The Ultimate Compilation of TV's Most Intense Will They/Won't They Romances

One of the greatest joys of watching TV shows is cheering for characters to get together and witnessing the development of onscreen romances. However, it can be frustrating when these relationships take a significant amount of time to form, leading viewers to patiently wait for the characters to realize their feelings and start dating. Although most of these romances eventually culminate in a happy ending with the characters riding off into the sunset together, television series often enjoy keeping fans on their toes, creating will they/won't they storylines that cause worry and anticipation.

Throughout television history, there have been countless iconic relationships that were worth the wait. Whether it's in a sitcom, drama series, or any other genre, shows typically give us at least one couple to root for. While it's no easy task to select just ten slow-burn couples from this extensive list, the following storylines undoubtedly take the top spot.

10 Janine & Gregory (Abbott Elementary)

Janine and Gregory hold the distinction of being the only unfinished storyline in Abbott Elementary, earning them the tenth spot on the list. However, everything may change in the ABC comedy series' conclusion. Working together at Abbott Elementary School, Janine and Gregory quickly established a profound friendship upon meeting. It became evident that Gregory had romantic feelings for Janine, but she was committed to a long-term relationship, causing him to suppress his emotions.

When Janine ended her relationship with Tariq, she and Gregory grew even closer. Unfortunately, despite confessing their love for one another in the season 2 finale, Janine was not prepared for a deep and committed relationship with Gregory. They mutually agreed to remain friends, yet their future remains undecided. Hopefully, by the time the Abbott Elementary season 3 finale airs, Janine and Gregory will finally embrace their undeniable chemistry.

9 Tim & Lucy (The Rookie)

Janine and Gregory's story may have come to an end, but Tim and Lucy's journey is still ongoing in The Rookie. Unlike Janine and Gregory, Tim and Lucy are actually in a romantic relationship. At the start of the ABC procedural series, Lucy was assigned to Tim as his rookie, and their interactions were strictly professional. However, as time passed, they developed a strong friendship, and viewers couldn't help but notice the undeniable chemistry between them. Despite no initial plans for a romance, the writers decided to seize the opportunity presented by Tim and Lucy's connection and continue to portray their slow-burning relationship. Fans have fondly labeled the couple "Chenford". After Lucy successfully completed her training, the sparks between her and Tim grew more intense until they ultimately confessed their feelings for each other in Season 5 of The Rookie. Tim and Lucy officially started dating, and fans eagerly hope that they will ultimately end up together when the series comes to a close.

8 Leslie & Ben (Parks & Rec)

In the first few seasons of Parks & Rec, the writers struggled to find the ideal match for Leslie. However, everything changed when Ben (and Rob Lowe's Chris) arrived in town towards the end of season 2. At first, Leslie and Ben didn't see eye to eye as he wanted to let her go due to budget cuts. Eventually, Ben started to let his guard down and both the audience and Leslie got to see his vulnerable and nerdy side.

Leslie and Ben were a perfect match. Although their initial interactions were tumultuous, once they started dating (the second time in season 4), there was no turning back. The beginning of their relationship was filled with drama and tension, but it became smooth sailing after Ben left his job to be with Leslie. If their "will they/won't they" storyline had been more prolonged in Parks & Rec, Leslie and Ben would have likely ranked higher on this list.

7 Nick & Jess (New Girl)

Nick and Jess from New Girl faced more obstacles in their journey to be together than Leslie and Ben did. Season 2 of the sitcom was particularly memorable because of the anticipation leading up to their iconic first kiss and the development of their relationship. The slow burn and playful banter between them kept viewers hooked, eagerly waiting each week to see if they would finally realize their feelings for each other.

Although Nick and Jess officially started dating in season 3, their relationship quickly fell apart. They broke up and eventually found their way back to being roommates and friends. Despite this, fans couldn't help but hope for a reunion between Nick and Jess. Finally, in the season 6 finale, their wish came true as they reconciled and in season 7, they even got married. Reigning supreme on this list of on-again, off-again couples, Nick and Jess in New Girl proved to be masters of the will they/won't they trope.

6 Castle & Beckett (Castle)

From the moment Castle premiered, it was evident that Castle and Beckett were harboring romantic tension. However, it would take a considerable amount of time before they mustered the courage to confess their undeniable affection for each other. The relationship between Castle and Beckett was brimming with palpable tension, but they only decided to embark on a romantic journey in season 5. Though they did encounter a few bumps along the way, it was undeniably during these moments of playful teasing and flirtation between Castle and Beckett that Castle showcased its true brilliance.

5 Luke & Lorelai (Gilmore Girls)

Since the very beginning of the show, Gilmore Girls fans were invested in the idea of Luke and Lorelai becoming a couple. With Luke being the grumpy one and Lorelai embodying sunshine, their chemistry was evident. However, their complicated pasts and stubborn personalities prevented them from acting on their feelings until the season 4 finale. Even afterwards, their path to happiness was far from smooth. Luke and Lorelai went through ups and downs, leaving fans to question their ultimate fate by the end of Gilmore Girls. (Spoiler alert — they did end up together.)

4 Lucas & Peyton (One Tree Hill)

Although Nathan and Haley are widely regarded as the most iconic couple from One Tree Hill, their marriage in season 1 prevents them from fitting into the typical 'will they/won't they' dynamic. On the other hand, Lucas and Peyton perfectly embody this category. Throughout the series, they encountered numerous hurdles such as love triangles, miscommunication, adolescent uncertainty, and the challenges of growing up and drifting apart. However, Lucas summed it up succinctly: "It's you, Peyton."

Even after finally getting together in season 4, a time jump in season 5 once again tore them apart. Yet, they continuously proved their status as soulmates by overcoming every obstacle and heartbreak that came their way. In season 6, Lucas and Peyton not only tied the knot but also welcomed their daughter into the world. Ultimately, they rode off into the sunset together during the finale, solidifying their legendary romance. While Nathan and Haley may claim the title of the best couple on the show, Lucas and Peyton come in a very close second, leaving no other teen drama able to rival the sheer iconic nature of their relationship.

3 Mulder & Scully (The X-Files)

When it comes to the duration it took for a television couple to share their first kiss, few can compare to the wait endured by Mulder and Scully from The X-Files. Their on-screen romance unfolded gradually over the span of seven seasons and 143 episodes, establishing them as one of the most unforgettable slow-burn relationships in television history. As characters, Mulder and Scully epitomized the classic "will they/won't they" dynamic, while also showcasing the appeal of opposites attracting. With Mulder's unwavering belief in extraterrestrial beings and Scully's staunch skepticism, their contrasting perspectives complemented each other seamlessly. Consequently, fans everywhere erupted in joy when the long-awaited moment finally arrived during The X-Files season 7, episode 4.

2 Jim & Pam (The Office)

Despite being engaged when The Office first aired, Pam and Jim shared an undeniable bond that outshined any other relationship. Not only were they best friends, but their chemistry was also off the charts. Unfortunately, their timing was all wrong in the early seasons. Jim had feelings for Pam while she was committed to someone else. Later on, when Jim attempted to move on with Karen, Pam ended her engagement and secretly longed for Jim from a distance.

1 Ross & Rachel (Friends)

Fortunately, Jim and Pam found themselves both officially single by the end of season 3, and they finally succumbed to their emotions. Although they attempted to keep their office romance hidden when season 4 debuted, their efforts proved to be unsuccessful. Throughout the final season, Jim and Pam encountered a difficult period, leading to concerns among fans that their relationship might not endure. Nevertheless, the couple persevered and resolved their issues, ultimately concluding The Office on a blissful note, where Jim and Pam remained as happy as ever.

When it comes to the captivating will they/won't they storylines, none can rival the enchanting journey of Ross and Rachel from Friends. They undoubtedly hold the top spot as one of the most legendary duos in television history, and it all began right from the pilot episode. Throughout the first season, Ross harbored an immense infatuation for Rachel. However, during the season finale, when Rachel finally discovered his affection, Ross decided to move forward with Julie, leaving audiences hanging in suspense.

In the second season of Friends, a remarkable shift occurred as Ross and Rachel switched roles. Rachel became consumed with thoughts of Ross while he found contentment in a new relationship. The resulting tension often overwhelmed them, exacerbated by drunken voicemails and messy misunderstandings. Nevertheless, they managed to overcome their obstacles and rekindled their romance in the middle of the season. Regrettably, their relationship was plagued by frequent breaks and a lack of effective communication, leading to a prolonged separation. Despite this, subtle indications were always present, hinting at an eventual reunion. It was not until the series finale that Ross and Rachel officially resumed their relationship, solidifying their bond once and for all.