Romance on TV is not dead. In fact, it’s been a great year with sweetness and steam on both cable and network TV.
It doesn’t matter if you like angst, a slow burn, sweetness, or a whole lot of steam, there was something for everyone this season. Here’s a look back at just some of our personal favorites.
Steamiest Sex
Jamie and Claire – ‘Outlander’
Jamie and Claire’s honeymoon night was done from largely Claire’s female perspective. Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe’s eyes told as much of the story as did their explicit actions. Finally, a series that matched sensuality, romance, steam, and intimacy in a scene that left women satisfied, panting, and wanting a drink after.
Best Make-up Sex
Oliver and Connor – ‘How To Get Away With Murder’
With apologies to One Republic, it’s never too late to apologize, as Connor proves. Despite having broken each other’s hearts, Connor and Oliver finally pushed past the hurt. Hopefully, they keep going down this road because they bring out the best in each other.
Just Do It Already Couple
Daryl and Carol – ‘The Walking Dead’
There’s slow burn, and then there are these two who seem to be the only adults in the zombie apocalypse who can’t see what’s right in front of them. Caryl shippers not only had an emotional reunion between these two, but they also had to deal with them lying on a bed with a heart-to-heart conversation…and NOTHING happened. Do we need to draw them a diagram explaining how it works?
On page 2: ‘Once Upon A Time,’ ‘Doctor Who,’ and ‘Glee’
Best Morning After Afterglow
Robin and Regina – ‘Once Upon A Time’
How can you not love anyone, other than a vampire, who made spending the night in a tomb together seem hot? These two have been through a lot and right now they are apart, longing for each other because they’ve both decided to put their needs second. Somebody has to do some magic to work this one out.
Best First Date
Killian and Emma – ‘Once Upon a Time’
First dates are always awkward. Do you kiss? When do you kiss? What do you talk about? Are you talking too much? In the end these two finally stopped overthinking it and just connected.
Most Tragic Couple
Danny and Clara – ‘Doctor Who’
Just when you thought Clara had found the best boyfriend ever, the romance is snatched away from her when Danny Pink is killed in a random car accident. Danny, because of his moral code, won’t even come back to Clara when given the chance. He instead chooses to right a wrong. We are still crying over this one.
Cutest Burgeoning Love
Sam and Rachel – ‘Glee’
Sam and Rachel have each had their share of hard times. Would anyone have predicted a few years ago that they would have found each other? There’s something starting here, but will the series run out before we get a solid answer?
On page 3: more ‘Glee,’ ‘The Flash,’ and ‘The Legend of Korra’
Best Making the Commitment Couple
Santana and Brittany – ‘Glee’
Santana and Brittany aren’t high school students anymore. They’ve grown up, spent time apart, and now realize just what they had with each other. They’ve been there for each other, and hopefully brought others around to the ideas of love and acceptance.
Most Adorably Awkward I Love You
Barry and Iris – ‘The Flash’
Oh, don’t you just want to cuddle Barry and tell him it’s going to all work out? Despite the current state of affairs, WestAllen shippers have not given up. We are all rooting for you, Barry. Hang in there.
Best Going Off Into the Sunset
Korra and Asami – ‘The Legend of Korra’
After battles, death and hardships, these two finally decide to get away from it all. Korra and Asami pick time to spend together on a vacation, one that they both really needed after everything they’ve been through.
