Winston’s romance surprised us the most – it’s also the one that remains the most underappreciated. After joining the LAPD, Winston was partnered with Aly, a straightforward cop who basically told him not to fall in love with her. We’re glad he didn’t listen, because they turned out to be perfect for each other. Slow burn, healthy, and surprisingly drama free, this romantic arc was a pleasure to watch. Winston and Aly moved seamlessly from partners, to friends, to lovers, to spouses and parents, and it felt like a natural progression.

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

Elena & Syd, “One Day at a Time” (2017-20)
A Sweet Teen Romance

Julius & Rochelle, “Everybody Hates Chris” (2005-09)
They Bicker but They’re Crazy About Each Other

Lionel & Anne, “Workin' Moms” (2017-23)
Opposites Attract for This Sitcom Couple

Paul & Jamie, “Mad About You” (1992-99; 2019)
This Duo Are Forever Couple Goals

Jason & Janet, “The Good Place” (2016-20)
An Odd-Couple Match Made in the Afterlife

“Friends” produced some iconic TV pairings during its ten years on the air. If Ross and Rachel were the ‘it’ couple, Monica and Chandler were perhaps the most beloved. Joey was short-changed by the writers when it came to serious romance, but Phoebe had her share of likable love interests. We loved David, the love-struck scientist played by Hank Azaria. But “Friends”’ most underrated couple has to be Phoebe and Mike. Paul Rudd joined the cast pretty late, but he made an impression from the very first meet-cute. Mike’s easy charm and dry sense of humor made him the perfect match for the kookiest member of the gang. By the end, it was hard to imagine a world without him and Phoebe together.