10 Couples Fans Still Root for Years After the Finale

Some TV couples leave such a strong mark that fans still talk about them years after the shows ended. These pairs had chemistry, emotional moments, and storylines that made people believe in their love. Viewers still rewatch their best scenes and hope they would find their way back to each other. From high school sweethearts to unlikely partners, these are the couples fans still root for long after the finale.

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Ross Geller and Rachel Green – Friends

Ross and Rachel’s on-and-off relationship defined an entire era of television. Their “will-they-won’t-they” tension became one of the show’s biggest draws, sparking debates among viewers. From their first kiss to the airport reunion, their story was a mix of chaos and charm. Even after all these years, many still hope they’re living happily together with Emma.

Their connection worked because it felt unpredictable yet destined. They were different in every way, but they balanced each other in a funny, imperfect rhythm. Ross’s stubbornness and Rachel’s growth made their love feel earned by the finale. That lingering “We were on a break!” line still brings nostalgia every time fans rewatch the show.

Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence – Boy Meets World

Cory and Topanga grew up together, giving fans a front-row seat to one of TV’s most loyal relationships. From awkward middle school crushes to college sweethearts, their love matured alongside their audience. Their story showed that love can last even when life changes direction. It was comforting, honest, and filled with lessons about patience and growing together.

Their bond continued in Girl Meets World, letting fans see them as parents guiding a new generation. They represented the idea that lasting love doesn’t mean perfection but choosing each other through every phase. Their friendship stayed the foundation of their romance, making it timeless. Viewers still find comfort in how steady and pure their story feels.

Buffy Summers and Angel – Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy and Angel’s relationship blended passion, tragedy, and supernatural heartbreak. He was a vampire cursed with a soul, and she was a Slayer destined to destroy his kind. Their forbidden love gave the show some of its most emotional scenes. Even when they were apart, their connection stayed unforgettable.

Fans loved how deeply they understood each other’s pain. Every reunion carried the weight of sacrifice and unfinished business. Their love showed that sometimes the strongest relationships don’t end in forever but still leave a lasting mark. Viewers continue to hope that, somewhere, their paths cross again.

Chuck Bartowski and Sarah Walker – Chuck

Chuck and Sarah started as an unlikely team thrown together by fate and spy work. He was a nervous tech expert, and she was the no-nonsense agent tasked to protect him. Their partnership grew into a love story filled with action, humor, and real tenderness. Watching them fall for each other amid chaos made their bond feel all the more rewarding.

What made their relationship memorable was the contrast between their worlds. Sarah softened because of Chuck’s kindness, while he grew braver because of her belief in him. Their ending left some heartbreak, but fans still hope she regains her memories of their time together. The idea of them finding their way back keeps viewers rooting for them years later.

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully – The X-Files

Mulder and Scully’s partnership defined slow-burn storytelling long before it became common. Their mutual respect and trust made their connection stronger than most romances. They shared danger, loss, and countless late-night investigations that revealed more than just mysteries. Fans were drawn to their quiet chemistry and unspoken care.

Their bond worked because it wasn’t rushed or forced. Each look, touch, or small moment of concern said more than words. When they finally admitted their feelings, it felt like the natural next step in a lifelong bond. Even now, their story remains a mix of science, belief, and unwavering loyalty.

Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd – Grey’s Anatomy

Meredith and Derek’s story started with a one-night encounter and turned into one of TV’s most emotional romances. They worked together, fought through heartbreak, and faced tragedy after tragedy. Their love wasn’t easy, but it was deeply felt and full of passion. Even after Derek’s death, Meredith’s life continued to reflect the love they built.

Fans connected to how imperfect yet genuine they were. They challenged each other to grow both personally and professionally. Every setback brought them closer until fate stepped in. Their love story remains one of the show’s most defining arcs, even years after his final episode.

Seth Cohen and Summer Roberts – The O.C.

Seth and Summer’s romance gave The O.C. its heart and humor. He was quirky and awkward, while she was confident and popular, but somehow they fit perfectly. Their relationship evolved from teenage crush to mature love through endless ups and downs. Fans still smile thinking about their comic book weddings and shared sarcasm.

Their charm came from how different they were yet how much they grew together. Summer learned to open up emotionally, and Seth found confidence through her support. Their story captured the wild energy of first love that turns into something lasting. Even now, they remain one of the most iconic couples from 2000s teen dramas.

Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti – That ’70s Show

Eric and Donna were the definition of a sweet suburban romance with real depth. Their chemistry felt genuine from the first episode, built on friendship and humor. They supported each other through high school drama, family struggles, and growing pains. Even when they broke up, their connection stayed strong in fans’ minds.

Their relationship was about figuring life out together while still being young. Donna’s independence and Eric’s awkward charm balanced each other perfectly. Their story showed that love doesn’t need to be grand to be meaningful. Decades later, fans still picture them sitting on that old couch, laughing like they used to.

Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert – The Vampire Diaries

Damon and Elena’s love story was full of danger, temptation, and emotional twists. What started as attraction grew into a deep, complicated connection that defined the show’s tone. Their chemistry was undeniable, and every scene between them sparked tension and longing. Watching their relationship evolve kept viewers glued to the screen.

Fans loved that their romance represented change and redemption. Damon’s dark side softened because of Elena’s kindness, and she found strength through loving him. Even after the finale, their love feels unfinished in the best way. It’s the kind of pairing that fans keep revisiting, hoping for one more reunion.

Nathan Scott and Haley James Scott – One Tree Hill

Nathan and Haley’s love began with teenage innocence but grew into something real and lasting. He was the star athlete, and she was the quiet tutor who saw beyond his reputation. Their early marriage surprised everyone, yet their bond only deepened with time. Fans watched them grow from high school kids to parents who still made each other a priority.

Their story stood out for showing the effort it takes to stay together. They dealt with fame, distance, and personal loss without letting go of their commitment. Haley’s steadiness grounded Nathan, and he became a better man because of her. Their enduring relationship still feels like the emotional core of One Tree Hill.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.