Top 10 Gay Male TV Couples

TV has come a long way in its portrayal of same sex relationships. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down the "Top 10 Gay Male Couples on Television."

For this list, we’re looking through the history of television for relationships that consist of two men. Since we’ll be talking about various plot points, we’re going to have to issue a spoiler warning.

Degrassi has had no shortage of gay characters, but Riley and Zane’s romance manages to stand apart from the rest. When they meet, Zane is a confident, out-and-proud athlete and head of Degrassi’s LGBT Club. Meanwhile, Riley is also an athlete, but is still in the closet and is harboring some homophobic tendencies. This conflict creates tension in their relationship, but they come to understand each other and Zane ultimately helps Riley come out. It’s touching to see two young gay characters who manage to defy stereotypes and come into their identities despite the social pressures of high school.

As Cersei could tell you, clandestine relationships in Westeros are never quite as secret as the lovers may hope. Renly Baratheon and the Knight of the Flowers carried on a secret relationship, despite Renly’s engagement to Loras’ sister, who had her own ambitions in mind. Renly’s attempt to take the Iron Throne ended tragically as he was killed on his brother Stannis’ orders. Because he expressed his grief with a quote that doesn’t appear in the TV adaptation, “When the sun has set, no candle can replace it,” some book fans expressed disappointment that Loras would later move on to be with another man.

The straight-laced Captain Ray Holt found love in the equally stone-faced Kevin Cozner. No, not Costner. Kevin isn’t particularly fond of the nine-nine, mostly due to the racism and homophobia Ray has faced in his career, but he supports him anyway. The fact that these two characters are gay is never really made a big deal in the series, which is a refreshing portrayal, particularly in comedy. Seeing vulnerability in the seemingly unshakeable Ray provides the show with some rare moments of poignancy amidst all the silliness. However, this doesn’t mean that the couple doesn’t get their share of laughs.

Werewolf twin brothers Ethan and Aiden transferred to Beacon Hills High School in order to get close to Scott. This led to Ethan beginning a relationship with resident sweetheart Danny. Though he begins as an antagonist, his genuine feelings for Danny begin to make his allegiances waiver, and he ultimately defects and joins Scott’s pack. Their romance was one of the anchoring storylines of the drama’s third season, and finally provided fan-favorite Danny with a legitimate and sincere love interest. Not only that, but Ethan’s journey from villain to hero made him one of the most dynamic recurring characters on the series. Despite taking place in a supernatural series, these characters were two of the most human, and we love them for it.

Alan Ball’s HBO series Six Feet Under received much praise for its portrayal of David and Keith’s relationship. Both characters are relatable, realistic, and grounded, with their romance being one of the main storylines of the series. Keith helps David accept his sexuality and finally come out, and the two are able to lean on each other amidst issues with their dysfunctional families. Their love for each other is almost frighteningly intense, and they seem to experience the highest highs and the lowest lows. Nonetheless, their passion is evident every time they appear onscreen together, and despite these two large personalities often conflicting, there was never any doubt that they were right for each other.

At the outset of this thriller series, Connor seemed like he would just be fulfilling the stereotype of the promiscuous gay man. However, after a brief fling with hacker Oliver, his rough exterior begins to soften. Very often Oliver’s sweet nature is at odds with Connor’s coldness, but they manage to even each other out, always looking out for one another. Just as complicated and messy as any straight relationship on the series, it tackles the major issue of HIV while never tokenizing either of the characters, and giving each of them something to turn to in the dark world they live in.

This may be one of the most toxic relationships on this list, but an effective one nonetheless. Both Ian and Mickey grew up in poverty, with Mickey in particular being raised in an angry and violent family. They begin as enemies before an altercation reveals their attraction to one another. After several seasons of major dysfunction, Mickey finally announces his sexuality in one of TVs most radical coming out scenes. He later becomes critical in helping Ian deal with his bipolar disorder. The messiness of the relationship serves as a refreshingly different gay coming-of-age story, and it’s safe to say we’ve never seen a gay relationship on TV quite like this one.

Eyebrows were raised when the premiere of this Showtime series featured protagonist Brian hooking up with Justin, a minor. It was certainly a dysfunctional way to begin the relationship, but as the series progressed, Brian’s feelings for Justin became more genuine. Though the relationship becomes contentious on more than a few occasions, their love for one another manages to shine through and they rectify things when times get tough. Even when the two aren’t together, it’s clear that they care deeply for one another. It was one of the first gay relationship arcs to anchor an entire series, and is both unique and beautiful.

Viewers swooned when Blaine debuted with his a capella rendition of “Teenage Dream,” but no one fell harder than Kurt. Though they started out in rival glee clubs, Blaine eventually comes to McKinley High to be closer to his love, and the two provide some of the show’s loveliest duets. As high school sweethearts, there was surely some drama that would ensue over the course of the series, but even long distance and infidelity couldn’t keep the two apart. They were a fan-favorite couple throughout the series, and they helped one another grow through from teens to adults, finally achieving their dreams and supporting the next generation of gleeks.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

• Tobias Beecher & Chris Keller—Oz
• Jude Adams Foster & Connor Stevens—The Fosters
• Jamal Lyon & Michael Sanchez—Empire

In a series full of hilarious characters and sincere moments, Cam and Mitchell stand out as two of the most lovable figures. At the series’ onset, they begin their own family by adopting Lily and adding even more chaos to the already chaotic Pritchett family. The high-strung Mitchell is a perfect foil to his partner, Cam, who has a certain flair for the dramatic. Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have fantastic chemistry, both comically and romantically, with both receiving Emmy nominations for their performances. They’re more than just sources of comedy, however, as they’re television’s most prominent portrayal of gay parents who keeping us laughing every step of the way.