TV Romance
From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Bridgerton,’ Ranking the 16 Best Shondaland Couples
There’s one thing all Shondaland shows have in common, and no, it’s not the long monologues or the self-sabotaging female leads —yeah, we’re side-eyeing you, Mer. It’s the romance. Shonda Rhimes and her team seriously know how to craft a gut-wrenching, heartwarming, life-changing love story. Whether it happens in hospital elevators, fire stations, offices, or even the White House, the setting doesn’t matter—it’s all about the chemistry that makes these couples unforgettable.
So, to avoid downloading dating apps for a little while longer, we’re ranking the best Shondaland couples—yep, think of this as the Love Island: All Stars of Thursday night TV. From MerDer to Kanthony and all the couples who never even got a cute nickname, here are the Shondaland couples that keep us believing in love.
16. Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant, Scandal
While they might be one of the more dysfunctional couples on the list, their passionate affair was central to Scandal’s narrative. Their relationship was marked by numerous challenges, including political scandals, personal betrayals, and external threats. If Olivia and Fitz were a Taylor Swift song, they would be “We Are Never Getting Back Together” (Taylor’s Version, obviously). Because they always, always come back to each other. The series finale left their relationship status somewhat ambiguous. While they shared a final, meaningful glance, the show didn’t explicitly confirm whether they end up together. We think they found their way back to one another, but maybe we’re just hopeless romantics tired of the Tinder diet, so you be the judge.
15. 15. Andy Herrera and Robert Sullivan, Station 19
We don’t know about you, but we love a good forbidden romance. The best part of Andy and Robert’s story? Their secret relationship, hands down. These two had all the sparks, exploring themes of love, trust, and those tricky workplace power dynamics. Forget the actual fires—they needed someone to cool them off!
Their whirlwind romance even led to a quick wedding so Andy’s terminally ill dad could walk her down the aisle. Sure, things didn’t last, but for a while, they burned bright.
14. Michaela Pratt and Asher Millstone, How to Get Away with Murder
Let’s talk about Mash, baby! Michaela and Asher’s relationship brought such an unexpected but adorable vibe to the group. Asher’s goofy humor perfectly balanced Michaela’s go-getter ambition, making their romance both fun and super relatable.
They were the ultimate “opposites attract” and total “grumpy vs. sunshine” energy. We couldn’t help but swoon over their playful banter, and those heartfelt moments where they really showed how much they cared for each other—even when things got a little rocky. When she told him, “They’re not my family. You are. You’ve been there for me when no one else,” we couldn’t help but swoon.
13. Mellie Grant and Marcus Walker, Scandal
Let’s be real—Scandal isn’t exactly the first show that comes to mind when you think of romance and lovey-dovey couples. But in the middle of all the ambition and power plays, Mellie and Marcus gave us a much-needed dose of joy.
Their relationship was so refreshing and grounded. Marcus saw past Mellie’s political ambitions and connected with her on a deeper, emotional level. And those scenes in the Oval Office? We’ll never get over them. Mellie let her guard down with Marcus in a way she hadn’t with anyone else, and it was everything.
12. Lexie Grey and Mark Sloan, Grey's Anatomy
Okay, we’re going to try to get through this without breaking down, so hold our hand tight, and let’s talk about Little Grey and McSteamy. Their romance was short but left an everlasting impact. They were such an unlikely match, but somehow, they just worked—really, really worked. Lexie described her love for him as “a disease” and stole his heart (and ours) when she sid, “I can’t think about anything or anybody, and I can’t sleep, I can’t breathe, I can’t eat. And I love you, I just love you all the time.”
Everything seemed to be against them: age gaps, work hierarchies, sisters, brothers-in-law, and, oh yeah, kids and grandkids. But in the end, when it truly mattered, they were together. They held each other and imagined this amazing future they could’ve had.
Wherever they are now—whether it’s Meredith’s dream beach or their cozy little family home—we’re sure they’re still laughing and loving each other every single day.
11. Charlotte King and Cooper Freedman, Private Practice
Officer, we’d like to report a crime: No one talks about Private Practice! Seriously, it’s like the middle child of Shondaland—totally overlooked despite being a Grey’s Anatomy spinoff and strong enough to stand on its own.
One of the standout couples of the show? Charlotte King and Cooper Freedman. They’re the ultimate “opposites attract” duo who became one of the most solid pairings in the series. Their relationship was all about growth—Charlotte learned to be softer and more vulnerable, while Cooper stepped up as a more mature and dependable partner.
These two went through everything together: Charlotte’s devastating assault, welcoming triplets, and navigating life’s chaos as a team. No matter what, they handled it all side by side, proving why they deserve all the love.
10. Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, Bridgerton
Okay, this might be our most controversial take, but hear us out: Daphne and Simon make a great season, but they don’t make the best couple. There was just too much deception going on.
Now, compare that to Colin and Penelope. Sure, they had one big deception (cough Lady Whistledown), but it didn’t define their relationship. When it came to who they are and what they wanted, they were honest with each other. Their friendship built the perfect foundation, and when they finally fell in love, it was with full transparency.
Yeah, the whole scathing-writer-reveal shook things up, but they found their way back. Colin didn’t just accept Penelope’s Whistledown side—he grew to love her for it. Also… that carriage scene. Need we say more?
9. Violet Ledger and Edmund Bridgerton, Bridgerton
There are plenty of Bridgerton siblings we could gush over, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the OGs of the family—the matriarch and patriarch, Violet and Edmund Bridgerton.
We don’t get to see much of them together on the show since Edmund tragically passed away years before Season 1, but the flashbacks and stories tell us enough: These two were couple goals, Regency-style. Edmund was the definition of a loving husband and father, and his bond with Violet was pure romance. I mean, they had eight kids—safe to say things were very affectionate. Violet says it best: “Edmund was the air that I breathed.”
Sadly, their love story was cut short when Edmund died from a bee sting (ugh, devastating), but his impact lives on. The way his children carry his values speaks volumes, and Violet’s journey through grief while continuing to honor his memory is nothing short of beautiful.
8. Connor Walsh and Oliver Hampton, How to Get Away With Murder
How to Get Away with Murder wasn’t exactly known for its healthy relationships… but wow, they were entertaining to watch! The one big exception? Connor and Oliver. These two were the heart of the show, and we’re already sighing just thinking about them.
Their love story was a cornerstone of the series, with both of them standing by each other through everything—from Oliver’s HIV diagnosis to Connor’s legal and emotional struggles. And let’s be real, the light in this super-intense show came from moments like Oliver’s romantic proposal and their beautiful wedding. Just think of that heartwarming vow, “Connor, as I stand here with you now, I realize that my dream wasn’t the wedding or the tux or Bryan Adams. My dream was you.” Honestly, their relationship was what kept us going all the way to the finale.
7. April Kepner and Jackson Avery, Grey's Anatomy
Despite having some of the most heartbreaking storylines, Japril is such a fan favorite. From the get-go, April and Jackson have been an emotional rollercoaster. Jackson was the first guy April ever slept with, and she gave up her chastity for him (we totally get it). Then he interrupte her wedding with one of the most romantic speeches ever: “I love you, April, I always have. I love everything about you, even the things I don’t like, I love.”
They eloped, but their struggles didn’t end there. They went through the gut-wrenching loss of their son, Samuel, and eventually welcomed their daughter, Harriet. They’ve been through so much, but their love has stayed strong through it all.
6. Queen Charlotte and King Charles III, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
They had their own spinoff, so obviously, they landed a spot in the top ten! Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story gave us an up-close look at the passionate (and challenging) romance between Queen Charlotte and King George III, mixing history with all the drama and swoonworthy moments we love from the Bridgerton universe.
What started as an arranged marriage for political reasons quickly turned into something real—George totally won Charlotte over with his charm and intellect. His struggles with mental health (a fictionalized take on King George III’s “madness”) made their love story even more complicated, but Charlotte showed up for him, balancing her role as queen while being his rock. “I will stand with you between the heavens and the Earth. I will tell you where you are,” she told him. Their devotion to each other? Absolutely unmatched.
Ugh, can we get another season of them ASAP?
5. Maya Bishop and Carina DeLuca, Station 19
Let’s add a brilliant LGBTQ+ romance to this list! Maya and Carina’s relationship was a fan favorite because it was the happy, healthy queer love story we’d all been waiting for. These two handled Maya’s emotional struggles and Carina’s grief with so much maturity, love, and understanding. From Maya being there for Carina after the loss of her younger brother to their gorgeous wedding, they’ve faced the highs and lows side by side, and it was beautiful to watch. Carina and Maya eventually get married, adopted a son, and welcomed two daughters.
4. Ben Warren and Miranda Bailey, Grey's Anatomy
It feels like everyone’s sleeping on this couple! We first got to know Miranda Bailey when she was married to her ex, the father of her son, which only makes it clearer how much better she is with Ben Warren. They’ve got their iconic love moments across Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, but we’ll focus on their unforgettable scenes in Grey’s.
Highlights include their beautiful wedding and first dance, Ben building a treehouse for Miranda, and him being there for her physically and mentally. Oh, and let’s not forget when he literally dropped hot dogs on the street just to run to her. Talk about love in action!
3. Addison Montgomery and Jake Reilly, Private Practice
Addison Montgomery is basically the fictional version of Jennifer Aniston—everyone was just so ready to see her get her happy ending. She got left by Derek, things didn’t work out with Sam, and she faced a ton of heartbreak along the way. Add to that her deep desire to be a mom, only for life to throw her fertility struggles in her face — talk about cruel irony.
But then came Jake, and he brought stability, kindness, and understanding into her life. They had the perfect mix of romance and partnership. Watching them navigate parenthood together with little Henry was honestly the perfect happily ever after for Addie.
2. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, Bridgerton
We almost put these two at the top, but we’ve gotta go with longevity over lust, and stay loyal to the romance that carried us through a decade. That said, Anthony and Kate sure gave the #1 couple a run for their money. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic in Season 2 was chef’s kiss—filled with witty banter, intense chemistry, and those sweet, tender moments.
Anthony’s monologue alone: “I love you. I’ve loved you from the moment we raced each other in that park. I’ve loved you at every dance, on every walk, every time we’ve been together, and every time we’ve been apart. You do not have to accept it or embrace it or even allow it. Knowing you, you probably will not. But you must know it, in your heart. You must feel it, because I do. I love you.”
What really makes them such a great couple, though, is how they worked through their pride, fears, and society’s expectations together. They were both ready to walk away if they couldn’t give each other what they needed. The real magic happened in the next season, where their brief moments in Season 3 showed them as a happy couple, full of respect and admiration for each other. They were a true team—Viscount and Viscountess, and just so in love and devoted.
1. Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd, Grey's Anatomy
It’s no surprise that the ultimate Shondaland couple is also the most iconic Grey’s couple. Meredith and Derek gave us everything: “Pick me, choose me, love me,” Post-it note weddings, and dream homes lit with candles. Honestly, they’re the reason we can’t settle for any basic Tinder romances or “u up?” messages. They remind us that there are “let you eat the last piece of cheesecake, hold a radio over my head outside your bedroom window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you” kind of romances out there.
Their love story kicked off in the very first episode and quickly became the heart of the entire series. Through all their ups and downs, unforgettable arguments, passionate make-ups, and eventual happy family life (which was unfortunately cut short), Meredith and Derek remain an unforgettable couple.
