What makes Leslie and Ben special is that they actually communicate. After a forbidden affair (she was his boss), a dramatic breakup, and a reconciliation, they become a power couple of mutual respect. Their relationship storyline is refreshingly low-conflict: they support each other’s ambitions, geek out over spreadsheets, and ultimately build a life together without unnecessary drama. They are the aspirational ideal of adult romance.
Not all great romances are healthy. Heathcliff and Catherine represent a dark, obsessive, and destructive love. Their storyline is a haunting look at how passion can turn into a vengeful force that transcends the grave. 11. Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt ( Parks and Recreation ) -18 - Sex-Positive.2024.720p.WEBRip.-CM-.mp4
A "right person, wrong time" platonic romance. It highlights how two lonely people can find a profound connection that doesn't necessarily need to end in a traditional relationship. 17. Carl and Ellie ( Up ): Shown primarily in a four-minute silent montage, this is the gold standard for representing a lifetime of partnership, grief, and shared dreams. 18. Marianne and Connell ( Normal People ): A study in "intermittency." Their storyline shows how two people can drift in and out of each other's lives for years, acting as each other's "home base" while they struggle to find their own identities. What makes Leslie and Ben special is that
The healthiest marriage in pop culture. Gomez and Morticia are passionately, unironically, and unapologetically in love. They flirt constantly, prioritize date night, and support each other’s eccentricities. Their relationship is a secret romantic ideal: stable, affectionate, and fun. They prove that true love doesn’t require drama—just French, a perfectly manicured hand, and the ability to say "Cara mia" with absolute sincerity. They are the aspirational ideal of adult romance
The most self-aware relationship on television. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend deconstructs romantic tropes while also delivering them. Rebecca and Nathaniel begin as enemies, become adulterous lovers, and eventually find a messy, therapy-approved friendship. Their storyline asks hard questions: What if you’re not good for each other? What if love isn’t enough to fix your mental health? Their final scene—sharing orange chicken, no longer in love but at peace—is the most mature ending on this list.
The original enemies-to-lovers storyline. Jane Austen’s 1813 novel gifted us with a relationship built on misunderstanding, pride, and prejudice—before those were even buzzwords. Darcy’s awkward first proposal ("You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you") is a masterclass in romantic failure, while Elizabeth’s slow realization of his true character is a journey of self-discovery. Every modern romantic comedy owes a debt to this pair.