The 75+ Best TV Shows About Marriage, Ranked
There's no shortage of stories to tell about marriage. Since the beginning of television, nearly every series has dealt with the trials and tribulations of marriage at some point, whether in groundbreaking, funny, dramatic, or tragic ways. Whether you've vowed to never get married, you're thinking about getting married, or you've been married for years, sometimes the best way to understand such an endlessly complex institution is to watch how others deal with it. In our current age of television, the best shows about marriage tell utterly compelling, human stories that can go from heartbreaking to empathetic to hilariously satisfying all in one episode.
Shows about marriage can be therapeutic for those in a long-term relationship, but they can also be cathartic and just plain entertaining for everyone else. The best shows about marriage differ from those about plain old dating because, compared to marriage, dating is a walk in the park. On this list of shows about marriage, we're focusing on stories that are primarily about getting married and staying married. From dramas to comedies to cartoons to HBO nudity-fests, the shows on this list all manage to say something unique about marriage and show the variety of ways that a marriage can affect us and those around us. Whether these shows are simply about a loving couple or manage to show the maddening complexities of long-term love, these TV series about being married all understand what makes a marriage compelling and are able to turn that union into endlessly riveting television.
What are television's best marriage shows? Vote up the shows about marriage you think are the best and see where your favorite shows about being married rank.
- 1
I Love Lucy, the iconic sitcom that made history with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, seamlessly weaves together humor and heart. Amidst their zany antics, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo showcase the endearing challenges that arise in a marriage, proving that laughter may very well be the secret ingredient to a successful union.
- Premiered: October 15, 1951
- 2
The Addams Family, a macabre yet endearing classic, oozes charm and quirkiness, as it explores the elegant, unconventional bond between Gomez and Morticia Addams. John Astin and Carolyn Jones embody the electric chemistry of this bewitching couple, drawing viewers into their mysterious world. It's no surprise that this dark and delightful show has left a lasting impact on the way we view marriage on television.
- Premiered: September 18, 1964
- 3
Home Improvement, a lighthearted comedy, captures the amusing misadventures of Jill and Tim Taylor, played by Patricia Richardson and Tim Allen. Despite their contrasting personalities, the Taylors manage to conquer life's ups and downs together, making it a beloved portrait of a marriage grounded in love, acceptance, and understanding.
- Premiered: September 17, 1991
- 4
Modern Family, a comedic gem, shines a light on the rollercoaster ride of marriage and parenthood with delightfully relatable characters. Its stellar ensemble cast gives life to contemporary relationships by showcasing a variety of family dynamics, ultimately challenging traditional stereotypes and breaking down barriers around same-sex marriages.
- Premiered: September 23, 2009
- 1Phil Dunphy3,011 Votes
- 2Gloria Delgado-Pritchett2,225 Votes
- 3Jay Pritchett2,089 Votes
- 5
The Dick Van Dyke Show, a delightful romp, offers us a glimpse into the marriage of Rob and Laura Petrie, portrayed by the inimitable Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore. Their union brims with humor, tenderness, and a genuine understanding of each other's quirks, demonstrating that a good marriage can thrive on laughter, love, and just a soupçon of silliness.
- Premiered: October 3, 1961
- 6
This Is Us captivates viewers with its authentic and heartfelt portrayal of the Pearson family, exploring the joys and challenges that arise in longstanding relationships, particularly between Jack and Rebecca, played by Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore. Amidst life's trials and tribulations, the Pearsons embody the resilience and vulnerability inherent in the journey of marriage.
- Premiered: September 20, 2016
- 1Jack Pearson573 Votes
- 2Beth Pearson509 Votes
- 3Randall Pearson517 Votes
