If there is one thing we know for sure about 2018, it’s that love was in the air.
Or, at least it was for our favorite TV couples.
Grand gestures, fireplace promises, wedding vows, and impassioned speeches. Whether our favorite ships sailed, reunited, saved each other or said goodbye, they all did it with marvelous romance, and we’ve been swooning since last January.
Related: 23 Most Headscratching Cancelations of 2018
We’re not quite ready to let go of all the epic romance TV brought us this year, so grab a box of tissues and celebrate love with us as we remember The Best Romantic Moments of 2018.
Scroll through the list and see if your favorite moments made the cut, and let us know which relationships had you weak in the knees this year!
Liam and Fallon from Dynasty: A Lying Love
Even though these two started out in a fake marriage, real feelings began to stir after spending so much time together. Secretly engaged to someone else, Fallon tries to break the facade by throwing a divorce party, but her plan backfires when Liam delivers a heartwarming speech about how he’s loved her all along. The confession leads to a passionate, yet unhinged kiss, between the two. This affair is anything but pure, but even we can’t resist a good “fake relationship turns into a real relationship” romance trope every now and then.
Ben And Midge on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: New Spectacular
Although originally set up by their parents following Midge’s divorce, Ben and Midge quickly realize they actually like each other. Intrigued by her off-kilter personality and strange sense of humor, it’s not long before Ben is completely taken with Midge and proposes. There are plenty of quippy and cute moments between these characters, but our favorite has to be when Ben redefines the meaning of the word “spectacular” after meeting Midge.
Patrick and David on Schitts Creek: Surprise Serenade
Maybe it was the jarring switch from comedy to sentimentality you weren’t expecting or David’s subtle realization that what the two share is more than friendship. Either way, Patrick serenading David to Tina Turner’s “Simply The Best” was a surprisingly romantic and earnest moment in an otherwise sardonic show. Even we had butterflies!
Amy and Jonah on Superstore: Garbage Can Confession
If anyone is the Jim and Pam of 2018, it’s Amy and Jonah from Superstore. After years of “will they or won’t they,” the last few episodes of season three dedicate themselves almost entirely to the much anticipated “romantic climax” between these coworkers. This moment isn’t one that ends with the characters riding off into the sunset together. But despite their obstacles and excuses, Amy consciously decides to finally follow her heart wherever it may take her. And that will always be romantic in our book.
Cheryl and Toni on Riverdale: A Mssion Of Love
After figuring out that Cheryl has been thrown into the Sisters of Quiet Mercy for gay conversion therapy, Toni rounds up the Riverdale gang to break her free. When she finally locates a traumatized Cheryl, the two share an epic embrace that leaves everyone at the SOQM dumbfounded. It’s a kiss viewers had been eager to witness, and the payoff was well worth the wait. The two girls have chemistry, but it’s the beautiful cinematography that steals the show here.
Lucy and Wyatt on Timeless: You Saved Me At My Lowest
Traveling through time is a sure fire way to bring two people together, and Lucy and Wyatt are no exception. After admitting they saved each other from their lowest moments, the two embrace in a long-awaited kiss. The chemistry flies off the page with these two, and you could cut the sexual tension with a knife, so we were more than ready to see this ship sail.
Chidi and Eleanor on The Good Place: World Ending Admissions
As Eleanor begins to lose herself completely to Janet’s void, Chidi helps her remember who she is by listing all the things he’s learned to love about her. After admitting Eleanor helped him find his way back from deep despair, Chidi is able to bring her back to safety, and the two finally share a (“not sexy”) kiss. The performances by Carden, Harper, and Bell are what really sell this scene, and not only do we get a perfect Chidi/Eleanor kiss, we’re also blessed with a Janet/Eleanor, and Janet/Janet lip lock as well!
Ian and Mickey on Shameless: Cellmates or Soulmates?
After being forced to spend seasons apart, these two longtime lovers ended up together in prison. In his final moments of the series, Ian is surprised to find Mickey has manipulated the system into making the two cellmates, allowing them to reunite forever.
Bellamy and Clarke on The 100: 2,199 Radio Calls
This one might be cheating, but we couldn’t write about romantic moments without including Bellamy and Clarke. These two may not actually be canonically romantic yet, but fans have been watching their love story unfold for five seasons now. In the season five finale after the two have been estranged, Madi reveals Clarke made radio call attempts to Bellamy every single day they were apart (Six years!) in hopes he would come back to her. They may not be dating, but there’s no convincing us Bellarke aren’t soulmates.
Sara and Ava on Legends Of Tomorrow: Summer Camp Kisses
I think all of us dreamed of having the perfect summer camp kiss when we were younger, and that’s exactly what Sara was able to give Ava in this episode of Legends of Tomorrow. As a clone who didn’t get her own teenage experiences, this sweet smooch (made magical by golden orbs of light) gave her perfect moment of innocent summer romance.
Gary and Maggie on A Million Little Things: A Nauseating Love Story
Maggie and Gary met at a cancer support group and got to know each other in a public bathroom before embarking on a complicated and unexpected journey together. The way these two challenge one another through their different views on living (and dying) make this one of the best relationships on television, but it’s Gary admitting he’s fallen in love with Maggie—and her proceeding to vomit on him, that earns them a top spot on the list. The moment perfectly encapsulates both the hilarious and tragic relationship between the two. She wasn’t planning on fighting for life, and he wasn’t planning on loving someone other than himself, but sometimes you meet someone who changes you forever.
Oliver and Felicity on Arrow: Love Is Not Enough Of A Word
We’ve been blessed with plenty of romantic Olicity moments over the years, but it’s Oliver’s speech in “Elseworlds: Part Two,” that demonstrates just how much Oliver and Felicity have grown as a couple. Silence can be poignant, but in Olicity’s case, it’s exactly what’s caused so much friction in their relationship. Oliver pouring his heart out and proclaiming Felicity as his one and only true love reinstates these two as undeniable endgame material.
Sutton and Richard on The Bold Type: Paris Is For Lovers
These two may have broken up at the end of season one, but even time apart couldn’t help them move on. After almost losing him to another woman, the two serendipitously meet in Paris for a fairytale fated moment in time. Sutton realizes the only thing getting in the way of their romance is her own self-doubt, and the two share a passionate kiss (out in public!). With Richards declaration of “it’s always been you” and the romantic Paris backdrop, this is definitely a top swoon-worthy moment of the year.
Jane and Rafael on Jane The Virgin: Brave Glowing Hearts
Jane and Rafael’s most recent reconciling was by far their best yet. After taking time to build a friendship as co-parents, Rafael finally takes a chance at being brave by kissing Jane–but not before reminding her to be brave, too. For all their ups and downs, Rafael has always believed in Jane and has never hesitated to let her know it. Even though Jane’s immediate reaction to the kiss is less than enthusiastic, the two quickly find themselves falling back in love, this time getting closer than ever.
Betty and Jughead on Riverdale: Partners In Life
Season two of Riverdale put Betty and Jughead through the ringer, but Season 3 started them off the right way: stronger and steadier than ever before. In an intimate moment during the season premiere, Betty voices concerns about her mental health. Jughead comforts her, reminding her that they can get through anything life throws at them, as long as they’re together. Jughead’s sweet gesture of sharing his prized cap is a great symbol for their deepened trust, plus the warm fireside tones and sweet, intimate kisses help to make this one of the softest, most romantic moments in the series.
Sabrina and Harvey on CAOS: The First “I Love You”
Great TV romance can be epic and grandiose, but some of best romantic moments are the small, sweet and endearing kind—and there’s nothing quite as endearing as Harvey and Sabrina. In one of the first scenes of the series, we get an intimate look into Harbrina’s blossoming relationship by witnessing their very first “I love you.” From the longing looks to he nervous giggles, every part of this scene will make your heart grow three sizes. Subtle and understated, it’s everything you’d ever wanted your first love to be. Add in Sabrina’s adorable happy dance and Harvey’s satisfied smirk when things go according to plan, and you’ve got a moment that will leave even the coldest of hearts rooting for this adorable pairing.
Jack And Rebecca on This Is Us: Dishwater Decisions
One of This Is Us’ biggest strengths is its ability to make even the most understated moments special, and this Jack and Rebecca moment was no different. After one of their first dates, Jack clears the table and begins to do the dishes, unprovoked. Coming from a life of being taught the woman’s place was in the kitchen, Jack’s display of domesticity gets Rebecca swooning. It’s not just that we get to witness the moment Rebecca falls in love with Jack, but also where we see the two solidify their dynamic as equal partners in life. There are about a thousand romantic moments we could pick from for Jack and Rebecca, but this may be our favorite.
Magnus and Alec on Shadowhunters: Sacrifice For Love
Shadowhunters has provided no shortage of incredibly romantic Malec moments, so it’s no surprise they made the list. But there is something about the “self-sacrifice to save the one you love” trope that makes this particular moment stand out. In order to have a chance in saving Alec’s parabatai Jace, Magnus is forced to visit his estranged father in Edom, where he must offer up his powers in return for Jace’s safety. Risking your life for your soul mate is one thing, but risking it for your soul mates brother? That’s a whole new level of dedication. Before he goes, the two share a heartbreaking (and perfectly lighted) goodbye kiss, with a promise that Magnus will soon return to the safety of Alec’s arms. Could these two be more amazing together?
Liza and Charles on Younger: The Sound Of Love
After unexpectantly being set up with her at a Christmas party, Charles finally learns why Liza lied about her age in order to get the job at Empirical– to provide for her daughter. Changing his perspective on the situation, he ends up giving her a huge Christmas bonus, but when Liza goes to find him, he’s already left for the holiday. Thinking it’s just another missed opportunity between them, Liza heads home in a snowstorm to find Charles waiting for her at her doorstep. With the three small words “I don’t care anymore,” the two embrace in a swoon-worthy smooch that had been building for five long seasons. Team Charles, rejoice!
Jack and Amy on Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Cop Weddings and Butt Bombs
After their long made wedding plans come crashing down, the team comes together in typical Nine-Nine fashion to throw together a perfect ceremony for the couple—B99 stylez. The wedding is filled with flashing cop car lights, gawking New Yorkers, a ton of shredded paper, and Fred Armisen on violin. With Captain Holt officiating and perfectly delivered vows by the happy couple, this moment is everything a romantic Brooklyn Nine-Nine moment should be: distracting, childish, and unbelievably endearing.
Klaus and Caroline on The Originals: The Almost Kiss
Some romances develop fast, while others take their time. One romance, in particular, took 8 years, two shows, and a whole lot of undead angst to finally find the perfect moment. He chased her for years, promised to wait as “long as it took,” and even offered to show her the world, but thanks to Klaus’ villainous tendencies (and a whole lot of other vampy/werewolfy/magical children things), it seemed these two were destined to be passing ships in the night. It isn’t until the penultimate episode of The Originals that Klaroline finally gets their moment. After years of denial, Caroline confesses Klaus was “never the villain of her story” and the two share an intimate “almost kiss.” It’s a moment filled with so much vulnerability, history, and magic, it was destined for the top of our list.
Nick and Jess on New Girl: An Atypical Proposal
Everything about this scene is flawless, which is why it lands so high on this list. They spent six long seasons breaking up and getting back together, but Nick and Jess finally get engaged in the penultimate episode of the series. After chasing their newly adopted dog around the city and having everything go wrong that possibly could, the lovebirds end up right where they had their first date. With the ring safely tucked in a generic plastic bag, and all of their friends around to witness, Nick gets down on one knee pops the big question. As Jess tells him that she wants to “eat good food, laugh and spend the rest of their lives together” and the Dirty Dancing theme song begins to play in the distance, I triple dog dare you not to shed a few tears.
Barry and Iris on The Flash: You’re My Lightning Rod
A spectacular scene from The Flash in an otherwise subpar season wins for Best Romantic Moment of 2018. As a bomb explodes, Barry races to find a way to save the day, but comes up short on answers. Moving at the speed of light and running out of time, he finds Iris to say his goodbyes. Swooping her into Flashtime, he breaks down in her arms and declares her his lightning rod. Right before Barry’s speed gives out, the two figure out a way to keep the bomb from detonating. It is a heartbreakingly stellar performance from both Patton and Gustin, who consistently deliver the incredible chemistry it takes to bring WestAllen to life so vividly. There may be an endless amount of romantic moments of television, but there is no relationship quite like Barry and Iris.
