If you’re anything like me, part of the joy of watching TV is falling for the relationships — the chemistry, the tension, the “will they/won’t they,” the happy moments, the heartbreak. In 2025, ABC delivered some unforgettable couple-stories across its primetime slate. I’m here to rank the 10 greatest TV couples of 2025 on ABC, based on emotional intensity, storyline impact, fan reaction, and — of course — pure chemistry. Grab your comfy blanket. Let’s ship.
What Makes a “Great” TV Couple in 2025
Before we dive into the list, let’s define what I’m looking for when I call a TV pairing “great”:
-
Chemistry & Emotional Depth – do they make us believe in them?
-
Storyline Significance – does their relationship matter to the plot?
-
Fan Engagement & Impact – are people talking, shipping, praising, crying?
-
Memorable Moments – scenes that stick with you long after the credits roll.
With those in mind, here are the couples that hit the sweet spot this year.
#1: Athena & Bobby (“9-1-1”)
Why They Lead the Pack
-
Their storyline delivered some of the most emotionally powerful moments of 2025 — loss, grief, love, loyalty.
-
Their bond remained strong even amid tragedy, giving viewers a love story that felt real, raw, and heartbreaking.
A Relationship That Resonated
Even when things went sideways, their connection grounded the show. It’s rare for a coupling to make heartbreak feel like love’s ultimate tribute.
#2: Amelia & Monica (“Grey’s Anatomy” Season 21)
New Couple, Big Vibes
-
During 2025, the show hinted strongly at a burgeoning romance between Amelia Shepherd and Monica Beltran — a pairing that had fans talking.
-
The emotional support, vulnerability, and subtle build-up gave them depth, making them one of the more unexpected but satisfying relationships on ABC this year.
Fresh Energy for a Long-Running Series
After decades of drama, introducing a modern, emotionally rich relationship like Amelia & Monica injected new life and hope into the show’s romance arcs.
#3: Jo & Link (Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Finale)
A Classic “Finally-together” Arc
Yes — in the season finale, this pair tied the knot. Their long-running tension, ups and downs, and eventual commitment paid off for long-time fans.
Fans Feel It
For many viewers, their journey — fraught with missteps, hope, frustrations — made their wedding feel earned. For better or worse, their relationship is one fans remember this year.
#4: Ava & O’Shon (“Abbott Elementary”)
Cheeky Chemistry in Sitcom Halls
-
On a show known for laughs and realness, Ava and O’Shon brought flirtation, slow-burn attraction, and “maybe someday” potential. Their dynamic ignited fan hope.
-
Their vibe is light, hopeful and fun — exactly what a workplace sitcom romance should feel like.
Relatable & Rootable
They’re co-workers. They’re awkward. They have to navigate office life and attraction. That sets the stage for a storyline that’s equal parts charming and realistic.
5: Morgan & Adam (“High Potential”)
From Will-They/Won’t-They to Something Real
-
“High Potential” mixes crime-procedural action with personal stakes; Morgan Gillory and Detective Adam Karadec bring a hint of romance that steadily builds, and many viewers found it compelling.
-
Their relationship adds emotional stakes to a show that’s otherwise about cases — love becomes another case worth watching.
Under the Radar, But Growing With Impact
They may not have had the biggest spotlight yet, but their slow-burn vibe and realism make them one of 2025’s sleeper hit couples.
#6: Don & Blythe (or similar pairing) on “9-1-1: Nashville”
New Show, Classic Love Potential
-
With the launch of 9-1-1: Nashville in Fall 2025, new couples like Don Hart and Blythe were introduced as central to the series’ family drama and first-responder world.
-
The setup: firehouse chaos by day, emotional family dynamics by night — perfect grounds for a compelling romantic arc.
Fresh Faces, Fresh Hopes
As a new show, audience curiosity is high. This gives couples like Don & Blythe the chance to grow organically — and to surprise.
#7: Buck & Tommy (Potential, from 9-1-1)
Fans Are Investing in “What Could Be”
-
According to lists of couples to watch, many viewers hope Buck and Tommy get a renewed arc after past cliffhangers — some call their story “unfinished business.”
-
That longing alone gives them a place on this list: potential energy, fan hope, and the setup for something emotionally powerful.
Sometimes Hope Is Enough
Not every great couple has to be “official.” Sometimes a simmering possibility, full of longing and what-ifs, has its own magic.
#8: Secondary Couples Worth a Shout-Out
Supporting Love Stories Still Matter
In 2025, ABC shows offered more than just main couples — secondary pairings, subtle flirtations, and friendships-turned-something added layers to their worlds. Think of side characters whose quiet arcs still carry emotional weight.
Because Real Life Isn’t Always the Headliner
Sometimes love is in the margins: the coworker crush, the longtime friend turning partner, the slow build you almost miss until it hits. These stories add realism and depth.
#9: Chemistry Over Story — Why Some Couplings Win With Just Vibes
When Vibes Hit Right, Who Needs Drama?
Not every standout couple needs big plot turns. Some shine because the actors click, the quiet moments resonate, or the tension crackles.
Because We Watch for Feelings, Not Just Plot
We tune in not only for what happens — but how it feels. A glance. A silence. A near-kiss. Sometimes those matter more than proposals or weddings.
#10: The Unwritten Couples — Why 2025 Leaves Us Hoping
For Every Great Couple: A What-If Pairing
For every “shipping success,” there’s a “shipping possibility.” 2025 left room for future romances: friendships with chemistry, unresolved glances, side characters with hints of more.
The Beauty of Potential
Maybe 2025 isn’t the final word. Maybe 2026 brings closure. Maybe “that look” finally becomes “that kiss.” And that uncertainty? That’s part of the magic.
Why ABC’s 2025 Slate Delivered on Romance
Balanced Mix: Drama, Romance & Reality
From first-responders to medical wards, from sitcom halls to crime investigations — ABC gave us variety. That meant romance in many forms: tragic, hopeful, messy, beautiful.
Risk & Reward: New Couples in Long-Running Shows
Long-running shows like Grey’s Anatomy still found ways to evolve relationships organically. Newer shows like High Potential and 9-1-1: Nashville introduced fresh pairings with potential. That balance kept things interesting.
Fan Engagement: Shipping Communities Matter
Many couples soared not just because of the writing — but because fans believed in them, debated them, shared memes, theories, hopes. That energy fuels what makes a TV relationship feel “real.”
A Few Couples That Didn’t Work — And Why They Still Count
Imperfect Chemistry ≠ Failure for the Whole Show
Some pairings lacked the spark. Others felt forced. But even flawed relationships add texture. They remind us real love isn’t always perfect — and sometimes the flaws are what make a character memorable.
Lessons from What Didn’t Land
Not all attempts to romance succeed. That’s okay. Writing relationships is hard. What matters is sincerity, growth, and emotional honesty — even if it’s messy.
My Personal Top 5 “Ships” — If I Could Choose My ABC OTPs
-
Athena & Bobby — heartbreak and hope in equal measure.
-
Amelia & Monica — fresh love with depth and representation.
-
Jo & Link — because some stories deserve a wedding.
-
Ava & O’Shon — giddy workplace romance done right.
-
Morgan & Adam — quiet complexity that blooms over time.
These stand out to me — not because they’re perfect, but because they feel real. Raw. Human. And sometimes that’s enough to make a TV couple unforgettable.
Conclusion
2025 was a big year for romance on ABC. Between tragedies and new beginnings, subtle glances and passionate scenes, the network balanced drama with heart. The couples above reminded us why we watch TV: for love stories that hit, for relationships that make us root, hope, laugh, cry — and sometimes swoon. Whether they ended in heartbreak, commitment, or lingering possibilities, they left an imprint. And who knows? Next season might bring sequels, surprises, or fresh pairings. But for now — these are the 10 greatest TV couples on ABC in 2025.
