Introduction

There is a specific biological reaction that occurs when we watch two fictional characters finally admit they are in love. Your palms sweat, your breath catches, and you inadvertently let out a squeal that sounds a bit like a deflating balloon. It is the phenomenon known as "Heart Eyes," a feeling of pure, unadulterated romantic euphoria that transcends the screen and settles deep in our chests. In a world that can often feel chaotic and cynical, these televised moments of vulnerability and passion serve as a vital emotional anchor. They remind us of the dizzying heights of human connection and the comfort of a happy ending.

But why do these moments linger with us for decades? According to psychologists, it’s often due to "parasocial interaction"—a one-sided relationship where we project our own desires and emotions onto characters we have grown to know over seasons. When Jim finally kisses Pam or Nick pulls Jess in for that life-altering smooch, our brains release dopamine as if it were happening to us. We aren't just watching love; we are participating in a "shared social fiction" that validates our hope for romance in our own lives.

In this deep dive, we are revisiting 10 of the most swoon-worthy, butterfly-inducing moments in TV history. We aren’t just listing them; we are dissecting the anatomy of the scene, exploring the current trends on TikTok and Pinterest that keep them viral, and connecting them to the stories we tell right here on That Love Podcast. So, grab your favorite blanket, pour a glass of wine, and prepare to swoon.

If you enjoy our deep dives into romance and want to support independent storytelling, please consider donating to help us keep the lights on and the mic recording: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/donate

And for more original audio rom-coms that capture this exact feeling, tune into our latest episodes: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes

1. New Girl: The "Cooler" Kiss (Nick & Jess)

The Moment

It is the kiss that launched a thousand GIFs. In Season 2, Episode 15 ("Cooler"), Nick Miller and Jess Day are trapped behind a heavy iron door during a game of True American. The game demands they kiss to be released. Nick, in a panic, refuses to kiss her "like this"—under pressure, without romance. But later, as the night winds down and the door is unlocked, he grabs her arm, pulls her in, and delivers a kiss so passionate it arguably changed the trajectory of the entire sitcom genre.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

The brilliance of this moment lies in the buildup. For seasons, Nick was the grumpy slacker and Jess was the sunny optimist. This kiss shattered the "will-they-won't-they" tension not with a grand declaration, but with raw, physical chemistry. Nick’s line, "I meant something like that," after the kiss is a masterclass in understated romance. It signaled that he had been thinking about kissing her properly for a long time, adding a layer of hidden yearning that fans go wild for.

Trend Watch

On TikTok, the "Nick Miller Trench Coat" scene and this specific kiss remain viral staples. The audio of Nick saying "I meant something like that" is frequently used by users to describe their high standards for a first kiss. It appeals to the "Grumpy x Sunshine" trope lovers who crave a male lead who is secretly obsessed with his partner.

Internal Link: If you love the dynamic of a grumpy man falling for a sunny, chaotic woman, you have to listen to our audio series Posh and Ginger - Episode One, where a free-spirited British woman barges into a stuffy aristocrat's life.

2. The Office (US): The Teapot Note (Jim & Pam)

The Moment

In the Season 2 Christmas episode, Jim Halpert draws Pam Beesly's name for Secret Santa. He fills a teal teapot with inside jokes—a cassette tape, a hot sauce packet, a pencil. But the real gift is a card where he finally confesses his feelings. At the last minute, he chickens out and pockets the note, only giving it to her years later in the final season.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This moment is the epitome of "acts of service" as a love language. It wasn't about the monetary value of the gift; it was about the attention to detail. It proved that Jim saw Pam when she felt invisible to her fiancé, Roy. The withheld note became a symbol of patience and timing. It hurts so good because it feels so real—the fear of ruining a friendship mixed with the overwhelming need to say "I love you."

Trend Watch

On Pinterest, searches for "Jim and Pam Teapot Gift" spike every holiday season as partners try to recreate the sentimental gesture. It represents a wholesome, slow-burn love that Gen Z and Millennials alike aspire to—a relationship built on years of friendship and inside jokes.

Internal Link: For another story about coworkers navigating the blurry line between friendship and romance, check out our trailer for Dates, where office banter turns into undeniable sparks.

3. Bridgerton: "You Are the Bane of My Existence" (Anthony & Kate)

The Moment

In Season 2, the enemies-to-lovers tension between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma reaches a boiling point. In a library, amidst a storm, Anthony whispers, "You are the bane of my existence... and the object of all my desires." It is a confession torn from him, an admission that he is consumed by her despite his best efforts to marry her sister.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This is the "Enemies to Lovers" trope at its absolute peak. It taps into the fantasy of being so compelling to someone that they lose their composure. The intensity of the eye contact, the heavy breathing, and the forbidden nature of their attraction create a visceral reaction for the viewer. It is less about "sweet" romance and more about an overwhelming, magnetic pull that defies logic.

Trend Watch

This line broke the internet. TikTok edits of Jonathan Bailey (Anthony) delivering this line have millions of views. It sparked a resurgence in reading Regency romance novels, with readers hunting for that specific blend of decorum and feral desire.

Internal Link: If you crave that high-stakes, "we shouldn't but we must" energy, read our review of 10 Historical Romances Perfect for Rainy Days to find your next obsession.

4. Gilmore Girls: Luke and Lorelai's First Kiss

The Moment

After four seasons of serving her coffee and pining from behind the counter, Luke Danes finally makes his move on the porch of the Dragonfly Inn. When Lorelai babbles nervously, Luke cuts her off with a simple, commanding, "Will you just stand still?" He steps closer, and they finally kiss. Kirk running naked through the scene moments later only adds to the quintessential Stars Hollow charm.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

It is the payoff. Fans waited years for this. Luke represents the "steady" archetype—the guy who is always there, fixing your house, feeding you, and waiting for you to be ready. The kiss confirms that the stability he offers is also passionate. It validates the idea that your soulmate might be the person standing right in front of you every day.

Trend Watch

"Luke's Diner" aesthetics are a massive Pinterest trend every autumn ("Fall Aesthetic"). The concept of a "slow burn" romance is heavily discussed on social media, with Luke and Lorelai often cited as the blueprint for patience in love.

Internal Link: Do you dream of a love story set in a cozy small town with autumn vibes? Check out our blog post on 10 Rom-Com Books That Feel Like Gilmore Girls.

5. Schitt's Creek: Patrick Sings "Simply the Best"

The Moment

During an open mic night at Rose Apothecary, Patrick Brewer sits on a stool with an acoustic guitar and dedicates a song to his boyfriend, David Rose. David, usually anxious and cynical, looks terrified that it will be embarrassing. Instead, Patrick delivers a slow, soulful, acoustic version of Tina Turner's "The Best." David tears up, and so does the entire audience.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This scene is a masterclass in vulnerability. It redefined a pop anthem into a queer love ballad. For David, a character who constantly guarded his heart and felt "damaged," being publicly serenaded with such sincerity was a healing moment. It showed him—and us—that he was worthy of a loud, proud love. It is tender, soft, and incredibly brave.

Trend Watch

This version of the song became a wedding staple almost overnight. Couples of all orientations use it for their first dances. It is a defining moment for LGBTQ+ representation in sitcoms, proving that queer romance can be just as wholesome and "heart-eyes" inducing as any other.

Internal Link: If you love stories about second chances and healing old wounds through love, listen to our series Second Chances - Episode One.

6. Friends: The Prom Video (Ross & Rachel)

The Moment

The gang is gathered around the TV watching an old home movie from Monica and Rachel's prom night. In the video, Rachel's date hasn't shown up, and she is devastated. We see a teenage Ross put on his dad's tux, ready to step in and save her night. Just as he descends the stairs, Rachel's real date arrives, and Ross is left standing there, heartbroken. In the present day, Rachel walks silently across the room and kisses Ross. "See? He's her lobster!" Phoebe exclaims.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This moment reveals the depth of Ross's long-term devotion. It recontextualizes their entire relationship for Rachel, showing her that he has loved her selflessly for years. It is the ultimate "he was there all along" reveal. The physical act of her walking across the room to kiss him is a powerful reclaiming of their narrative.

Trend Watch

The phrase "He's her lobster" is cultural shorthand for soulmates. On TikTok, users analyze the fashion of 90s Friends episodes, but the Prom Video remains the emotional peak of the series.

Internal Link: For more nostalgia and analyzing classic tropes, read our deep dive into 10 Movies to Watch If You Love Notting Hill.

7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: "There's a typo in this crossword puzzle" (Jake & Amy)

The Moment

Jake Peralta realizes he wants to marry Amy Santiago not during a grand chase or a romantic dinner, but during a mundane night in. Amy finds a typo in a crossword puzzle and gets disproportionately angry/excited about it. Jake looks at her, bathed in the soft light of the bar, and realizes that her quirks are exactly what he loves.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This is the "real" love. It isn't about grand gestures; it's about loving someone because of their weirdness, not despite it. It validates the idea that you don't have to change to be loved. Jake, who is chaotic and messy, loving Amy for her Type-A neuroses is the ultimate compatibility check. It gives us heart eyes because it feels attainable.

Trend Watch

"Jake and Amy" are frequently cited as the healthiest couple in modern sitcom history. Their relationship timeline—competitors, friends, partners—is a blueprint for healthy dating.

Internal Link: Do you love a good friends-to-lovers arc? Listen to That British Love, where cultural clashes turn into undeniable chemistry.

8. Abbott Elementary: The Garden Kiss (Janine & Gregory)

The Moment

After seasons of slow-burn tension, glances across the classroom, and "work spouse" energy, Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie finally kiss at the end of Season 3. It happens at a party, in a garden, amidst flowers. It is tentative, then decisive.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This is the modern successor to Jim and Pam. The "Heart Eyes" come from the relief. We have watched them grow individually—Janine becoming more confident, Gregory becoming more open—so that when they finally collide, it feels earned. It is a triumph of patience. The lighting, the silence before the kiss, and the mutual hesitation make it incredibly intimate.

Trend Watch

Abbott Elementary is a titan on social media. The hashtag #JanineAndGregory has millions of views, with fans dissecting every micro-expression. It proves that the classic network sitcom romance is still very much alive and capable of capturing the zeitgeist.

Internal Link: If you enjoy workplace romances with a lot of heart, check out our blog post 9 Friends-to-Lovers Romances with Autumn Vibes.

9. Parks and Recreation: Ben Proposes to Leslie

The Moment

Ben Wyatt returns to Pawnee and proposes to Leslie Knope in the house they will eventually share. As he starts to speak, Leslie stops him: "Wait. I just... I need another second to remember how perfectly happy I am right now."

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

It is the pause. In a world that moves so fast, Leslie's desire to freeze time and live in the joy of the moment is profoundly romantic. It acknowledges that the feeling of pure happiness is rare and fleeting. Ben’s tearful smile as he waits for her is just the cherry on top. It is a relationship of equals, two ambitious nerds who found their puzzle piece.

Trend Watch

This scene is often shared as "relationship goals" on Pinterest. The quote "I love you and I like you" has become a standard wedding vow for millennial couples.

Internal Link: For stories about finding your perfect match in unexpected places, listen to Endless Love, our series about rekindling a first love.

10. Nobody Wants This: The First Kiss (Adam Brody & Kristen Bell)

The Moment

In this 2024 Netflix hit, Adam Brody (playing a rabbi) and Kristen Bell (playing an agnostic podcaster) share their first kiss after a buildup of intense intellectual and physical chemistry. He checks if she is ready, leans in, and the chemistry explodes.

Why It Gives Heart Eyes

This is the most current entry on our list and for good reason. It taps into the nostalgia for early 2000s heartthrobs (Seth Cohen meets Veronica Mars!) while delivering a very mature, modern connection. The "Heart Eyes" here come from the competence of the romance. It is confident, sexy, and adult. It reminds us that rom-coms can be smart and edgy while still making us swoon.

Trend Watch

This show revived the "Hot Rabbi" trope and sent Adam Brody back to the top of the "Internet Boyfriend" list. It’s currently dominating Netflix charts and TikTok discussions about "healthy masculinity" in romance.

Internal Link: If you binged this show and need more, read our curated list of 10 Books for Fans of Nobody Wants This.

Conclusion

From the rain-soaked porches of Stars Hollow to the fluorescent-lit offices of Scranton, these TV moments share a common thread: they make us believe in love. They provide a "shared social fiction" that allows us to feel the highs of romance from the safety of our sofas. Whether it's the slow burn, the enemies-to-lovers, or the quiet domestic realization, these scenes are timeless because they speak to the universal human need to be seen, understood, and cherished.

So, the next time you need a dopamine hit, queue up one of these episodes. Let yourself feel the butterflies. And remember, if you are looking for new stories that give you these exact same feelings—stories you can listen to on your commute, while cooking, or in the bath—we have you covered.

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10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes a TV moment a "classic" rom-com moment? A classic moment usually involves a significant turning point in a couple's relationship—a first kiss, a confession of love, or a proposal—that has stood the test of time and remains popular in pop culture discourse, memes, and compilations years after airing.

2. Why do I feel "heart eyes" when watching fictional characters? This is due to "parasocial interaction." Your brain processes the emotions of characters you are invested in similarly to how it processes real-life social interactions, releasing dopamine and oxytocin when they succeed in love.

3. Are these shows available to stream right now? Yes! Most are available on major platforms:

• Netflix: Nobody Wants This, Gilmore Girls, Schitt's Creek, Brooklyn Nine-Nine (varies by region).

• Peacock: The Office, Parks and Rec, New Girl.

• Hulu/Disney+: Abbott Elementary.

• Max: Friends.

4. What is the "Slow Burn" trope mentioned? The "Slow Burn" is a storytelling technique where the romantic tension between two characters is built up over a long period—often seasons—before they finally get together. The Office (Jim/Pam) and Gilmore Girls (Luke/Lorelai) are prime examples.

5. Can listening to audio dramas give me the same feeling? Absolutely! Audio dramas like That Love Podcast rely on voice acting, sound design, and writing to create an immersive experience that allows your imagination to fill in the visuals, often making the emotional connection even stronger.

6. Is Bridgerton considered a sitcom? No, Bridgerton is a period drama/romance. However, it is included here because it shares the same "Heart Eyes" appeal and romantic tropes (Enemies to Lovers) found in classic rom-coms.

7. Why is New Girl trending again? New Girl has seen a resurgence on TikTok due to its relatability, the "comfort show" factor, and the timeless appeal of the Nick and Jess dynamic, which resonates with new Gen Z audiences.

8. What is the best episode of The Office for romance? While "Casino Night" (Season 2 finale) is iconic for the confession, "The Job" (Season 3 finale) where they finally get together, and "Niagara" (The Wedding) are also top contenders.

9. How can I find more shows like Abbott Elementary? Look for workplace comedies with heart. Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine are great alternatives. You can also check our blog for recommendations!

10. Where can I find the recipes mentioned in the internal links? You can find delicious recipes like the Ultimate Healthy BLT Pasta Salad and more in the Foodie section of our website!

Where to Watch

Ready to binge these moments? Sign up for Peacock to watch The Office and New Girl here.