Top 10 Most Heartwarming Moments in TV History

“Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
Most people would find it odd to have a proposal in an elevator, but since this couple's story is anything but ordinary, it’s actually quite fitting. Meredith finds Derek in an elevator surrounded by scans of patients that have impacted their relationship. We love that he used this as a way to tell their story, as they’d been through so much in their professional and romantic relationship. He managed to capture everything in a place where they’d shared so many intimate and secret moments, and it made the proposal so special. In a series filled with heartbreaking moments, it’s nice to see moments that lift our hearts like this one.

“Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)
Anyone who is a van Gogh fan knows about his difficult life, progressively deteriorating mental health, and tragic death. In “Doctor Who,” after the Doctor and Amy visit the painter in the late 1800s, they bring him to an art exhibit in their time to show him how influential and important his art has become. We’re crying happy tears as van Gogh discovers how great his legacy is despite his doubts about himself. The fact that this moment could have changed his fate had our hopes soaring. Sadly, even learning of his future success ultimately couldn’t save him.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
While we’ve seen our fair share of proms on various TV shows, this one comes with a lot more feelings than most. It’s clear to viewers that Buffy does everything she can to keep her small town, her friends, and her family safe, and it’s a truly thankless job. So, when she finally gets recognition for it, we want to sob. At her senior prom, Jonathan acknowledges how much she’s done for them in protecting them from evil by giving her the Class Protector award. The emotion in Buffy’s face is obvious, and we’re practically applauding from our living rooms every time we see this scene.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)
Rosa has always been a mysterious character — like, is her name even Rosa? So, we love slowly getting to know her as the show goes on, and when we learn she’s bisexual, we’re surprised by her parents’ disappointing reaction. After she comes out to them, she fears that she’ll never get to enjoy family traditions the same way. So, her Nine-Nine family steps in in the most adorable way. They go over to her house for a game night, just like the one she normally enjoys with her parents, to support her and ensure she has a surrogate family. We can’t get enough of this workplace gang, and this gesture proves that they are more like family than colleagues.

“The Good Place” (2016-20)
This series is a total whirlwind, and we love every chaotic second of it. The final season, however, took us on an emotional rollercoaster full of high highs and low lows. After the gang suffers through having their memories wiped and rebooted over and over, Chidi picks something that he wants to be reminded of time and time again. He leaves Janet a note to give to him saying that “there is no answer, but Eleanor is the answer,” and it’s sweet on so many levels. He’d been searching for answers forever, as any good philosopher would, and the fact that his love for Eleanor is the answer he lands on has our hearts melting.

“Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)
Patrick and David share many funny moments, some tearjerkers, a few more cringey moments, and plenty of heartwarming ones. But, the one we love best of all is when Patrick sings “Simply the Best” to David at their open mic night. It’s a sweet rendition of the Tina Turner classic, and it sums up their feelings for each other perfectly. Don’t worry though, we also get to hear the original version of the song when David sings to Patrick as a way to apologize. It’s almost as iconic as Patrick’s rendition. But, nothing can beat this scene. It’s simply the best, and we adore these two.

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)
Through this show, Sheldon’s friend group expands, and in the penultimate episode, he embraces how much his life has changed. In the finale, his friends fear that Sheldon is still the self-absorbed person that they’d met years ago when he spoils the secret of Penny’s pregnancy and ignores Howard and Bernadette’s worries about their kids. But, during his acceptance speech, rather than talking about his personal achievements, he acknowledges his friends. It’s a beautifully moving moment that perfectly wraps up the series. As a kid, while he wanted to be a successful scientist, he also really wanted friends, and in the end, he got everything he wished for.

“Friends” (1994-2004)
This sitcom has warmed our hearts several times. Who could forget the tear jerking finale, especially when Rachel gets off the plane to be with Ross? But, it’s Monica and Chandler who give us the most warm fuzzies throughout the series. We’re thrilled when they get together and even more thrilled when Chandler decides to propose, but nothing could have prepared us for this moment. After thinking he’d lost her to Richard, a defeated Chandler finds Monica surprising him with a proposal of her own. They end up hardly holding back tears as they propose to one another in the infamous apartment filled with candles, and we’re struggling to keep it together right along with them.

“Ted Lasso” (2020-23)
In the season one finale of this series, AFC Richmond faces Manchester and their own former player, Jamie Tartt, and everyone is at the edge of their seats during this match. But, what we didn’t expect was Roy Kent’s impromptu retirement after getting injured. The crowd honors him by chanting for him as he leaves the field, and watching him and Keely in the dressing room afterwards is bittersweet to say the least. This scene proves that just because Roy is older than his teammates and is not quite the player he used to be, he’s still as respected and appreciated as ever, and we love this moment for him.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Sue Honors Finn & the Glee Club in the Series Finale

This Wholesome Moment Has an Adorable Callback

We Love His Rendition of “Love Story”

Ben & Leslie’s Wedding Is Chaotic & Perfect

“Modern Family” (2009-20)
This show is host to some of the most wholesome characters in TV history, and it also involves one of our favorite on-screen couples. On Cam and Mitch’s wedding day, pretty much everything that can go wrong does. A nearby fire forces an evacuation of their ceremony, Sal goes into labor, and everyone relocates first to Cam and Mitch’s crowded apartment, and finally to Jay’s country club. This is where the episode takes a turn for the heartwarming. The day turns out perfect, with a great venue, a wonderful officiant in Phil, and Jay walking his son down the aisle. We’re not crying, you are.

Which TV moment got you in the feels? Let us know in the comments!

[b]CHEE-dee