The 15 Best LGBTQ+ Couples In TV History

Television has introduced audiences to many LGBTQ+ couples whose stories shaped plotlines, marked milestones, and expanded representation across genres and networks. From ensemble comedies to teen dramas and sci-fi epics, these pairings anchored long-running arcs, weddings, and character growth that influenced their shows’ main narratives. Below are fifteen couples whose on-screen relationships were central to their series and continue to be referenced in discussions of TV history and LGBTQ+ storytelling.

Willow Rosenberg & Tara Maclay in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’

Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson portrayed this couple through multiple seasons, integrating their relationship into major storylines involving magic, grief, and recovery. Their partnership developed from friends to cohabiting partners, with episodes that centered their domestic life and conflicts over power and consent. The characters shared key scenes during pivotal arcs such as the aftermath of Joyce’s death and the Dark Willow storyline. Their relationship influenced Willow’s character trajectory across the remainder of the series.

Bette Porter & Tina Kennard in ‘The L Word’

Jennifer Beals and Laurel Holloman played longtime partners navigating co-parenting, breakups, reconciliation, and marriage across the franchise. Their storylines spanned custody disputes, career decisions, and family planning, frequently intersecting with the show’s broader friend group. The couple’s dynamic continued into the sequel series, where they co-parent and revisit their connection. Their relationship functions as a backbone for ensemble plotlines set in Los Angeles.

Mitchell Pritchett & Cameron Tucker in ‘Modern Family’

Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet’s characters adopt and raise their daughter, with parenthood shaping many of the show’s comedic and logistical plots. The series follows their engagement and wedding, including bachelor-party plans and ceremony mishaps. Extended-family episodes place them at the center of holiday traditions, school milestones, and home moves. Their household serves as one of the three pillars of the multigenerational mockumentary format.

David Rose & Patrick Brewer in ‘Schitt’s Creek’

Dan Levy and Noah Reid’s characters build a relationship that grows alongside their business partnership at Rose Apothecary. Their engagement includes an original musical serenade and family involvement in planning. The final season focuses on wedding preparations, vendor chaos, and community support. Their arc also documents professional collaboration, immigration paperwork, and shared living arrangements.

Callie Torres & Arizona Robbins in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Sara Ramirez and Jessica Capshaw portray surgeons whose relationship spans hospital mergers, parenting, and medical crises. Major plotlines involve their car accident, amputation, and differing visions for career opportunities. They navigate marriage, separation, and custody of their daughter, with courtroom proceedings and mediation shaping multiple episodes. Their story intersects with surgical leadership changes and cross-department collaborations.

Connor Walsh & Oliver Hampton in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’

Jack Falahee and Conrad Ricamora’s characters move from a hookup to a long-term partnership framed by legal investigations and cybersecurity expertise. Their engagement and wedding involve the full ensemble, with vows interrupted by ongoing cases. The series tracks Oliver’s role as a strategist and Connor’s ethical challenges within the Keating circle. Their relationship is documented through proposals, separations, reunions, and a final commitment.

Captain Raymond Holt & Kevin Cozner in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’

Andre Braugher and Marc Evan Jackson play a married couple whose episodes feature academic life, art, and the precinct’s interventions. Storylines include their separation and reconciliation, with mediation by the squad and a heist-style anniversary celebration. The show highlights their home routines, Cheddar the corgi, and yearly traditions disrupted by work. Their dynamic often contrasts the captain’s leadership style with the demands of partnership and academia.

Piper Chapman & Alex Vause in ‘Orange Is the New Black’

Taylor Schilling and Laura Prepon’s characters reconnect at Litchfield, with flashbacks establishing their pre-incarceration history. Their on-off relationship spans prison politics, solitary confinement, and transfers between facilities. Business plots intersect with their romance, including contraband operations and post-release plans. The series concludes with developments that place them on different sides of the prison walls while maintaining contact.

Kurt Hummel & Blaine Anderson in ‘Glee’

Chris Colfer and Darren Criss portray a couple who meet through show choir competitions and transfer schools during their courtship. Their engagement and wedding involve multiple musical numbers and appearances by returning cast members. Plotlines include long-distance strains, career pursuits, and family participation in ceremonies. Their relationship is integrated into competitions, holiday episodes, and alumni reunions.

Nick Nelson & Charlie Spring in ‘Heartstopper’

Kit Connor and Joe Locke star as classmates who begin a relationship that develops through school events, rugby practice, and group trips. The series follows Nick’s coming-out process, conversations with family, and social-media disclosures. Episodes cover boundaries, mental health, and supportive friendships around them. Their story also tracks exam pressures, birthday plans, and evolving friend-group dynamics.

Nomi Marks & Amanita Caplan in ‘Sense8’

Jamie Clayton and Freema Agyeman’s characters form a partnership that endures surveillance, fugitivity, and globe-spanning chases. Amanita becomes a key ally to the sensate cluster, assisting with escapes, safe houses, and research. Their commitment progresses through a proposal and wedding that gather the ensemble. The couple’s scenes blend sci-fi mythology with practical logistics like forged documents, travel coordination, and medical procedures.

Ruby & Sapphire in ‘Steven Universe’

This pair of Gems forms Garnet through fusion, and episodes depict both their individual identities and their unified presence. Their wedding showcases Gem customs, attire swaps, and a ceremony attended by the Crystal Gems and human friends. Storylines examine consent, stability, and the mechanics of fusion during conflicts. Their relationship anchors lessons about identity, partnership, and teamwork throughout the series.

Stef Foster & Lena Adams in ‘The Fosters’

Teri Polo and Sherri Saum play co-parents managing a blended household of biological, adopted, and foster children. The series follows their marriage, workplace challenges in law enforcement and school administration, and home renovations. Key plots include fostering placements, adoption proceedings, and disciplinary decisions. Their relationship is central to family meetings, school events, and neighborhood conflicts.

Eric Effiong & Adam Groff in ‘Sex Education’

Ncuti Gatwa and Connor Swindells portray classmates whose relationship intersects with school discipline, family expectations, and personal growth. Episodes include secret dating, public acknowledgments, and breakups tied to communication struggles. The show depicts detentions, therapy sessions, and exam periods around them. Their arc traces shifting power dynamics at school and at home.

Omar Shanaa & Ander Muñoz in ‘Elite’

Omar Ayuso and Arón Piper play students who balance a clandestine relationship with pressure from families and elite school politics. Their storyline includes health challenges, secret meetups, and decisions about study and travel. Club scenes, parties, and class projects place their romance against broader mystery plots. The couple navigates trust issues, reconciliations, and departures that affect the friend group.

Share your favorite TV couple from the list—or one we missed—in the comments and tell us why their story resonated with you.