5 Best Television Sitcom Couples
Terez 
The situational comedy, or "sitcom" has been a television staple for over the past 50 years. Most of us who watch television have our favorites.
From The Donna Reed Show to the currently airing Modern Family, this most popular genre of sitcom is centered around a (usually) married couple and their extended family.
While the number of family sitcoms that have been aired are too numerous to count, a few have stood out from among the rest to become classics. These stand outs are often due to superior writing, acting and production.
However, another unique factor that sets these classics apart is the relationship of the central couple. It's their relationship which gives these shows both their identity and emotional core.
Listed next are my personal choices for the five best television sitcom couples (in descending order). Included are my reasonings as to why they are a cut above the rest:
5. Alice & Ralph Kramden (The Honeymooners 1955-1956) Ralph Kramden was a bus driver who 
dreamed of striking it rich. Alice Kramden was his longsuffering wife. What made this couple special was Alice's sharp tongue and even sharper wit. She served to keep Ralph's feet planted firmly on the ground while offering her support in his times of need. On the other hand, Ralph's starry dreams stemmed from a deep desire to give his wife the best life had to offer.
4. Edith & Archie Bunker (All In The Family 1968-1979) This classic introduced the world to Archie 
Bunker, the cranky, conservative bigot and his loving, sweet-spirited wife Edith. Though Archie was surly and stubborn, he deeply loved Edith. She served as his conscience. Her generous nature made her beloved by all. Often, she provided a counterpoint to Archie's intolerant views. This resulted with her having to gently rebuke him on occasion, but she was very loyal to her husand and family.
3. Florida & James Evans (Good Times 1974-1979) Good Times featured a struggling, African-American 
family residing in the projects of Chicago. What made this series ground breaking was its depiction of the central couple. James Evans was a strong, dignified, hard-working family man. While completely no nonsense in temperament, he was a loving father who was completely committed to his wife. Florida was just as devoted to her family, but she wielded her own brand of steely strength, and wisdom. Despite the various hardships they were subjected to, Florida and James continued to support each other through it all with love.
2. Roseanne & Dan Conner (Roseanne 1988-1997) The sitcom Roseanne introduced us to the blue collar 
family the Conners. Roseanne was the loud, brash, and abrasive matriarch. Her husband, Dan, was good natured and easy-going. What made their relationship special was Dan truly loved Roseanne despite her off-putting personality. However, Roseanne was fiercely protective of her family due to her love for them running so deep. The Conners broke the television sitcom mode because they fought, laughed and cried together like real human beings - and America responded.
1. Clair & Heathcliff ("Cliff") Huxtable (The Cosby Show 1984-1992) This series featured the successful, 
African-American family the Huxtables. Cliff Huxtable was a prosperous physician, while his wife, Clair, was a prominent attorney. Together, they raised their five children with love, humor, wit and wisdom. However, the relationship between Clair and Cliff was the dynamo which powered this hugely popular show. Their on-screen affection for each other was obvious. Cliff truly respected his wife. He was not threatened by her intellect or her strength. Clair returned this respect in kind. However, they both often demonstrated their love for each other by being playfully flirty. Theirs was a depiction of a healthy relationship based on T.R.U.S.T. Since it has left the airwaves, there has not been a series quite like The Cosby Show before or since. It remains unique.
So, now you have it. My personal choices for the five best television sitcom couples. Which couples would make your list? Please tell us your choices in the comment section below!
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Reader Comments (4)
Those are definitely the best. It is a shame that they don't make any like them any more.
To direct reviews: It's very true that today's sitcoms are most definitely a much different breed. Even though times and mores have changed since the sitcoms in my post were on television, I still think Hollywood should revisit what made those shows a part of our cultural zeitgeist.