Top 20 Best Teen Drama Couples of All Time

“Smallville” (2001-11)
For roughly a decade, fans were hooked on this “Will they?/Won’t they?” couple. Unlike most other pairings under this trope, however, Clark and Lana don’t get a happy ending. The two start off as friends before realizing their feelings can’t be kept at bay. In any other show, this relationship might have progressed organically. But things tend to get a little complicated when you’re in love with the last son of Krypton. With extraterrestrial forces and Lana’s equally complex relationship with Lex Luthor in the way, the pair’s shot at happiness is constantly derailed. Still, their undeniable chemistry made fans tune into “Smallville” time and again, cementing Clark and Lana as one of the defining teen couples of the early aughts[b].

“All American” (2018-)
It takes some time before the romantic undertones of this couple fully surface, but Spencer and Olivia have a clear connection from the first time they share the screen. In a tension-heavy sports drama, the pair provides the perfect balancing act. Where certain “All American” storylines about class struggles can feel particularly heavy, this romance ignites a refreshing sense of hope. Sure, some of their problems lean into genre tropes. However, most of the challenges that Spencer and Olivia face are dealt with a mature touch, reflecting the real-life parallels the series shoots for. Ultimately, the culmination of their arc feels entirely earned, offering a heartfelt reminder that happy endings might just be real.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
Among the most groundbreaking relationships in TV history, this romance remains a fan favorite to date. Initially paired with Oz as one of the show’s primary couples, Willow eventually begins to realize her feelings for Tara. While Oz offered her love and stability, it’s Tara who provides Willow with the clarity she needs. Their journey is ultimately centered around growth and self-discovery, even if it is a constant work in progress. Bringing major representation of LGBTQ+ romances on screen, Willow and Tara’s story has deeply resonated with fans across generations. And though their romance meets an untimely and tragic end, its profound impact continues to be felt to this day.

“Riverdale” (2017-23)
This self-professed weirdo and the perennial girl next door make for a captivating duo. More so than any of Archie’s romances, “Riverdale” fans tuned in to see how the Betty-Jughead dynamic played out. The fact that actors Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart[d] were a real-life couple at the time added even more intrigue, as Jughead and Betty’s chemistry sizzled on-screen. Admittedly, this CW show got more outlandish the longer it went on. But it was hard to resist at its best. The “Bughead” romance represents the series during its prime, pulling viewers into this unconventional yet magnetic pairing.

“The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)
We get it! Most fans were rooting for the “Delena” ship. But there’s something endearing about “The Vampire Diaries”’ original pair. For some, Elena’s connection with Stefan feels more natural. While her romantic tension with Damon[f] is palpable, you can’t deny the inherent warmth and unwavering support that Stefan provides. The “Stelena” pairing was the foundation of the show’s success, propelling “The Vampire Diaries” to mainstream popularity. Their bond wasn’t just built on attraction – it was a deep and enduring friendship. Where she helped him reconnect with his humanity, Stefan’s influence opened Elena up to possibilities she couldn’t have imagined. They may not have been endgame, but the Elena-Stefan romance remains one of the show’s biggest home runs.

“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)
No matter how much they try to avoid confronting their feelings, these two always find their way back to each other. For better or for worse, Lucas and Peyton were meant to be. Though their dynamic comes with a lot of heartbreak (sorry, Brooke), they just can’t stay apart. From dealing with fractured family bonds to navigating struggling careers, Lucas and Peyton are forever entangled. Most of “One Tree Hill” revolves around their on-again, off-again dynamic, which fans couldn’t help but root for. But as the show matured, so did their relationship. And against all odds, this couple finally makes it work. Their story shows that while true love is never easy, it’s always worth fighting for.

“Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)
This student-teacher relationship may be somewhat controversial, but “Ezria” fans will be quick to tell you that there’s nothing creepy about it, especially after the show jumped forward five years in its seventh season. This on-again, off-again couple has broken up and gotten back together in almost every season of the show, but viewers know that they’re meant to be - even when Ezra and Aria themselves may doubt it. Fortunately, this is one TV couple that got their happily ever after, with an engagement, a wedding and even plans for an adoption in their future. These guys are in it for the long haul.

“Everwood” (2002-06)
“Everwood” may not have quite cemented itself in the upper echelon of teen dramas, but the Ephram-Amy pairing remains unforgettable. These two are constantly on the cusp of something more, but life always seems to have other plans. In the early days, their friendship revolves around Ephram’s unrequited feelings for Amy, as teen romances usually go. However, their eventual relationship spirals into a series of false starts and missed opportunities. From misunderstandings, academic struggles, or other romantic interests, something continually seems to get in their way. But we’ll admit it – that’s what makes them so much fun to watch. Sure, their ending might feel a bit rushed, but fans still get that big emotional payoff they’ve been waiting for the show’s entire run.

“My So-Called Life” (1994-95)
Despite lasting just one season, “My So-Called Life” remains one of the most critically acclaimed teen dramas in TV history. While framed as a coming-of-age story for main character Angela Chase, the show also explores her complex relationship with classmate Jordan Catalano. Through the ups and downs of adolescence, Angela and Jordan are inexplicably drawn to each other. Although they’re only “officially” a couple for a solitary episode, their relationship embodies the delicate nature of young love. Heartwarming at times and frustrating in others, this duo captures how teenage romances ebb and flow with each day. With that in mind, the show’s early cancellation is almost poetic, leaving fans to decide for themselves if these two ever made it work.

“Veronica Mars” (2004-07; 2019)
Most of the couples we’ve mentioned went from friends to lovers – but this pair follows a very different path. Beginning the series at odds, Veronica and Logan take a 180-degree turn few could have seen coming. From barely standing each other to falling head over heels, this couple proves that there’s a fine line between love and hate. Thanks to the show’s neo-noir format, fans are given a refreshing lens to follow Veronica and Logan’s journey. Each season’s central mystery pushes their relationship to its limits, creating an emotional tug-of-war that divides the audience. In the final season, fans are teased with the possibility of their happily-ever-after. Ultimately, though, Veronica suffers an agonizing loss that leaves everyone heartbroken.

“Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000)
As a global phenomenon in the ‘90s, “90210” popularized the teen soap opera genre. Whether you’re inclined toward the Donna and David romance or the Dylan and Brenda ship, there’s a lot of relationship drama to go around. Dylan’s similarly complicated relationship with Kelly created a love triangle that had viewers at the edge of their seats. Still, his romance with Brenda remains the show’s biggest talking point. In a classic case of the good girl falling for the bad boy, the couple’s “opposites attract” dynamic never lost its appeal. The world was sadly robbed of Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry far too soon, but their unforgettable performances as these iconic characters will continue to define a generation.

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)
This entry may be cause for some debate as Rory has several significant relationships throughout the run of the show. But her romance with Jess made every bookworm girl believe she could find a bad boy who loved to read as much as she did - and that’s special. These two definitely had their ups and downs, but as the series progressed, Jess matured into a great guy who wanted the best for Rory. There weren’t many people in Stars Hollow rooting for these two (except Luke), but viewers certainly loved them together. If only the show had had a different romantic ending in store for the couple.

“Teen Wolf” (2011-17)
While their initial story may have been one of unrequited love, with Stiles harboring a crush on Lydia for years before anything came of it, Lydia eventually came to realize she felt the same way. It took many seasons of shippers hoping, but in season 6, after some earlier teases, these two finally confessed their feelings to each other and “Stydia” became a reality. And come on… wasn’t them finally getting together all the more satisfying because we had to wait for it? Stiles and Lydia care strongly for one another, and are deeply committed to keeping each other safe, which, given the lives they lead, they’ve had ample opportunity to demonstrate.

“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)
Lucas and Peyton may have been intended as the main romance of the show, but they were easily eclipsed by Nathan and Haley. These two have been through pretty much everything together, from car crashes to kidnappings to school shootings. They’ve shared many kisses in the rain, and despite some ups and downs, have always come back to each other. After the series jumped forward several years, we got to see what Naley was like with a child in the mix and, of course, they were the perfect parents. They made us believe that maybe high school marriages actually can work out in the end - you just need the right partner.

“Dawson's Creek” (1998-2003)
This is one story where the protagonist doesn’t end up with the girl next door - and it makes so much sense. From the beginning, there was chemistry between Dawson’s friends Joey and Pacey even though Joey did end up with Dawson for a period of time. The tension between these two was always undeniable, and you’d be hard-pressed to find any dedicated viewer of the series who thought that Joey made the wrong choice by opting to be with Pacey over Dawson. In the finale, they finally made the decision that fans thought they should’ve made all along, ending up together after many years of strife.

“The O.C.” (2003-07)
Seth and Summer may not have had the drama that Marissa and Ryan did, but they were definitely the most adorable couple in Orange County. This is a classic tale of opposites attracting, with popular girl Summer falling for comic book nerd Seth. Their banter and bickering made them feel totally relatable, adding some much needed levity to a show that otherwise had a habit of taking itself quite seriously. We’re so happy these two ended up together. Captain Oats and Princess Sparkle forever!

“Glee” (2009-15)
Though the “popular quarterback dating the artistic loner” trope may be a staple of teen movies and television, Hudsonberry proved to be so much more. Sure, their relationship may have gotten off to a rocky start, but as it progressed, Finn and Rachel proved to have a very real and deep connection. Of course, this on-screen chemistry was only intensified by the fact that Lea Michele and Cory Monteith dated in real life. Sadly, Monteith’s sudden death brought an abrupt and tragic end to this ill-fated TV relationship. Though we may have never gotten to see the fairytale ending we all wanted for Finchel, this couple will forever be immortalized in the hearts of fans.

“The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)
Of the many couples on “The Vampire Diaries,” Damon and Elena are the undisputed fan favorite. In fact, in an “E! News” showdown, they were actually voted the number one TV couple of all time, beating out many other pairs from shows with passionate fandoms. It’s been a very, very long road for Delena, having experienced countless roadblocks, ups and downs over the course of their relationship. Vampire romance always has that dark and dangerous quality that makes it so enticing, but even by vampire standards, Damon and Elena’s is a love story for the ages.

“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
In a stark departure from the “Gossip Girl” books, Chuck and Blair became the most rooted-for couple in this dramatic series set on New York’s Upper East Side. From their steamy initial hookup to their happily ever after, this somewhat dysfunctional couple gave fans plenty of intrigue. While Serena and Dan may have been the slightly more wholesome and predictable couple to ship, Chuck and Blair were all about the excitement, the drama and, of course, the breakups and makeups. Needless to say, viewers just couldn’t get enough of them.

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

This Pairing Kickstarted Another Iconic Love Triangle for the Series

An On-Again, Off-Again Couple That Puts Ross & Rachel to Shame

A Young Romance That Reminds Many of Their First Heartbreak

A Romance That Neither Can Quit

What’s a Love Story Without a Little Danger?

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)


Buffy Summers has major relationships with two reformed vampires throughout the run of the show. Although fans are split on which one they like more, we’ve got to give this title to the more iconic of the two pairings - Buffy and Angel. Long before other vampire romances hit the teen drama TV scene, these two were playing out the inevitable dramas that occur when one member of a couple is undead. Their love wasn’t meant to be, but for the seasons they were together, our ‘90s hearts couldn’t get enough.

Which teen TV couple still leaves you swooning? Let us know in the comments.

[b]Awts
[c]TAIR-uh
[d]LIL-ee RYN-hart
[e]Eh-LAY-nuh and STEF-uhn
[f]DAY-muhn
[g]LOO-kuss and PAY-tuhn
[h]EHZ-ruh and AH-ree-uh
[i]EFF-ruhm and AY-mee
[j]DAY-muhn and Eh-LAY-nuh