Back in the ’70s and ’80s, families would gather each week to watch their favorite shows. This era of television is often called the \”Golden Age of Television,\” and these shows featured the greatest television couples of all time. Families would laugh, cry, and learn about love from these shows. Join me as I travel back in time to revisit the memorable couples of this Golden Age of Television.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Sam and Diane (Cheers)
- 2 2. Ralph and Alice Kramden (The Honeymooners)
- 3 3. Luke and Laura (General Hospital)
- 4 4. Archie and Edith Bunker (All in the Family)
- 5 5. Mike and Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
- 6 6. Jennifer and Jonathan Hart (Hart to Hart)
- 7 7. Joanie and Chachi (Happy Days)
- 8 8. Blake and Krystle Carrington (Dynasty)
- 9 9. Mork and Mindy
- 10 10. Tony and Angela (Who’s the Boss?)
- 11 11. Philip and Vivian Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
- 12 12. David and Maddie (Moonlighting)
- 13 13. Bobby and Pam Ewing (Dallas)
- 14 14. Lou and Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
1. Sam and Diane (Cheers)
Returning to the ’80s, we have another Golden Age of Television couple: Sam Malone and Diane Chambers of \”Cheers\”. This is the most famous “will they/won’t they” television couple. The roles of Sam and Diane are played by Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman, respectively. Their brilliant dialogue, intellectual combat, and outstanding performance made them known as the best Sam and Diane ever. Even today, they are known as the best couple in television.
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2. Ralph and Alice Kramden (The Honeymooners)
From the 50’s, The Honeymooners was popular enough to be rerun in the 70’s and 80’s. Ralph was always coming up with new schemes, and Alice always was the voice of reason. True love always endures, and their signature lines of ”Baby, you’re the greatest!” showed that.
3. Luke and Laura (General Hospital)
In 1981, an episode of General Hospital garnered 30 million viewers. During this hour of that episode of General Hospital, Luke and Laura’s romance was the most popular in the 80’s. During this time, they set the standard for passion in romance and adventurous storylines. This passion was never met by any other couple, and they are considered the greatest couple in soap opera history.
4. Archie and Edith Bunker (All in the Family)
What great times! Though Archie had a rough attitude and some strange opinions, the power of Edith’s love and her simple wisdom made the couple easy to connect with. The two transformed the theme song and their simple love into a message showing love and affection could mend any divide that may exist from a lack of understanding or differing opinions.
5. Mike and Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
On the other hand, TV’s favorite blended family, done was held together by the calm love of Mike and Carol Brady. Their love showed television viewers how to tackle and deal with any of the challenges a blended family may present with poise and understanding. They were the perfect parents who had the ability to solve any problem in less than half an hour!
6. Jennifer and Jonathan Hart (Hart to Hart)
This dapper duo showed us that being married can be an experience. The millionaire detective and his reporter wife solved crimes and lived a life of romance while also maintaining a high standard of lifestyle. They showed that the fun should not be lost after saying “I do”.
7. Joanie and Chachi (Happy Days)
The romance and young love between the two characters in the latter part of Happy Days melted our hearts. Their love was so adored that it led to its own spin-off show. Their courtship also evoked memories of young love and the simpler times of life.
8. Blake and Krystle Carrington (Dynasty)
The 80’s power couple, Blake and Krystle, gave us all the glitz and drama we could want from a couple. Dead-end and shoulder pads could not stop their relationship from evolving into one of the most iconic marriages of television. They proved love could endure the most absurd plots that a soap opera could throw at them.
9. Mork and Mindy
Pam Dawber and Robin Williams charmed audiences with their otherworldly romance. The pairing of an Earth woman and an alien showed us that love really does know no bounds. The heart and comedy of the late ’70s hit brought us one of the most beloved romances on television.
10. Tony and Angela (Who’s the Boss?)
Fictional characters romance is uncertain, but Angela Bower and Tony Micelli lead the way for housekeeper and executive relationships. Their 8 season slow moving romance showed TV viewers and reinforced the idea that social class should not affect who you love and that traditional views on gender should not be considered.
11. Philip and Vivian Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv were an elite couple in the late 80s. They defined the image of a successful and powerful black couple and supported each other through all of their obstacles. They set the standard for marriages on television.
12. David and Maddie (Moonlighting)
The 80s saw Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd star as detectives David Addison and Maddie Hayes. They set the standard on romantic tension. Their fast paced, witty, and sarcastic arguments provided some of the best 80s television. Their show proved that the chase could be more entertaining than the outcome.
13. Bobby and Pam Ewing (Dallas)
The 70s and 80s saw the story of Bobby and Pam. They were the Romeo and Juliet of the oil business. Their relationship faced everything from family fued’s and death ( only to be brought back to life in a dream). They provided hope that in the Texas oil business love could conquer all.
14. Lou and Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
The relationship of Lou Grant and Mary Richards may not have been romantic, but they were the couple to show how strong workplace relationships could be in the 70s. Their bond provided a blueprint for how men and women could work together without crossing any lines.
