Top 20 Gay Male TV Couples of All Time

Besides making for pure entertainment, this musical drama series highlights the unique kinds of support that LGBTQ people can gain from relationships. Although beloved by his mother, Jamal has a complicated relationship with his father, largely owing to a lack of acceptance. Despite the challenges Jamal faces as a member of the high-powered Lyon family, his partner Michael is there for him. The duo certainly goes through their share of ups and downs, with cheating and career aspirations getting in the way. But at their best, they provide some much-needed relief from major family drama.

Let’s just say this duo got an unconventional start. However, their unique beginnings set the stage for the entirety of this comedy series. The divorce lawyers developed feelings for one another without their spouses’ knowledge, and they break the news in the pilot. Viewers see them through a wedding, retirement dilemmas, and even conflicts about gay politics. They may have found true love late in life, but they make the most of every minute. While Grace and Frankie’s rock-solid friendship is obviously a draw, Robert and Sol’s bond is the romantic lifeblood of the show.

#18: Sam Eliot & Grizz Visser “The Society” (2019)

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Who knew the disappearance of every adult in a small town would be conducive to romance? Although this mystery teen drama series only ran for one season, that’s all this couple needed to make a mark. The likable athlete Grizz first approaches Sam at the teens’ prom celebration. But their romance goes so much deeper than flirting. After Grizz decides to learn American Sign Language to better get to know his crush, the rest is history. With a fantastic first kiss scene that will leave you cheering, this couple is a bright spot in a serious narrative.

#17: Patrick Murray & Kevin Matheson “Looking” (2014-16)

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We’ll openly admit that Patrick isn’t always the most likable protagonist. He makes plenty of mistakes in his relationships. In fact, Patrick’s affair with his boss Kevin at a video game design job finds both men stepping out on their current partners. But we’re sold because of the intense romantic tension between them and their undeniable chemistry. By the time we get to the movie, Patrick finds a bond with an old flame. But in the series proper, his romance with Kevin has excitement, spark, and danger that make for simply great TV.

“Degrassi” has had no shortage of gay characters and couples. However, Riley and Zane’s romance manages to stand apart from the rest. When they meet, Zane is a confident, out-and-proud athlete and head of Degrassi’s LGBT Club. Riley is also an athlete but hasn’t come to terms with his sexuality. While there’s definitely tension in their relationship at first, they come to understand each other and Zane ultimately helps Riley come out. It’s touching to see two young gay characters who defy stereotypes. Despite the social pressures of high school, the two come into their own identities.

As Cersei could tell you, clandestine relationships in Westeros are never quite as secret as the lovers may hope. Despite Renly’s engagement to Loras’ sister, Renly Baratheon and the Knight of the Flowers carried on a secret relationship. Their hidden romance unfortunately ended in tragedy. When the noble Renly attempts to go for more power, he dies due to a plot from his brother Stannis. Some book fans expressed disappointment that Loras would later move on to be with another man. However, this couple’s time in the spotlight won’t be soon forgotten.

Werewolf twin brothers Ethan and Aiden transferred to Beacon Hills High School in order to get close to Scott. This led to Ethan beginning a relationship with resident sweetheart Danny. Though he begins as an antagonist, his genuine feelings for Danny begin to make his allegiances waiver, and he ultimately defects and joins Scott’s pack. Their romance was one of the anchoring storylines of the drama’s third season. It was also satisfying that fan-favorite Danny got a legitimate and sincere love interest. At the same time, Ethan’s journey from villain to hero made him one of the most dynamic recurring characters on the series. Despite taking place in a supernatural series, it was great to see these characters were full of humanity and love.

#13: David Fisher & Keith Charles “Six Feet Under” (2001-05)

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Alan Ball’s HBO series “Six Feet Under” received much praise for its portrayal of David and Keith’s relationship. Both characters are relatable, realistic, and grounded. Their romance stands as one of the main storylines of the series. After Keith helps David accept his sexuality, the two are able to lean on each other amidst issues with their dysfunctional families. Their love for each other is definitely intense. Their passionate relationship takes them to the highest highs and the lowest lows. Nonetheless, their passion is evident every time they appear on screen together. Despite these two large personalities often conflicting, there was never any doubt that they were right for each other.

#12: Raymond “Ray” Jacob Holt & Kevin Cozner “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-)

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The straight-laced Captain Ray Holt found love in the equally stone-faced Kevin Cozner. No, not Costner. Since Ray had to deal with prejudice surrounding his race and sexuality, Kevin isn’t particularly fond of the nine-nine. But the career choices these two men make can’t keep them apart. It’s also refreshing to see the fact that these two characters are gay is never made to be a big deal in the series. Seeing vulnerability in the seemingly unshakeable Ray provides the show with some rare moments of poignancy amidst all the silliness. However, this doesn’t mean that the couple doesn’t get their share of laughs.

At the outset of this thriller series, Connor seemed like he would just be fulfilling the stereotype of the promiscuous gay man. However, after a brief fling with hacker Oliver, his rough exterior begins to soften. Very often Oliver’s sweet nature is at odds with Connor’s coldness, but they manage to even each other out, always looking out for one another. The duo’s romance is just as complicated and messy as any straight relationship on the series. And the show also tackles the major issue of HIV while never tokenizing either of the characters. Throughout the series, they have someone to turn to in the dark world they live in.

While this duo start out as school buddies, they become so much more. The beginning of their romantic relationship isn’t exactly smooth sailing. In particular, Connor’s father takes issue with Jude, whom he suspects is gay. Although this certainly makes spending time together more difficult, their bond prevails. Their first kiss is definitely swoon-worthy. However, their best moment arguably comes far later. When they’re briefly reunited after their breakup, it’s obvious how much their romance still means to both young men. Ultimately, Jude and Connor’s story is one of hard-won first love and all its complications.

To say Brian and Justin’s relationship got off to a dysfunctional start would be an understatement. But as the series progressed, their feelings for each other definitely became more genuine. Though the relationship becomes contentious on more than a few occasions, their love for one another manages to shine through and they rectify things when times get tough. Even when the two aren’t together, it’s clear that they care deeply for one another. It was one of the first U.S. based show to feature a well rounded gay relationship arcs anchor an entire series. By showing all the ups and downs of this pairing, Justin and Brian felt like real people.

#8: David Rose & Patrick Brewer “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

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The oldest Rose child is an all-too-rare pansexual character on TV that famously likes (Insert broll for “the wine, not the label.” here) While David is acclimating to a new small-town life, things get a lot easier for him once Patrick steps into the picture. They meet in Season 3 when the latter wants to get involved with David’s new business venture. Although the oldest Rose child isn’t sure about Patrick’s sexual orientation, it soon becomes clear that there’s something blossoming between them. With a tender affection for one another and a wedding for the ages, what isn’t there to love about this couple?

This miniseries throws a wrench in a budding romance ― and that’s putting it lightly. Philip has already faced serious adversity by the events of the pilot. But his new life with his foster mother sheriff Helen Torrance and his complicated lover is still upended. During the series, he and Lukas witness a serious crime. But the idea of coming clean is complicated since Lukas is totally closeted. Clearly, no young lovers should be put through this kind of stress. But it’s remarkable how they make it through such hard times. In fact, the experience manages to be a catalyst for a better relationship.

After we first meet Mason in Season 4 of this series, his storyline becomes much more prominent in the following installment. As this brainy member of Scott McCall’s pack comes to terms with his supernatural abilities, he helps Corey find his way forward too. Their bond is tested again and again as their lives grow more dangerous. However, medical crises, resurrections and everything in between can’t get in the way of their love. It’s truly uplifting to see these two overcome rim odds together. Their story isn’t just about monsters and magic ― it’s also about loyalty and growth.

This Norwegian teen drama series has many things going for it, including an innovative release strategy. But its depiction of a gay teen romance is also impressive. Isak’s relationship with Even becomes the central storyline of the third installment. At first, it isn’t easy for Isak to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality. But the connection between the pair is obvious from their many times locking eyes at school. Suffice it to say, it’s refreshing to see a season of TV focus so squarely on a same-sex relationship. The spotlight on their romance may have been inspiring to audience members who could relate.

#4: Kurt Hummel & Blaine Anderson “Glee” (2009-15)

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Viewers swooned when Blaine debuted with his a cappella rendition of “Teenage Dream.” But no one fell harder than Kurt. Though they started out in rival glee clubs, Blaine eventually comes to McKinley High to be closer to his love. The two would go on to provide some of the show’s loveliest duets. As high school sweethearts, there was surely some drama that would ensue over the course of the series. But even long distance and infidelity couldn’t keep the two apart. They were a fan-favorite couple throughout the series. As the show went on, they helped one another grow through from teens to adults. Eventually they finally achieved their dreams and supported the next generation of gleeks together.

In a series full of hilarious characters and sincere moments, Cam and Mitchell stand out as two of the most lovable figures. At the series’ onset, they begin their own family by adopting Lily and adding even more chaos to the already chaotic Pritchett family. The high-strung Mitchell is a perfect foil to his partner, Cam, who has a certain flair for the dramatic. Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have fantastic chemistry both comically and romantically. Both also received Emmy nominations for their performances. While they were commended for their humor, they’re more than just sources of comedy. They stood as one of television’s most prominent portrayal of gay parenthood.

#2: Ian Gallagher & Mickey Milkovich “Shameless” (2011-21)

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While this may be one of the most toxic relationships on this list, this duo has a stirring and complex romance. Both men had to overcome poverty and traumatic family histories. They even begin as enemies before an altercation reveals their attraction to one another. After several seasons of major dysfunction, Mickey finally announced his sexuality in one of TV’s most radical coming out scenes. He later becomes critical in helping Ian with his bipolar disorder. The messiness of the relationship serves as a refreshingly different gay coming of age story. It’s safe to say we’ve never seen a gay relationship on TV quite like this one.

Is there a single gay pairing on TV more beloved than “Malec”? Perhaps not, and we can understand why. While the duo have such different personalities, their chemistry is simply off the charts. Magnus Bane is a funny and charismatic warlock who happens to walk into Alec’s life at exactly the right time. Unfortunately, their relationship is put on hold for a time due to an inconvenient arranged marriage. But that means we get a truly epic scene where Magnus interrupts the wedding and declares his love. Fans fell in love with their healthy, realistic and swoon worthy relationship. This duo is TV magic ― literally.