Nothing compares to the allure of the grumpy x sunshine trope. A brooding, cynical character paired with a happy, upbeat counterpart makes for a charming, funny, and often unexpected romance.
This dynamic is a crowd favorite because it strikes the ideal balance between tenderness and tension, demonstrating how opposites can not only attract but also bring out the best in one another.
These couples keep us glued to the screen, cheering for them to get over their differences and find happiness together, whether they’re bickering or bonding.
Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)
Gilmore Girls is a heartwarming drama-comedy that follows the lives of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory in the quirky town of Stars Hollow.
Lorelai, a single mom with a quick wit and endless optimism, navigates life, love, and her complicated relationship with her wealthy parents. Along the way, we meet Luke Danes, the grumpy but lovable diner owner who’s always there with a cup of coffee and a sarcastic remark.
Lorelai and Luke’s evolving romance shows how opposites can create a perfect balance, as Lorelai’s bubbly personality and endless positivity match Luke’s gruff exterior and no-nonsense attitude.
Nick Miller and Jess Day (New Girl)
Fox’s New Girl is a quirky comedy that kicks off with Jessica Day, an offbeat and cheerful teacher, moving into a loft with three single guys after a rough breakup with her cheating boyfriend. Among her new roommates is Nick Miller, a grumpy bartender with a pessimistic outlook on life.
The show follows their hilarious misadventures and evolving friendships, including those involving Jess’s best friend, Cece, and her other roommates, Schmidt and Winston.
Jess’s sunny disposition, boundless optimism, and quirky habits are the perfect foil to Nick’s cynical, laid-back, and often gruff nature.
Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie (Abbott Elementary)
The delightful mockumentary-style sitcom Abbott Elementary centers on a group of committed and passionate teachers who work at a poorly funded public school in Philadelphia.
The protagonist of the show is Janine Teagues, a second-grade teacher with an unwavering optimism that persists in spite of her many obstacles and her desire to change the world. Gregory Eddie, a serious substitute teacher with a no-nonsense approach, is one of her coworkers.
The relationship between Janine and Gregory perfectly captures the grumpy x sunshine trope, as Janine’s upbeat and optimistic personality stands in stark contrast to Gregory’s reserved and frequently grumpy manner.
Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (The Rookie)
The Rookie follows forty-something John Nolan as he adjusts to his new career and becomes the oldest rookie in the LAPD.
However, the grumpy x sunshine couple at the center of the show is Tim Bradford, a tough, no-nonsense police officer, and Lucy Chen, a bubbly and enthusiastic rookie.
Tim’s rough and severe manner frequently contrasts with Lucy’s upbeat and bright personality, but their developing relationship shows how much they complement one another amidst the action and drama in the policing world. Tim’s rigidity gives Lucy strength and direction, while Lucy’s optimism helps to soften Tim’s sharp edges.
David Rose and Patrick Brewer (Schitt’s Creek)
David Rose and Patrick Brewer from Schitt’s Creek are a perfect example of how the grumpy x sunshine trope can evolve into something truly special.
David, with his sharp wit, high-maintenance attitude, and fashionable yet prickly exterior, meets his match in Patrick, the calm, patient, and endlessly supportive partner who balances David’s eccentricities with gentle steadiness. Patrick’s warmth and sincerity gradually chip away at David’s defenses, revealing the vulnerable and loving person underneath.
Their relationship blossoms into a beautifully crafted romance, full of humor, heart, and unforgettable moments, showing how opposites can complement each other in the most heartwarming ways.
Eliza Scarlet and William “The Duke” Wellington (Miss Scarlet and the Duke)
Miss Scarlet and the Duke is a period drama set in Victorian London and follows Eliza Scarlet, a determined and resourceful woman who takes over her late father’s detective agency.
As one of the first female private investigators, Eliza often finds herself butting heads with William Wellington, aka “The Duke,” a gruff and skeptical Scotland Yard detective – typical of the period and the male-dominated industry.
Eliza’s tenacity, charm, and unyielding optimism often clash with William’s brusque, no-nonsense attitude, creating a dynamic filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Despite their differences, however, their partnership grows stronger as they solve cases together.
Roy Kent and Keeley Jones (Ted Lasso)
The comedy-drama Ted Lasso chronicles the adventures of the titular Ted Lasso, an American football coach who gets hired on short notice to take charge of AFC Richmond, a struggling English soccer team.
Among the players he coaches, we meet Roy Kent, one of the team’s gruff veteran players. Alongside him is Keeley Jones, the vivacious and bubbly model-turned-publicist.
Roy and Keeley’s relationship is a definite standout in the series! Keeley’s upbeat, gregarious personality stands in stark contrast to Roy’s hard, no-nonsense exterior and frequently grumpy demeanor. Their unlikely romance brings out the best in both characters, with Keeley softening Roy’s rough edges and Roy providing Keeley with unwavering support and protection.
Danny Castellano and Mindy Lahiri (The Mindy Project)
Danny Castellano and Mindy Lahiri from The Mindy Project epitomize the grumpy x sunshine trope with their undeniable chemistry.
Danny, the brusque, no-nonsense doctor, is the perfect foil to Mindy’s bubbly, romantic, and often chaotic personality. Their relationship is a delightful rollercoaster, with Danny’s stubbornness clashing hilariously against Mindy’s relentless optimism. Yet, beneath the banter and witty insults lies a deep connection that slowly transforms Danny’s gruff exterior, revealing a softer side that only Mindy can bring out.
Their journey from colleagues to lovers is filled with humor, heart, and moments of genuine tenderness, making them one of TV’s most beloved opposites-attract couples.
Mike Lawson and Ginny Baker (Pitch)
Pitch is an engaging sports drama that tells the story of Ginny Baker, the first woman to play in Major League Baseball, as she joins the San Diego Padres.
Ginny faces immense pressure and scrutiny while trying to prove herself in a male-dominated sport. Alongside her is Mike Lawson, the team’s seasoned and often grumpy catcher who, unsurprisingly, initially doubts her abilities.
Their evolving relationship shows how Ginny’s determined, optimistic attitude contrasts with Mike’s cynical and world-weary demeanor. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond, with Ginny’s bright spirit gradually breaking through Mike’s tough exterior.
Ross Geller and Rachel Green (Friends)
We all know and love the pop culture classic series Friends and are deeply familiar with how Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe navigate the ups and downs of life in New York City. The show captures their hilarious and heartfelt experiences with love, work, and friendship.
Central to the story is the on-again, off-again romance between Ross and Rachel.
Ross, the slightly nerdy and often pessimistic paleontologist, contrasts with Rachel, the bubbly and optimistic fashion enthusiast. Their dynamic is filled with memorable moments, from Ross’s awkward charm to Rachel’s infectious positivity.
On top of that, there is another opposites-attract coupe central to the show – Monica and Chandler! Their evolution from friends to happily married is a joy to watch. Chandler, with his sarcastic and often pessimistic outlook, contrasts sharply with Monica’s upbeat and meticulous personality, creating a dynamic that’s both funny and endearing.
Charlotte Heywood and Alexander Colbourne (Sanditon)
The endearing historical drama Sanditon, which is based on Jane Austen’s incomplete novel, follows the free-spirited and daring Charlotte Heywood as she explores the seaside resort town of Sanditon.
In the midst of romantic and social entanglements, Charlotte meets the reclusive and brooding widower Alexander Colbourne, who has an enigmatic past.
With Alexander’s reserved and frequently grumpy manner clashing with Charlotte’s lively and optimistic nature, their relationship is a classic example of why opposites attract. Even though they are not the same, they grow close as Charlotte’s compassion and tenacity start to slowly break down Alexander’s barriers.
Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak (Arrow)
Arrow follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, who transforms into the vigilante archer Green Arrow to fight crime and corruption in Star City after being stranded on a hostile island for five years.
Central to the series is his relationship with Felicity Smoak, a brilliant and bubbly IT expert who becomes his key ally.
Their romance is a contrast of Oliver’s brooding, intense demeanor and Felicity’s upbeat, quirky personality. Oliver’s dark and driven nature is balanced by Felicity’s intelligence, optimism, and wit, creating a dynamic that fans adore.
Hanna Marin and Caleb Rivers (Pretty Little Liars)
Pretty Little Liars is a mystery drama that follows four friends—Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily—as they navigate high school while being tormented by an anonymous figure known as “A.”
Among the show’s many intriguing relationships is the romance between Hanna Marin and Caleb Rivers.
Hanna, a stylish and confident girl with a sunny disposition, contrasts sharply with Caleb, a tech-savvy, brooding outsider with a troubled past.
As they team up to uncover “A’s” secrets, their relationship blossoms. Hanna’s optimism and warmth gradually break through Caleb’s tough exterior, revealing his loyal and protective nature.
Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset (Bridgerton)
Set in Regency-era London, Bridgerton follows the wealthy Bridgerton family as they navigate high society and the marriage market. Each season focuses on one of the children and their quest to find a match for marriage.
In the first season, we zoom in on the romance between Daphne Bridgerton, the family’s eldest daughter, and Simon Basset, the brooding Duke of Hastings.
Daphne is charming, kind-hearted, and determined to find a love match, embodying the sunshine persona. In contrast, Simon is cynical, aloof, and haunted by a troubled past, making him the quintessential grumpy counterpart.
Their relationship begins as a mutually beneficial ruse but quickly evolves into a passionate and complex love story.
Aziraphale and Crowley (Good Omens)
Honestly, you can’t get any more opposites attract than the Aziraphale and Crowley pairing! After all, one is of divine origin while the other, demonic.
Good Omens follows the unlikely partnership between Aziraphale, a fussy yet kind-hearted angel, and Crowley, a sarcastic and rebellious demon.
Tasked with preventing the apocalypse, the duo has grown fond of Earth’s delights and each other over their millennia-long friendship. Aziraphale’s optimistic and gentle nature contrasts sharply with Crowley’s grumpy and cynical demeanor, forming a heartwarming and humorous bond as they navigate a series of celestial and infernal challenges.
Shelby Goodkind & Toni Shalifoe (The Wilds)
Shelby Goodkind and Toni Shalifoe from The Wilds offer a fresh and poignant take on the grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
Shelby, the quintessential Southern belle with a bright smile and a sunny disposition, initially seems like the polar opposite of Toni, whose rough edges and intense personality are a shield against the world. As they struggle to survive on a deserted island, their differences become a source of both conflict and deep connection.
Shelby’s optimism challenges Toni’s guarded nature, while Toni helps Shelby confront her insecurities and hidden depths. Their evolving relationship is a powerful testament to how love can grow in the most unexpected places.
Wyatt Logan and Lucy Preston (Timeless)
NBC’s Timeless takes historical fiction with a dash of sci-fi to the next level!
The series follows a team of time travelers (engineer Rufus Carlini, historian Lucy Preston and soldier Wyatt Logan) working to prevent a mysterious organization from altering history.
Lucy is intelligent, compassionate, and optimistic, while Wyatt is tough, skeptical, and often grumpy. Their mission takes them to various historical periods, where they face numerous dangers and challenges.
As they work together, Lucy’s warmth and idealism begin to soften Wyatt’s hardened exterior, while his bravery and determination provide strength and protection.
Daryl Dixon and Beth Greene (The Walking Dead)
Based on the graphic novels of the same name, The Walking Dead is a gripping post-apocalyptic drama that follows a group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies.
Among the ensemble cast are Daryl Dixon, a rugged and resourceful hunter, and Beth Greene, a sweet and optimistic young woman.
Daryl, with his gruff exterior and tough demeanor, contrasts sharply with Beth’s sunny disposition and hopeful outlook. Their unlikely bond – more familial than it is romantic, really – develops as they face relentless dangers together, with Beth’s warmth and innocence gradually softening Daryl’s hardened shell.
Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood (Shadowhunters)
Shadowhunters is a fantasy series that follows Clary Fray, who discovers she’s part of a hidden world of demon hunters.
Though her relationship with fellow demonhunter Jace is central to the series, the classic grumpy x sunshine dynamic is even more apparent (and popular with fans!) in their close friends: Magnus and Alec.
Magnus Bane is a flamboyant and powerful warlock, and Alec Lightwood is a dedicated and stoic shadowhunter.
As they navigate their own personal struggles and the overarching battle against dark forces, their relationship blossoms, with Magnus’s exuberance and optimism helping Alec embrace his true self, while Alec’s steadfastness and sincerity ground Magnus.
Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont (A Discovery of Witches)
A Discovery of Witches follows Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, who discovers a bewitched manuscript.
This discovery thrusts her into a world of magic and danger, where she meets Matthew Clairmont, a mysterious vampire.
While Diana brings warmth, curiosity, and a refreshing lightheartedness, Matthew exudes a darker, more guarded aura, marked by centuries of secrets and a complex past.
Their relationship navigates through the turbulent waters of their vastly different worlds, each bringing out unexpected strengths and vulnerabilities in the other, and therefore perfectly embodying the grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
Oh Jin Shim and Kwon Jung Rok (Touch Your Heart)
The lovely K-drama rom-com Touch Your Heart centers on Oh Jinshim, a well-known actress whose career takes a turn for the worse after a scandal.
In an attempt to make a return, she takes a job as a secretary to obtain practical experience, and she eventually finds herself employed by the methodical and stoic lawyer Kwon Jungrok.
Jinshim’s vivacious and upbeat personality stands in stark contrast to Jungrok’s somber and reserved demeanor. As they work together, Jinshim’s warmth and energy gradually break down Jungrok’s barriers, exposing his compassionate and kind side.
Noh Ji Wook and Eun Bong Hee (Suspicious Partner)
The K-drama Suspicious Partner follows Noh Jiwook, a brilliant and stoic prosecutor, and Eun Bonghee, a spirited and determined lawyer.
Bonghee is wrongly accused of murder, and Jiwook initially doubts her innocence. However, as they work together to uncover the truth, Jiwook’s grumpy demeanor starts to soften, and Bonghee’s cheerful and resilient personality shines through.
Their relationship evolves from professional to personal, filled with moments of tension, humor, and heartwarming romance. As they navigate the complexities of their cases and personal lives, their contrasting personalities create a dynamic and compelling partnership that fans adore.
Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri (Crash Landing On You)
Crash Landing on You is a longtime K-drama fan favorite, even more so now that the lead actors are happily married in real life!
The classic rom-com follows the unlikely love story between Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy South Korean heiress, and Ri Jeong-hyeok, a stoic North Korean officer.
After a paragliding mishap, Seri crash lands in North Korea, where she meets Jeong-hyeok, who reluctantly agrees to help her return home.
Seri’s lively, fearless, and optimistic nature contrasts sharply with Jeong-hyeok’s reserved, disciplined, and serious demeanor, making them a quintessential grumpy x sunshine couple.
Reverse grumpy x sunshine TV couples
Chuck Bartowski and Sarah Walker (Chuck)
Chuck follows the titular Chuck Bartowski, a nerdy and good-hearted computer whiz who accidentally downloads a database of government secrets into his brain, turning him into a vital asset for the CIA.
Enter Sarah Walker, a skilled and tough CIA agent assigned to protect Chuck and help him navigate his new life as an accidental spy.
Chuck’s endearing, awkward charm and Sarah’s no-nonsense, badass demeanor work well together as they tackle dangerous missions and face off against various threats. Eventually, their relationship evolves from professional to deeply personal as it evolves within the world of espionage.
Lee Yeon Seo and Dan (Angel’s Last Mission: Love)
Another K-drama on the list is Angel’s Last Mission: Love, which follows Lee Yeonseo, a talented but cold-hearted ballerina who loses her vision in an accident, and Dan, a mischievous and optimistic angel tasked with finding her true love.
Yeonseo, once passionate about ballet, becomes bitter and reclusive due to her tragic circumstances. Dan, with his playful and sunny disposition, is sent to Earth for one last mission before he can return to heaven.
Despite their starkly different personalities they slowly fall for each other as Dan helps her rediscover hope and joy in life.
Andy Dwyer and April Ludgate (Parks and Recreation)
We love a good mockumentary-style sitcom, and Parks and Recreation is yet another beloved pop culture classic.
It follows the quirky employees of the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana.
Among the beloved characters are Andy Dwyer and April Ludgate. Andy, a lovable and goofy musician with boundless optimism and childlike enthusiasm, works as a shoeshiner at City Hall, while April, a sarcastic and deadpan intern who always has a bit of dark humor, later becomes an assistant.
Their relationship starts unexpectedly and blossoms into one of the show’s most endearing romances.
Rachel Friedman and Justin Coleman (Partner Track)
Partner Track is a legal drama that follows Ingrid Yun, a driven young lawyer striving to become a partner at a prestigious New York City law firm.
Among the cast are Rachel, a savvy, ambitious lawyer known for her sharp wit and strategic mind, and Justin, a charming and easygoing colleague who often takes a more relaxed approach to life and work.
Their relationship evolves as they navigate the high-stakes world of corporate law, with Rachel’s intensity and determination contrasting with Justin’s laid-back and humorous demeanor.
Chloe Decker and Lucifer Morningstar (Lucifer)
Yes, that’s right, Lucifer is a show that follows the devil himself: Lucifer Morningstar.
After growing bored of ruling Hell, he decides to retire to Los Angeles, where he opens a swanky nightclub and becomes a civilian consultant for the LAPD. There, he meets Detective Chloe Decker, a dedicated and no-nonsense cop who is immune to Lucifer’s devilish charms and abilities.
As they work together to solve crimes, their relationship evolves, with Chloe’s steadfastness grounding Lucifer’s more extravagant tendencies and Lucifer helping Chloe open up to new possibilities.
Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso (That ’70s Show)
Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso from That ’70s Show are the quintessential high school sweethearts who embody the reverse grumpy x sunshine trope with their quirky dynamic.
Jackie, the spoiled, outspoken, and glamorous cheerleader, often clashes with Kelso, the dim-witted yet charmingly goofy jock. Their relationship is a whirlwind of breakups and makeups, with Jackie’s high standards and sharp tongue constantly at odds with Kelso’s laid-back and often clueless demeanor.
Despite their differences, there’s an undeniable spark between them, as Jackie’s demanding nature challenges Kelso to grow, while his easygoing attitude brings out a softer side in her. Together, they create a hilarious and iconic pairing.
Reagan Ridley and Brett Hand (Inside Job)
The last show on the list is animated!
Inside Job delves into the secretive world of Cognito, Inc., a shadowy organization responsible for keeping global conspiracies under wraps.
The story centers around Reagan Ridley, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist determined to expose the truth and bring about change within the company. She is paired with Brett Hand, a charming and overly optimistic yes-man hired to improve team morale.
Reagan’s cynical and driven personality contrasts sharply with Brett’s sunny and people-pleasing demeanor, which leads to humorous and heartwarming moments as they navigate the bizarre and conspiratorial challenges of their workplace.