17 On-Screen Relationships That Showed Us What A Wild Ride Love Can Be

Love and relationships aren't always easy but these couples show us it's worth it.

The '90s had some great TV and film couples.

NBC

But now we have couples that may not always be perfect, but perfectly show Black love.

ABC

1. Randall and Beth Pearson – This Is Us

NBC

This is Us loves to make us cry and has given us some great couples, but the greatest is Randall and Beth Pearson. Beth completely supports Randall with his mental health issues and he was her number one fan when she wanted to open her dance studio. They have ups and downs, but always manage to show love always wins.

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2. Issa Dee and Lawrence Walker – Insecure

HBO

Will they? Won't they? They had us captivated for five seasons. The best thing about Issa and Lawrence was that they felt real. They made mistakes and grew from them. They broke up and got back together numerous times but the chemistry and love were undeniable. It all finally paid off in the season five finale. 

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3. Miranda Bailey and Ben Warren – Grey's Anatomy

ABC

Dr Bailey and Ben are my favourite Grey's Anatomy couple. They've really been through it all. From Bailey's trouble with dealing with stress, Ben learning how to be a step-parent, and the constant life changes, this couple always thinks about what's best for each other. No matter what hurdle comes next, we know they will make it.

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4. Jazz Forster and Doug Edwards – Grownish

ABC

Grown-ish is all about finding your feet in the world after high school, so of course there are many relationships in the show. The best couple has to be Jazz and Doug. They may be full of ups and downs, including the strain on Jazz's commitment to track, and events while they were on a break, but I have a feeling these two will be endgame.

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5. Cleveland Brown and Donna Tubbs – The Cleveland Show

FOX

Cleveland and Donna dated when they were teens, broke up, started their own families, and married each other later in life. Even though Cleveland doesn't get it right every time, Donna always understands, and their goal is to put their blended family first.

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6. Reggie Green and Joelle Brooks – Dear White People

Netflix

I love a good friend to lovers storyline, and this is one of the best. Reggie was always interested in Joelle's best friend Sam, but finally realised that Joelle was always there supporting him regardless. They truly brought out the best in each other while both being unapologetically Black.

7. Denise and Alicia – Master of None

Netflix

Season three of Master of None focused on the previous season's side characters – Denise and her wife Alicia. We see this couple tackle deciding whether or not to have children, adult friendships, and adultery. It's great to see a queer Black couple tackle things that TV typically focus on with heterosexual relationships.

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8. Dre and Rainbow Johnson – Blackish

ABC

Dre and Rainbow are probably the closest we'll get to the '90s type sitcom parents. They both have very different ways of getting through life, whether it's how to raise their children or getting on in the workplace. But at the core, Dre and Rainbow love each other and their family more than anything else.

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9. Sylvie Parker and Robert Halloway – Sylvie's Love

Amazon Prime Studios

Set in the '60s, Sylvie's Love is a classic love story about a couple that want two different things with their careers and life, but are drawn together with the forces of love and romance. Sylvie and Robert have chemistry straight away, and even though the timing for their love is rarely right, you keep rooting for them to be together at the end.

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10. Earn Marks and Van Keefer – Atlanta

FX

Earn and Van's relationship is a complicated one. They share a daughter, they're on and off, but disagree on many things. The best thing about this relationship is that they're best friends and this is why they truly understand each other. The chemistry is always there, and I'm sure there'll be more drama from this relationship in season three.

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11. Lionel Higgins and Michael – Dear White People

Netflix

We've seen Lionel infatuated with his roommate, embracing his sexuality, and falling for his boss. But it wasn't until we saw him with Michael we truly feel he was comfortable with being a gay Black man at university. Lionel was finally allowed to be his true self with Michael and felt adored for the first time.

12. Malcolm Elliott and Marie Jones – Malcolm & Marie

Netflix

The couple comes home after the screening of Michael's film premiere. Shot completely in black and white, this film shows how one argument brings out hidden feelings in their relationship. They really show how couples can really be behind closed doors, and the varied emotions that happen when the tension finally comes out.

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13. Blanca and Christopher – Pose

FX

Christopher and Blanca meet while she's working at the hospital, and the attraction is strong. The best thing about this couple is that they constantly respect and support each other. They hit a bad patch when Christopher's parents disapproved, but ultimately got over differences and got married. We love to see it.

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14. Oscar and Trudy Proud – The Proud Family

Disney Channel

I might just be excited about the reboot, but Oscar and Trudy were couple goals on The Proud Family. They were both hard-working individuals, who loved and care for all members of their family. Oscar may be a flirt at times, and Trudy may talk behind his back, but ultimately, they loved each other more than anything.  

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15. Michael and Jay – My Wife and Kids

ABC

Jay and Michael have been married since they were teenagers – you can see how the years together helps them understand each other completely. Michael brings the comedy and Jay brings seriousness to the relationship providing the perfect balance for a great TV couple. They may have little bickers but they constantly flirt with each other, proving that the spark still there.

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16. Mae and Michael – The Photograph

Universal Pictures

Mae is a former photographers daughter who falls in love with Michael, a journalist who's is investigating her mother. It's a sweet tale of new love and old love. Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield play the roles so well that you fall in love with their love.

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17. And finally, Lucious and Honey – The Incredibles

Disney

What makes this couple great is that we don't even get to see Honey on screen. We just get a glimpse into their relationship with one cheeky argument about a super suit. It's funny yet warming, and easily sums up their relationship.

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Do you have a favourite on-screen couple we've missed? Let us know in the comments