Whenever you get invested in a TV show, one of the best parts is finding a new fictional couple to swoon over. There’s something about witnessing the magic of onscreen romance, whether you’re single or in a relationship. That said, it’s much easier to find straight TV relationships than it is to find same-sex ones, particularly portrayals of lesbian characters. And even when they do get representation, they’re seen as one-note stereotypes or fetishized in a problematic way. Still, there are a few incredible lesbian romances on television that you can ship. Here are the most heartwarming fictional lesbian couples to ever grace TV screens.
Tara and Willow: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
“Buffy” was revolutionary for its time, and in the 1980s and 1990s, Tara and Willow were major #relationshipgoals. At the beginning of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Willow is initially presented as straight. She had a crush on Xander (which remained unrequited) before moving onto an adorable relationship with her werewolf friend Oz. But after Oz moved away, Willow met Tara, with whom she studied witchcraft. As their relationship developed, it grew into something romantic, and they realized that the real magic was their chemistry with each other. It was tragic when Tara was killed by a stray bullet intended for Buffy, and fans remain outraged by the sudden loss to this day. Although it was unfortunate to see such a beautiful relationship end abruptly in violence, fans still consider it one of the greatest and most meaningful love stories of all time.
Santana and Brittany in “Glee”
“Glee” is one of those polarizing TV shows, especially if you’re not into musicals or teen characters. But it was the chemistry between the characters that kept viewers hooked; in particular, one same-sex relationship between cheerleaders Santana and Brittany. This on-again, off-again couple had us on the edge of our seats for six seasons, going through a memorable love story that stole all of our hearts. It was also responsible for many young viewers who were experiencing a sexual awakening themselves.
Maggie and Alex in “Supergirl”
“Supergirl” was an unexpected contender for best queer relationships on TV, but they sure did deliver in the lesbian romance category to our surprise. The main character is very straight, and many episodes were focused on the adventures of Alex, Supergirl’s human sister. Throughout the show, we watched how Alex balanced her career as a cop with her search for love and her journey to realize that she was gay. This was a major plot twist that transformed not only Alex’s love life but the show, leading her to the woman of her dreams. Her dream girl was Maggie Sawyer, another cop. After developing a friendship, Maggie plays a pivotal role in helping Alex learn more about her identity and sexuality, which ultimately leads to Alex coming out to her loved ones.
Callie and Arizona in “Grey’s Anatomy”
Over the past few decades, “Grey’s Anatomy” has become an iconic show. It’s also one of the longest-running medical dramas of all time. Many viewers may have tuned in for McDreamy, but the steamy relationship between Callie and Arizona was also beloved, especially by the LGBTQ+ community. Compared to many of the lesbian tropes of the past, these characters were authentic and raw. While their relationship didn’t last, it survived all kinds of drama and helped position Shonda Rhimes as a clear ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Carol and Susan in “Friends”
Carol and Susan made television history as the first lesbian couple to have their wedding broadcast on cable TV—a groundbreaking moment that quietly pushed boundaries. While “Friends” often played Carol’s decision to leave Ross for Susan as a comedic thread, what stands out is Ross’s unexpected support. Despite his lingering discomfort, he not only walks Carol down the aisle but also urges her to embrace her happiness, even in the face of her parents’ rejection.
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