As we watch different television shows, we come across various couples that we like and others that we dislike on a fundamental level. The ones that we like are the ones that we hope to emulate — generally speaking — on an emotional level. These characters do not always survive the trials that they encounter, but even if their relationship falls apart, the journey that they undergo is remarkable in some way that it sticks out to us as impressive and worthy of admiration. Here are five TV couples that I believe we should all admire.
1. Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor (“Queer As Folk”)
By now, most of my friends know about my obsession with all things Brian and Justin — they’re adorable! Although the two have an on-again-off-again relationship throughout the series, each time that they separate and then reunite shows growth both individually and as a couple. At the beginning of the series, Brian is committed only to the idea that “marriage is for heteros” and Justin wants nothing more than for Brian to reciprocate his love. However, as they both continuously transform, by the end of the show’s run they realize that love isn’t changing who a person is fundamentally to satisfy another; sometimes love is letting the other person do what is best for them.
2. Monica Geller and Chandler Bing (“Friends”)
Monica and Chandler go from friends to lovers to a devoted couple over the course of the 10 seasons of “Friends.” Despite their bumps in the road — like when they realize that they cannot conceive — they always stand by each other’s side and are unfalteringly devoted to one another. They love each other for the other’s quirks and potential shortcomings, and despite being opposites, never once tear the other apart.
3. Frank Barone and Marie Barone (“Everybody Loves Raymond”)
Maybe admiring Frank and Marie is a bit of a stretch, but they’re too iconic a TV couple to not include. Most of that can be attributed to the onscreen chemistry and excellent comedic timing that Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts shared. Sure, Frank and Marie are as dysfunctional as any couple gets, but one thing’s certain — they’re always honest with each other. Who can say that about most couples, both fictional and real?
4. Ted Schmidt and Emmett Honeycutt (“Queer As Folk”)
Ted and Emmett’s relationship is a reminder that friends can easily become lovers, but making the transition back into friends when everything falls apart can be difficult. Their relationship is built on a strong foundation of love and respect that grows and takes shape as a new, and perhaps equally powerful, form of love. They are perhaps the strongest couple on the list because although their relationship is short-lived, it undergoes obstacles that threaten their platonic love, nearly collapsing the foundation that their romantic love is built upon. More so, once Ted is almost entirely consumed by his addiction to crystal meth, the two characters have to each make a decision. In Emmett’s case, his decision is either to act as a bystander or sacrifice love so that Ted can recover, and in Ted’s case, he either will perpetuate his downward spiral or recognize that he needs help. In the end, they both make the best decision that will help themselves, as well as their partner, and even though their relationship cannot withstand the suffering, their friendship eventually grows stronger, showing viewers everywhere that even when the tree’s branches are broken in the storm, the roots can remain strong.
5. Jesse Katsopolis and Rebecca Donaldson (“Full House”)
Jesse and Rebecca were everyone’s favorite couple growing up and are worth admiring for their complete devotion to one another. They both are committed not only to each other and their twin boys but also to the Tanner family who need their support. It is rare to see such selfless characters on TV who are willing to put their lives on hold to stand by their family, but these two do just that and stand by their decision at each turn.
