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Love. It is timeless, it is ageless, it has many definitions and variations, and over the decades we have seen countless versions playing out on television giving us beautiful love stories of all tropes imaginable! There are the epic pairings that you could quote every romantic dialogue of by heart, those two character’s you’ve been rooting for since day one that are almost-not-quite-ready to be more than friends just yet, the enemies-to-lovers who can’t stand each other (or so you think!) but the sexual tension is waiting to break free and have them give in to temptation! Whether they’re old or young, angsty or heartwarming, high school sweethearts or a second chance at love, no matter who they identify as or whom they love, love is love and at the end of the day, that’s all that’s important! And on Valentine’s Day, we decided to celebrate 5 of the many, many, many, many iconic couples of tv over the past few years, none in any particular ranking or order of preference!
1. Oliver Putnam & Loretta Durkin – “Only Murders in the Building” by Anjali
For the first two seasons on “Only Murders in the Building” the spotlight on Oliver Putnam’s love story wasn’t the main focus – there were murders to solve, podcast episodes to record, Charles’ turbulent love affairs to navigate through… until Loretta Durkin entered the picture. Played by Meryl Streep who joined the cast in season 3 as one of the actor’s in Oliver’s production of “Death Rattle”, Loretta went from co-star to suspect to love interest to Oliver’s wife over the course of two seasons! And what a delight it has been; Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s chemistry was off the charts since day one! Their character’s have lived their lives and seen it all and then some, with children of their own, past loves and losses, murder mysteries that threaten the foundation of the relationship that began at a piano, living on different sides of the country and of course, the ever infamous wrinkle that some couples have faced – miscommunication – but, the two of them braved it all because at the end of the day, being with each other was all that mattered. Oliver’s heartfelt confession to Loretta in season 4, episode 7 when they were at Charles’s sister’s house and subsequently Loretta being the one who proposes to him, shows that when two people are committed to one another, anything is possible!
2. Vernon Mullins & Hope McCrea – “Virgin River” by Anjali
Six seasons. Marriages and indiscretions. Dating other people. Vernon “Doc” Mullins and Hope McCrea have been through it all, but if there’s one thing that “Virgin River” does best, it’s showing us all that life and love can be messy, tumultuous, charged with raw emotions and yet also has a way forward to second chances. As the town’s physician and mayor respectively, Doc and Hope are seen not only as two pillars of the community, but two personalities that often times have clashed when at odds with one another, as well as strength and compassion when they work together. At the start of the series, we find out that Doc and Hope used to be married, but separated after he had cheated on her with Charmaine’s mother, twenty years before. They try to get divorced, but given their history, their feelings for each other and even after Doc goes out with Muriel St. Claire, the two of them slowly but surely find their way back with a vow renewal to solidify their relationship once more.
And even after getting together once more, they continue to be an example of a solid couple as they weather the storm with Hope’s TBI diagnosis, Doc’s macular degeneration, the sudden arrival of Doc’s unexpected grandson in the form of Denny Cutler, wildfires spreading throughout the town and prove that second chances go a long way when you have trust, understanding, respect and love.
3. Sam Marnes & Mayor Ruth Jahns – “Silo” by Eve
Sam Marnes has been in love with Mayor Ruth Jahns for most of their lives. Jahns was previously married to Marnes’ best friend Donald and although Donald died, they never crossed that line. They remained friends until recent tragedies made Ruth realize how unpredictable life was, and it was then that she decided to tell Marnes how much he meant to her. Marnes and Ruth shared a beautiful moment, and they had started entertaining the possibility of a future together. Unfortunately, their love was short lived. Mayor Ruth was poisoned and died, Marnes was thrown into a state of mental anguish. He made it his mission in life to find out who killed Mayor Ruth. Then an unknown person broke into Marnes’ house and after a deadly struggle, Marnes was shot and killed in his own living quarters. They were buried next to each other.
4. Phil Dunphy & Claire Dunphy – “Modern Family” by Meredith
Most TV shows and movies focus on marriage as an ending. It comes after drawn out “will they/won’t they” storylines and impossible obstacles. So, when a long-standing couple on a television show is in a healthy, happy marriage, it’s cause for celebration.
Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) Dunphy’s marriage on the hit show “Modern Family” is built on understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Claire may seem like an organized and involved parent, but she’s also crazy competitive, refers to a wild past, and is quick to anger. Phil is the loveable man-child who indulges in childish and sometimes dangerous activities, mainly with their youngest child, Luke. However, Phil is also sensitive and supportive and adores his family. Claire and Phil work together to tackle the failures and successes of parenthood. Still, they also remained committed to maintaining their relationship through role playing (hello, Clive Bixby and Juliana), weekend getaways, and showing affection in front of their kids. They are a couple that genuinely likes each other and doesn’t portray marriage as an ending of fun-killer. After decades of being married, they still love being together, and that’s a TV relationship that should be celebrated.
5. Dr. Paul Rhoades & Dr. Julie Baram – “Shrinking” by Julia
While I adore Liz and Derek, my most favorite couple on “Shrinking” is hands down Paul and Julie. Harrison Ford and Wendie Malick have undeniable chemistry, bringing their dynamic to life with a mix of charm, humor and undeniable sparks. Initially, Julie was Paul’s doctor, treating his Parkinson’s, but once their connection deepened, she passed him off to another physician. After all, dating your patient isn’t exactly encouraged – not that Paul or Julie have ever been the type to worry about what others think. Their scenes together range from tender to downright electric, and let’s be honest as Gaby: most of the time, “super hot” is the only way to describe them. When they’re onscreen together, their age is present but most of the time it’s irrelevant – it’s never hidden, yet it never defines them. The focus is on who they are as people, not the number of years they’ve lived. What you see are two flawed, complex individuals who not only care for each other but are also deeply, unapologetically attracted to one another.
