Our Favourite TV Couple

There's something pleasant about tuning into your favourite family sitcom or drama, where they're gathered around the dinner table, trading laughs, quirky quips and guffaws. And there's something exceptionally heart warming about watching your favourite TV couple go through their squabbles, blow ups and hilarious misunderstandings, to come back together with a hug and a kiss at the end - all neatly tied up into half an hour! If only our own relationships could be so nicely packaged.
From stormy waters to heartfelt moments, we recap some of our favourite all time TV couples.

Marge and Homer (The Simpsons) - they'll be the longest standing TV couple to date! With the 20th season out on DVD, the Simpsons family continues to capture our hearts and this ever-lasting couple has remained the pivotal focal point of the Simpsons gang. As Homer bumbles his way through one stuff-up after another, the loving and supportive Marge always manages to embrace him for - and not despite - his faults. From sultry French bowling dates, risque displays of affection and a Playboy centrefold spread, this couple has been through it all - and has always managed to pull through, closer than ever.

Doug and Carol (ER) - with Julianna Margulies stunning performance in The Good Wife, we couldn't help but reminisce about her earlier on screen relationship in ER with Doug Ross, played by heartthrob George Clooney. The emotional roller coaster that was Carol and Doug's relationship was spellbinding. Despite being plagued by the obstacles of their own personal journeys and career ambitions, the true passion that drove the pair was undeniable. Doug and Carol made their departure after season 5 and the series continued on without them while off screen, the couple finally tied the knot to return for a special guest appearance in season 15 of the series.

Ross and Rachel (Friends) - our hearts melted when this on again/off again couple shared their first on screen kiss at the end of the first series and their relationship status was one of the most prominent topics of the show throughout its ten season run. Ross and Rachel helped us clarify a lot of "coupledom" rules, such as what it means to be "on a break", how to approach bedroom fantasies, and how difficult it is to be just friends - especially when your fans know that you're destined to be together!

Erica and Dan (All Saints) - from our Australian shores, who can forget the tragically endearing nuptials of Erica and Dan of All Saints? Australia's longest running soap, which aired its last episode in October 2009, had seen a number of romances and affairs, but few received the attention of nurses Erica Templeton and Dan Goldman. Their happy relationship was often served with a side of tragedy but viewers soaked up the tender moments exhibited by the pair. Fans rejoiced when the two finally tied the knot, despite the usual family tensions and work obstacles. The show faced its own real life shock when actor Mark Priestley who played Dan, took his own life in August 2008 after suffering a long bout of depression. The nation mourned his loss and subsequent episodes of the show had to be rewritten. Tragically, there can be no happy ending for the Erica and Dan - in Dan's last moment on screen, he walks into a police station to learn that his beloved wife has been murdered. Overseas viewers can watch the show on DVD, but only on PAL format.

Stefan and Elena (The Vampire Diaries) - move over Buffy and Angel, there's a new forbidden romance in town. What is it about vampire/teen relationships that heat up our screens and have us begging for more? In its debut season, the Vampire Diaries have fans swooning over the hot on-screen kisses between teen Elena Gilbert and handsome but tragically undead, Stefan Salvatore. As Elena comes to learn of her lover's past, she is drawn into his intoxicating and dangerous world. Fans are waiting eagerly for episodes to come, which if the series stays true to its book origins, we'll see a steamy love triangle emerge between Elena, Stefan and his brother Damon. Expect the DVD of the first season to be out in August this year.