Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and you know what that means – a visit from the Milk Tray man, of course!
Chocolates aren’t your thing? Or perhaps you don’t have a special someone in your life at the moment? Never fret for I’ve compiled a list of of some of the cutest British sitcom couples in order to offer hope to those who find themselves alone and inspiration for partners who maybe just aren’t feeling the love these days…
1. Bren and Tony from Dinnerladies:
Co-workers in a Manchester factory canteen, Bren and Tony fancy one another but seem to constantly skirt around the subject. Recovering from a serious illness, Tony is a bit apprehensive about his future causing him to treat Bren more like a mate. On the other hand, Bren, whom everyone else relies on for advice, lacks the self-esteem to undertake a romantic relationship head on.
There are many false starts between these two but what shines through is a mature friendship and a genuine affection that keeps us, and all their co-workers, rooting for them right up to the happy ending.
2. Tim and Dawn from The Office
Here’s another workplace friendship/crush that takes its good old time to burst into full bloom. At first glance Tim and Dawn are good chums, pulling pranks on their co-worker Gareth and innocently flirting in the break room. But very quickly it becomes apparent that Tim, at least, harbors deeper feelings. Dawn meanwhile has been engaged long-term to insensitive and unsupportive boyfriend, Lee. With no end of the engagement in sight, Tim endeavors to move on with his life which awakens some jealous feelings in Dawn, resulting in a moment like this…
Writers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant make us wait to the very end to see how this story turns out and it’s worth every tortured moment.
3. Mac and Caroline from Green Wing
Dr. Caroline Todd, new surgical registrar, is finding it difficult to fit in at quirky East Hampton Hospital. Her frequent unnerving run-ins with staff surgeon Dr. Macartney combined with the constant manipulative attentions of Dr. Guy Secretan draw Caroline into a love triangle. While it’s obvious Mac and Caroline are a true love match, current romantic entanglements, past lovers, interference from potentially homicidal hospital employees and their own adorable shyness make us question if MacTodd will ever become reality.
4. Sally and Ian from Twenty Twelve
Ian Fletcher, head of the Olympic Deliverance Committee, relies on the calm oasis that is his ultra-efficient and sweetly loyal PA, Sally Owen. She recognizes the extreme stress that Ian’s job and deteriorating marriage is inflicting on him and undertakes to look after him in her wonderfully quiet way. He, in turn, is touched by her dedication and attention.
Now that the Olympics have concluded, will Ian and Sally end up together? Unfortunately it’s a cliffhanger that shut the door right in our faces.
5. Miranda and Gary from Miranda
And speaking of cliffhangers, my favorite sitcom couple of all has to be Miranda and Gary. They were good friends first and, despite appearances, Gary is almost as dorky as Miranda. Now they’re trying to find their way, ever so awkwardly, towards romance. Every time they’re together Miranda has this adorable expression on her face as if to say she can’t believe this man is interested in her. But even better, Gary never looks as though there’s any reason he shouldn’t be.
As must be in all respectable sitcom relationships, however, Gary and Miranda’s love keeps getting derailed. Now mind you, I have not yet found my way clear to see all of series 3 but I hear whispers that Miranda and Gary got quite close and then they weren’t and finally there’s a moment of truth which forces Miranda to make a choice. Please don’t ruin it for me if you know any more details. I want to keep the dream alive as long as I can.
So what can we take away from these telly examples?
1. You’re most likely to find your soul mate at work.
2. Expect to endure lots of fateful meddling and obstacles which will test your relationship.
3. And probably the most helpful advice, fall in love with your best friend and you can’t go wrong.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Carmen, I think I would add Gavin & Stacey to my list and maybe even Smithy and Nessa. ;-)
I actually had Smithy and Nessa on my long list, Melissa!
This is just my opinion of course, but I feel Gavin and Smithy have a far more interesing relationship than Gavin and Stacey do.
May I also add Jean and Lionel? I could go on…
So very true, the list of potential couples could be quite extensive. In writing this, I glanced over the list of sitcoms I have watched and these five jumped right out at me. I guess I just went with my heart, pardon the pun:)
Well, it’s a large field Carmen. This post could be on forever.
Please don’t forget Barry and Sue from Mount Pleasant. There’s a couple who finally admitted that they prefer to be with each other than anyone else (except perhaps Alan, the dog) and have been married a long time. Now that’s cute!
I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Barry and Sue. Another show to add to my forever expanding list. A long-term married couple is a refreshing addition to this company. Thanks, Samantha.
Tim and Dawn, yes, that was a lovely sub-plot!
Don’t forget the classics! Tom and Barbara Good have got to be the cutest married sitcom couple, surely?
I remember Tom and Barbara Good when PBS showed Good Neighbors/The Good Life back in the late seventies. In fact, it was one of my first experiences with British telly ever! And while I would have to definintely agree they were a cute sitcom couple, I think as a 7th grader I was too young at the time to appreciate their “chemistry” as a couple so they didn’t pop to the top of my mind when I was compiling this list.
Telly opinions are a very subjective thing so I’ve appreciated everyone sharing their favorites here!