Top 50 Most Long-Awaited TV Kisses

50-Most-Long-Awaited-TV-Kisses

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the TV smooches we waited seasons for! If you’re into will-they-won’t-they shows, be aware there’s some swoon-worthy spoilers ahead.

#50: Devi Vishwakumar & Ben Gross

“Never Have I Ever” (2020-23)

Put a finger down if you wanted these two to just kiss and get it over with! It’s a rom-com tale as old as time, and really, who doesn’t love a good enemies-to-lovers? While Devi had plenty of love interests to go around, it seemed like Ben’s chance might have sailed when he leaned in for a kiss and was promptly rejected. But, that just made the real thing all the sweeter. Coming at the tail end of a perfectly dramatic first season, Devi and Ben finally come to terms with their feelings and lock lips. After the early fake-out, this romantic culmination left us chomping at the bit for season two.

#49: Alec Lightwood & Magnus Bane

“Shadowhunters” (2016-19)

Twelve episodes may not seem like that long, but trust us when we say, it felt like an eternity. Fans of the book series had been waiting years for a true adaption of Alec and Magnus’ romance - and no, that awful live-action movie doesn’t count. So, as you can imagine, Malec shippers were practically frothing at the mouth from their very first scene. And then they waited, and waited, and waited, until a finale kiss that hit all the right notes. Book fans were long overdue for a true, live-action Malec moment, but they can rest easy knowing that good things come to those who wait.

#48: Zoe Hart & Wade Kinsella

“Hart of Dixie” (2011-15)

When a big-city doctor moves to middle-of-nowhere Dixie, it’s only natural she starts a mild flirtation with the smoking-hot bartender, Wade. What we didn’t expect is that we’d be left waiting an entire 22 episode season before they’d finally seal the deal. It’s clear from the pilot that Zoe and Wade have serious chemistry, but “Hart of Dixie” commits to the slow burn until it all spills over in the first season finale. Hey, at least we can say it was worth the wait. The barn? The moonlight? The longing looks? Be still, our hearts! That’s h-e-a-r-t heart, by the way.

#47: Leslie Knope & Ben Wyatt

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

If there’s one thing Pawnee’s deputy P&D director loves more than rules, it’s Ben. However, the department’s strict no-dating policy meant we all had to suffer through over half a season of will-they-won’t-they. This wait was particularly painful because of how obvious it was that Ben and Leslie were endgame material. Thankfully, the two didn’t let the pesky rules stop them for long, and they took advantage of a road trip to finally give us the smooch we’d all been waiting for! Even though it took several episodes longer than we wanted, we have to admit, that cabin kiss was steamy!

#46: Aang & Katara

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)

Given that these two wandered into a tunnel literally called “The Cave of Two Lovers,” we were ready to riot if it didn’t end with them finally acting on their feelings. Not like we’d already been waiting an entire season or anything! Luckily, “Avatar” delivered. After an episode that not-so-subtly left the two isolated from the rest of the crew, Aang and Katara end up leaning in just as their lanterns go out. We may not technically see the kiss, but at that point, the implication was still enough to send fans into a frenzy. The way the two are left blushing afterwards is so cute, we almost can’t handle it.

#45: Kurt Hummel & Blaine Anderson

“Glee” (2009-15)

After being tormented in class, switching schools, and joining a new Glee Club, Kurt Hummel finally meets the man of his dreams; Blaine. But, then, the show rudely spends two thirds of the second season depriving us of the Klaine kiss we all wanted to see. Just when you think it may not be in the cards, Blaine leans in… and history was made. Given everything Kurt went through because of his sexuality, seeing him experience true, queer joy is something special. There’s a reason Klaine remains such a beloved couple, and most of it is because of how moving this first kiss is.

#44: Sam Malone & Diane Chambers

“Cheers” (1982-93)

One of the most on-again-off-again couples in TV history, it’s surprising to learn Sam and Diane were decidedly “off” for the show’s entire first season. While their pairing divided audiences, you can’t help but root for their union in these early days. Especially when Diane goes out with Sam’s brother, causing all sorts of jealous friction. But, like all great TV romances, that tension leads them both into the bar’s office, where the two finally put their money where their mouth is. Somewhat literally. Even if you don’t think Sam and Diane are meant to be, there’s no denying the infectious energy of this inaugural hookup.

#43: Ross Geller & Rachel Green

“Friends” (1994-2004)

Long before viewers wondered if they were on a break or not, Ross and Rachel were just unlikely neighbors. Unlikely neighbors with a whole lot of romantic tension, that is. The early days of “Friends” made a habit of slightly nudging the two together in painfully teasing fashion. To the point, they technically kiss partway through the first season. It’s more out of instinct than true lust, and over a pile of laundry, so a lot of fans don’t count it as the start of their relationship. That wouldn’t come until the following season, where we get a true lover’s confession. Either way, both moments deliver payoff in spades.

#42: Veronica Mars & Logan Echolls

“Veronica Mars” (2004-07; 2019)

Even Neptune’s teen-detective extraordinaire couldn’t solve the mystery of her feelings for resident jerkwad, Logan. As it turns out, he felt the same, and the two spent most of the first season masking their affection behind a metric ton of snark. But, when Logan comes to Veronica’s aid during a particularly dangerous investigation, the adrenaline finally gets the two to drop their guard. Before they have time to think, they kiss - and boy is it one for the record books! The swooping camera and handsy movements release an entire season of pent-up crushing in one, glorious moment. If you didn’t ship them before, this kiss is guaranteed to make you a true believer.

#41: Fran Fine & Max Sheffield

“The Nanny” (1993-99)

Workplace relationships don’t always work out, but in the case of “The Nanny,” it’s kind of the whole show. From the moment Fran signs up to help the Sheffield’s, we’re left waiting for her and Max to get together. We’d be waiting a bit, though, even for their first kiss. It comes at the end of the first season, when the two are high off a successful scheme. It’s quick, and the two quickly brush it off, but the feelings are there despite it all. While their romance feels inevitable nowadays, at the time, this was the first real moment we knew Fran and Max were going to be lovebirds.

#40: Eleanor Shellstrop & Chidi Anagonye

“The Good Place” (2016-20)

Kristen Bell has a thing for great TV kisses, huh? This time, she’s trapped in the afterlife with Chidi, whose uptight personality is in direct contrast with Eleanor’s self-serving attitude. But, that’s part of the reason they make such a great match. Despite their differences, the show spends two whole seasons building their dynamic into something impossibly sweet. Then, when faced with the end of existence, Chidi throws caution to the wind in order to snap Eleanor out of her funk. “The Good Place’s” restraint to wait until the end of the second season turns this long-overdue declaration into a perfect romantic release.

#39: Adora & Catra

“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” (2018-20)

Our sincerest condolences to fans of this couple. “She-Ra” really made you wait for it. We’re talking five whole seasons. And, even then, Adora and Catra only act on their feelings in the literal last episode of the show! That’s some major build-up, and we have to admit, it was pretty agonizing. But, at least the payoff was a slam dunk. Facing the end of the world is a perfect time for a dazzling act of passion. Then exchanging “I love you’s,” though? That was just the icing on top. We’d gladly wait another five seasons if it meant we get a romance as fulfilling as Adora and Catra’s.

#38: Eve Polastri & Villanelle

“Killing Eve” (2018-22)

Detective and killer. Cat and mouse. Call them what you will. The fact of the matter is Eve and Villanelle had so much chemistry, it almost hurt to see them on opposite sides. “Killing Eve” seemed to relish in our suffering, stretching out their obvious affection across not just one, but two seasons. It got the point, it almost seemed like the two would never get the kiss they deserved. Then, in the third season, the two run into each other, and finally let the sparks fly. For all their issues and obstacles, in this one moment, Eve and Villanelle simply loved each other - and you can’t get better than that.

#37: Jack Shephard & Kate Austen

“Lost” (2004-10)

You’d think being stranded on a mysterious island together would be the perfect time to release your inhibitions. However, Jack and Kate aren't exactly the most emotionally mature, and hem-and-haw around their attraction for a full season and a half. For the record, these are network seasons, meaning diehards were glued to their screens for over 30, hour-length episodes before seeing this kiss. While it’s not exactly glamorous - they are still on an island - “Lost’s” first real romance is undeniably sexy. Later, Kate apologizes for letting her impulses get the better of her, but Jack says he isn’t sorry. Neither are we, for the record.

#36: Sydney Bristow & Michael Vaughn

“Alias” (2001-06)

Duty, professionalism, and actual criminals all stand in between Sydney Bristow and Michael Vaughn. That’s probably why it took them thirty five episodes to say what they mean. And, as they say, actions speak louder than words. Let’s just say the two celebrate the supposed end of big-bad SD-6 with some old-fashioned R&R. It’s about damn time, that’s for sure! Even if the two hadn’t finished their mission, we could only take so many false-starts and longing looks before our hearts would explode. A season and a half of pining isn’t exactly what the doctor ordered, but this scene is so good, it almost makes it worth it.

#35: Mindy Lahiri & Danny Castellano

“The Mindy Project” (2012-15; 2015-17)

In a show almost entirely about balancing one’s personal and professional life, you would’ve thought Mindy would at least peck her love-interest in the first season. You would be wrong, though. In fact, it takes halfway into season two before Mindy and Danny finally make a move. Even though it feels needlessly drawn out, we have to give credit for them doing it in an airplane. And, to be fair, it’s not like Mindy was struggling for romantic partners before this. Still, “The Mindy Project” knew exactly what kiss we wanted to see, and withholding it for nearly forty episodes was just plain mean.

#34: Chuck Bartowski & Sarah Walker

“Chuck” (2007-12)

If you want to be pedantic, technically Chuck got to kiss drop-dead-gorgeous Sarah in episode nine. They were both undercover though, and since there wasn’t any real romantic intent behind it, most fans don’t count the start of their relationship until the very end of season two, some thirty episodes later. Trust us, it was worth the delay. The two are preparing for the end of the world, so they don’t just kiss, they end up spending the whole night together for a sensual rendezvous to remember. If you’re going to make us wait two full seasons for a hookup, take a cue from “Chuck” and make it worthwhile!

#33: Midge Maisel & Lenny Bruce

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2017-23)

Divorce is no laughing matter. But, you simply have to laugh at the turn of events here. Midge’s husband leaves her in the pilot, and despite some very overt flirting with Lenny, the two don’t lock lips until the end of season four. You heard that right. For four seasons we waited for these two to finally get together, and even then, it came at the tail-end of the finale, meaning we had to wait another year for the fallout. Still, we can’t lie, it is one hell of a kiss. It almost makes the four years of pining worth it. Almost.

#32: Alexis Rose & Ted Mullens

“Schitt's Creek” (2015-20)

A little bit of Alexis goes a long way. But, three seasons is stretching it. While David and Patrick are simply the best, they only lasted a respectable season before locking lips. (xref) Ted and Alexis left us waiting triple that. It’s crazy when you realize the two had been longing for one another ever since their season one break-up, even working together at the vet clinic. Yet, somehow, “Schitt’s Creek” deprived romance-lovers of their true relationship for literal years. The show’s commitment to playing the long game did make for one of the sweetest love-confessions in recent memory, so we can’t be too mad. But, man, making it through those early seasons was rough!

#31: Matthew Casey & Sylvie Brett

“Chicago Fire” (2012-)

As hot and passionate as an actual fire, Firehouse 51 fought against burgeoning feelings between its residents for a really long time. Like, “six years” long. Casey and Brett had been eyeing one another since the latter’s introduction in season three. But, a series of other romantic entanglements delayed the inevitable, postponing their kiss until an ambulance accident in season 9. For those who aren’t great at math, that meant this kiss was six seasons in the making! While we wish it didn’t take Brett being in mortal danger, at least the results forced the two to reconcile one of the series’ longest-running plot threads.

#30: Sheldon Cooper & Amy Farrah Fowler

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

Although she wasn’t introduced until the long-running sitcom’s third season, Mayim Bialik’s neuroscientist was a perfect match for Sheldon Cooper. While she planted a smooch on him while under the influence in season 4, it wasn’t reciprocated, and may have even further delayed their very real connection. It wouldn’t be until season 7 that the fireworks really went off between Amy and Sheldon. Their first real kiss came in the middle of a classic Sheldon tantrum. Then, of course, it became the real thing. It’s the kind of first kiss only Sheldon Cooper could manage. It was a sarcastic joke until it became reality.

#29: Oliver Queen & Felicity Smoak

“Arrow” (2012-20)

This CW superhero series follows Oliver Queen, a billionaire-turned-vigilante who begins fighting crime and corruption in Starling City. Early in the series, he meets and works closely with IT expert Felicity Smoak. Fans waited eagerly as the two flirted shamelessly for two seasons. Then, in the third season premiere, they finally got their wish. The two went on their first date, only for Oliver to realize he can’t be a superhero and the man she deserves. Their first kiss feels like a painful goodbye. Luckily, fans wouldn’t have to wait too long for them to come to their senses.

#28: Janine Teagues & Gregory Eddie

“Abbott Elementary” (2021-)

It was clear from the pilot episode that Mrs. Teagues and Mr. Eddie were a perfect match. But like any will-they-or-won’t-they TV relationship, they had a few hurdles to clear first. Season 2 of the runaway hit sitcom constantly teased us with their inevitable pairing. After all the false starts and fleeting looks, the two finally had their first kiss at a teacher’s conference. It all went down in the middle of a classroom full of flowers. When the chemistry is explosive from the start, even two and a half seasons can feel like a lifetime of waiting.

#27: Amy Sosa & Jonah Simms

“Superstore” (2015-21)

The employees of big box store Cloud 9 had a lot to contend with. Shoplifters and corporate shenanigans are crazy enough. Workplace romance is another thing entirely. Sales associate Jonah Simms was down bad for supervisor Amy Sosa from the start. It wasn’t until a tornado trapped them in the store that they were forced to reveal their feelings for each other - because nothing says romance like flying debris and a falling ceiling! Of course, they try to play it off as no big deal. But if this list proves anything, it’s that two characters kissing on a TV show is like opening Pandora’s Box.

#26: Jake Peralta & Amy Santiago

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago’s first kiss was a spur of the moment decision. But they were undercover, so it didn’t really count, right? Well, they cleared up the confusion in the filing room later in the episode, and it was enough to make fans’ hearts start pounding. While it was an intense and dramatic scene for such a hilarious show, it was another story behind the scenes. Andy Samberg and Melissa Fumero were living up to the show’s madcap goofiness off-camera. Apparently, to make their kiss less awkward, the two actors ate food that would give them bad breath.

#25: Ted Mosby & Tracy McConnell

“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)

In a way, we spent all nine seasons of this seminal sitcom waiting for Ted to kiss the Mother. It isn’t called “How I Met Your Mother” for nothing. But, even if you don’t count the previous eight years, the show still stretched out Ted and Tracy’s romance for the entire last batch of episodes. The two don’t technically kiss until the fourth-to-last installment of the entire series. That’s downright criminal behavior! For fans who’d been watching since day one, seeing Ted finally profess his love was downright cathartic. So, heads up. If you’re starting “How I Met Your Mother” for the romance, you better get comfortable.

#24: Joyce Byers & Jim Hopper

“Stranger Things” (2016-)

When we first met Joyce, she was not doing well. She was frantically searching for her missing son, Will, and forcing the exhausted and weary police chief Jim Hopper to take her seriously. But over four seasons, monster invasions, and being held captive by the Russians, the two grew very, very close. When they finally made it official, so to speak, it was a very long time coming. Scored with the show’s usual 80s-inspired synthesizer, it’s a magical and surprisingly passionate kiss. It was a great moment because both of them had grown so much in that time, together and apart, and were much better than when we first met them.

#23: Buffy Summers & Spike

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Couples and relationships can be a hot topic among fans. That’s especially true for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Buffy fans can probably be divided into camps based on which vampire they wanted Buffy Summers to end up with. Angel was her first love on the show, but the leather-clad, peroxided vampire Spike entered the race halfway through the series’ run. They technically locked lips in season 5, but no, the Buffybot doesn’t count. It wasn’t until season 6’s classic musical episode that the two finally had their first real kiss. Their embrace closed out the show, leaving viewers dazed by the entire episode, and foaming at the mouth to see how things would pick up the next week.

#22: Michonne & Rick Grimes

“The Walking Dead” (2010-22)

You’d think a band of survivors trying to outrun a horde of walkers wouldn’t have much time for romance. But then, you wouldn’t have much of a show if they didn’t. Fans of the comics knew Michonne was coming, but they didn’t necessarily know her introduction would result in a pairing with the show’s protagonist, Rick Grimes. However, fans didn’t get to see them act on their attraction for three seasons. In an uncharacteristically warm episode, the two begin to kiss while sitting on the sofa after sharing the adventures of an average day in a post-apocalyptic landscape.

#21: Gil Grissom & Sara Sidle

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000-15)

Few had it quite as hard as the “CSI” fandom. Having kept their relationship hidden from their colleagues, crime scene investigators Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle’s first on-screen kiss was probably one of the most gut-wrenching ever. Sara, having lost her passion and drive for the job, kisses her now-fiance Grissom goodbye and departs the crime lab. The two would eventually marry, break up and get back together, but most of their romantic relationship would be played off-screen after actors William Petersen and Jorja Fox’s roles as part of the cast changed. Their return in the 2021 followup series was a welcome look into their dynamic as a married couple.

#20: Maddie Hayes & David Addison

“Moonlighting” (1985-89)

Look, we’re not saying the Blue Moon Detective Agency invented the long-simmering workplace romance. But Maddie Hayes and David Addison probably perfected the trope. Inspired by screwball comedies and murder mysteries, the show cast Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, proving opposite really do attract. The dramedy constantly teased us with fantasy kisses throughout its episodes. However, when the constantly bickering pair gave in to their feelings in season 2, it was a painful case that finally gave viewers what they wanted. It was a thrilling and sad moment between the two.

#19: Joey Potter & Pacey Witter

“Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)

Though technically they share a brief peck early on in Season 1, these two wouldn’t discover their true feelings for each other until the third season. These two start out as enemies with Dawson really being the only thing connecting them. But over time, they become confidants, then friends, and then something more. Without even realizing it, they become each other’s soulmates. And in a moment where Pacey can’t hold his feelings in anymore, he kisses Joey, changing their relationship forever. It might have only taken most of the way through Season 3 for these two to finally lock lips, but if you watched this relationship build through Seasons 2 and 3, it felt like a lifetime.

#18: Jess Day & Nick Miller

“New Girl” (2011-18)

Similar to Joey and Pacey, if we’re talking straight episode count, this one doesn’t take too long at all to manifest. We got this first kiss halfway through the second season. But also like Joey and Pacey, the tension between these two was so palpable that it felt like forever for this to finally happen. The chemistry between them was so intense in fact, that Jake Johnson and Zooey Deschanel were told not to touch during filming. Cece saw it from the very beginning. She tries to hook up Nick and Jess very early on, but the show made us wait in anticipation.

#17: Kate Beckett & Richard Castle

“Castle” (2009-16)

No matter how much animosity Beckett has for Castle in the beginning, these two have an obvious chemistry. Castle is always out to win Beckett’s heart, but in Season 1, Beckett is all business. She’s not at all responsive to his romantic attempts, and even tries to have Castle removed as her partner. But in Season 2, their relationship begins to soften, and we could see mutual feelings begin to blossom. Then, finally in Season 3, Castle and Beckett finally share their first kiss. It may have just been part of a plan to help their friends. But let’s be honest, we all knew it was something more.

#16: Leo Fitz & Jemma Simmons

“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (2013-20)

These two literally travel through space and time losing each other and finding each other again and again. They obviously have chemistry from the very beginning. They’ve been partners ever since the academy. But as the show goes on, it becomes more and more clear that there’s something deeper between them than friendship. We watched as their feelings blossom through insurmountable obstacles. They defeat deadly viruses, battle inhumans, and even survive at the bottom of the ocean all together. Their first kiss comes in a moment of desperation where they just can’t hold in their feelings anymore.

#15: Ziva David & Tony DiNozzo

“NCIS” (2003-)

This one was a long, slow burn. These two don’t even meet until Season 3 when Ziva first joins the team. It takes them until Season 11 to finally lock lips for real, but their first mission together involves them pretending to be a married couple. Even the actors knew right from then that their characters were in a love story. And the fans were right there with them. We all waited eight long seasons for them to finally come together, and it was a goodbye kiss. It took another long wait to see them reunited.

#14: Dwayne Wayne & Whitley Gilbert

“A Different World” (1987-93)

Towards the beginning of “A Different World,” the idea of romance isn’t really on Dwayne or Whitley’s mind – but it certainly was on the audience’s! As the show went on, the chemistry between the two was undeniable. Dwayne might not have been the type of guy Whitley would usually go for – he didn’t have the rich guy look, he wasn’t on the finance or business track – but he was the only guy who cared to get to know her, and that’s what really matters. Plus, both of these characters dated and loved other people before coming together – they knew themselves and knew what they wanted, which made them perfect for each other… and made this kiss worth the wait.

#13: Damon Salvatore & Elena Gilbert

“The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)

As soon as Elena quite literally ran into Damon in the second episode of the series, “Vampire Diaries” fans were hooked. Their love triangle with Stefan dragged on, and while there were small nuggets here and there – such as Elena chastely pecking Damon as he lay dying – the two didn’t officially kiss until Season 3. At the time, Damon and Elena were working to get Stefan back from Klaus, and Stefan and Elena were still together. Though Damon still considered Elena his “brother’s girl” – hello, patriarchy – he kissed her, knowing she would go back to Stefan in the end. It still took another season for these two to get together, but we appreciate the kiss in the meantime.

#12: Lucifer Morningstar & Chloe Decker

“Lucifer” (2016-21)

These two start off with that classic opposites-attract, buddy-cop type of relationship. Chloe is pretty straight-laced and by the book, and Lucifer is… well… Lucifer. Similar to Castle and Beckett’s relationship, Lucifer clearly likes Chloe from early on, but Chloe remains skeptical of his intentions. Though he’s straight up with her about who he really is, Chloe, naturally, doesn’t believe him. But slowly, their trust grows, and they become real partners and true friends. Eventually, just when Lucifer is ready to give up hope that Chloe would ever see him as anything more, she flips the script and plants one on him. This one might have only taken halfway through Season 2 to happen, but we were all longing for this one since they first met.

#11: Patrick Jane & Teresa Lisbon

“The Mentalist” (2008-15)

What’s with these partner duos? They just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. At least not for too long… but definitely long enough. Out of seven long seasons of this show, these two don’t give in to their romantic tension until the finale of Season 6. At the start of the show, Jane is still recovering from the death of his wife. So it seemed unlikely that anything romantic would materialize between the two partners. Yet, over time, the attraction between them becomes more and more obvious. In a Ross-and-Rachel type move, Jane finally admits his feelings for Lisbon just as she’s about to leave to take a new job. She initially rejects him, but comes back and kisses him.

#10: Seeley Booth & Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan

“Bones” (2005-17)

Yet another partner teamup relationship to add to the list. It’s obvious from the beginning that these two would eventually get together. Even their co-workers think there’s something going on between them. One of them, Sweets, even writes a book about their relationship. Yet we still had to wait through five seasons and a hundred episodes of sexual tension, over protectiveness, and even jealousy between them before seeing Booth and Bones finally kiss. After reminiscing on their first case together to help Sweets with his book, Booth finally builds up the courage to tell Bones how he feels. It’s a bittersweet moment since Bones is not ready to reciprocate, but we all knew this was only the beginning.

#9: Anne Shirley-Cuthbert & Gilbert Blythe

“Anne With an E” (2017-19)

Ahh young love. It may have taken until the series finale of this short-lived show for them to kiss, but it was well worth the wait. Gilbert clearly likes Anne from the very first time they meet. On the first day of school, Gilbert saves Anne from a kid that’s harassing her, and asks if she had any dragons that needed slaying, implying that he wants to be her prince charming. After that, Gilbert relentlessly tries to get Anne’s attention which proves elusive. But eventually the two become friends and fall in love. Their first kiss may have been a long wait, but it was like a fairytale.

#8: Brienne of Tarth & Jaime Lannister

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Let’s just ignore everything that happens in the last few episodes of “Game of Thrones,” and only remember the good times – like when these two FINALLY locked lips. Jaime and Brienne didn’t start off on the best of terms – honestly, there probably aren’t worse terms two people could start on. But throughout the show, their respect for each other grew – Jaime trusted Brienne enough to tell her the true story behind the Mad King’s death, and Brienne’s honor inspired Jaime to be the knight he always longed to be. Season 8 definitely lacks high points, but the scene where Jaime knights Brienne is one of the best in the show’s history – and their long-awaited kiss was pretty great too.

#7: Stiles Stilinski & Lydia Martin

“Teen Wolf” (2011-17)

This one was not just a slow burn for us, but for Stiles as well. Stiles has harbored an unrequited love for Lydia since the third grade. Lydia, on the other hand, hasn’t even seemed to notice he was alive. That is until things start getting all mystical and magical in their lives. Over time, Lydia starts to see just how deeply Stiles cares about her. And she starts to care back. When Stiles is suffering from an intense panic attack, Lydia kisses him as a way to calm him down. At the time it may have been little more than a distraction. But later on, even Lydia admits that that was the moment everything changed between them.

#6: Donna Paulsen & Harvey Specter

“Suits” (2011-19)

When it comes to workplace romance, these two might take the cake for the longest wait time. Fans waited seven seasons for these two to finally take the plunge – although they would have to wait a whole other season for them to actually get together. But even though it took forever for them to get there romantically, these two always had each other’s backs. Actor Gabriel Macht even called the pair “each other’s other half.” He’s right: whether it was working a case or being there for each other emotionally – like when Harvey’s dad died – these two were basically in a relationship already, just minus the physical part. And boy, are we glad they added the physical part.

#5: Luke Danes & Lorelai Gilmore

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

Quick banter and obscure pop culture references a happy couple make! Fans knew from the START that Luke and Lorelai had something special. They’re the epitome of opposites attract – he’s surly, she’s perky. She’s a caffeine fiend, he runs a diner that sells coffee – it’s the perfect match. But the showrunners dragged this obviously perfect couple out for four long seasons before fans got that much-anticipated first kiss. In typical “Gilmore Girls” fashion, the buildup to the moment is hilarious and witty – Lorelai’s attempts to figure out if Luke is serious towards her are a hoot – and the culminating moment is absolute perfection.

#4: Clark Kent & Lois Lane

“Smallville” (2001-11)

There have been many iterations of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, but these two might win the award for the most screen time without a smooch. Lois didn’t make it onto the show until Season 4, but when she did, the chemistry she had with Clark was undeniable. Of course, the showrunners made fans wait until Season 9 for that chemistry to finally come to fruition – all the while making Clark navigate his superhero life without letting Lois in on his secret. These two had smaller kisses before – but whether it was Clark masquerading as Green Arrow or a run-in with Red Kryptonite, something always made those kisses feel a little less official than this one – which is why it’s perfect.

#3: Josh Lyman & Donna Moss

“The West Wing” (1999-06)

Of course the polls could be the only thing to heighten the tension and finally push these two lovebirds over the hump. It’s hard to imagine “The West Wing” without Josh and Donna – but the relationship almost never existed. Janel Moloney was only hired for one scene in the first episode – the scene where she brings Josh coffee. Apparently, the chemistry between the two actors was so off the charts, producers hired her on as a regular. Seven seasons and much political banter later, the two finally kissed in the wake of a campaign victory. Ah, the romance of politics!

#2: Dana Scully & Fox Mulder

“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)

Talk about making us wait for it. Scully and Mulder may as well have invented the idea of the slow romantic burn. Ever since the beginning, the tension – both positive and negative – between these two could cut a knife. It may have had something to do with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny’s reported less than friendly relationship while filming, which could have had a hand in creating sparks on camera – but don’t worry, the two are good friends now. Tension aside, after 143 episodes, our favorite alien-hunting, crime-fighting duo finally locked lips – and at the turn of the century no less. Fitting!

#1: Niles Crane & Daphne Moon

“Frasier” (1993-2004)

From the first time Niles laid eyes on Daphne, he was smitten … but he was married at the time, so – yeah – couldn’t really do anything about it. But even after Niles’s marriage ended, it took a long time for this relationship to come to fruition. The list of “almosts” for these two is too long to count – from the pair’s explosive tango at the ball, to the Seattle heat wave fiasco, to Niles losing his nerve time and time again. But all the near misses made it all that more satisfying when the two finally did the deed – kissed, that is.

What TV kiss did you wait a lifetime for? Tell us in the comments.