These 20 actors are synonymous with their romantic TV shows

TV shows and movies are known to evoke emotions in their audience. One of the easiest and sought-after emotions happens to be Romance. Apart from a good romantic story, the actors and actresses bring those romantic characters to life through their charm. While movies have given us many such actors, TV shows have also given many actors whose characters remain close to their viewer's hearts. Here is a list of 20 actors and actresses who are synonymous with their romantic TV shows. Please note that this article is entirely based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

20) Jared Leto (My So-Called Life)

My So-called Life tackled many social issues faced by teenagers in the short run and gave us Jared Leto's brooding but charming character of Jordan Catalano. It is one of the acclaimed teen dramas, created by Winnie Holzman, and follows the story of Claire Danes's Angela Chase and her friends dealing with societal challenges of the 90s.

19) Claire Danes (My So-Called Life)

Claire Danes played the lead role of Angela Chase in this critically acclaimed 90s Teen Drama, My So-Called Life. Created by Winnie Holzman, the show revolves around Danes's Angela Chase and a few other teenagers as they navigate their lives. Danes's character Angela had a huge crush on Jared Leto's Jordan, and Danes gave a realistic performance while portraying complex adolescent issues, earning a Golden Globe Award.

18) Cobie Smulders ( How I Met Your Mother)

Cobie Smulders portrayed the character of Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother. Although not a very romantic person, Smulders' Robin captured not only Neil Patrick Harrison's Barney Stinson's heart but also the protagonist, Ted Mosby, played by Josh Radnor's heart. Even though the show is over, fans still remember and love Smulders' Robin.

17) Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City)

Sex and the City revolutionized the portrayal of romantic relationships on television, offering a candid and often humorous look at the complexities of dating and friendship. Carrie’s romantic escapades, particularly her tumultuous relationship with Mr. Big, became central to the show’s narrative and resonated with audiences globally.

16) Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project)

Mindy Kaling portrayed the role of Mindy Lahiri in The Mindy Project, an OB/GYN who is on a quest for love while also trying to manage her professional and personal life. Through this character, Mindy Kaling created a fresh and quirky narrative in the Romantic Comedy genre, making it a memorable character of hers.

15) Simone Ashley (Bridgerton)

Simone Ashley played the role of Kathani "Kate" Sharma in Netflix's hit romantic period drama Bridgerton. Ashley's Kate is initially introduced as an upright and brooding character but eventually can't hide her feelings for Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey. Hence, it gives us an epic love story.

14) Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton)

Jonathan Bailey portrays the role of Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, in the Netflix show Bridgerton. Bailey's Anthony is introduced as a duty-bound son who prioritizes familial responsibilities over everything. However, the introduction of Simone Ashley's Kate Sharma captured the viscount's heart, and it was the start of a whirlwind romance between the two, making them both memorable and loved by fans.

13) Katie Holmes (Dawson's Creek)

Katie Holmes' portrayal of Joey Potter in Dawson's Creek is iconic. Her character's journey from a tomboyish girl next door to a complex and deeply emotional young woman captured the viewers' hearts. Joey's tumultuous romantic relationships, particularly with Dawson Leery and Pacey Witter, were central to the show's narrative and gave us one of Holmes' most memorable characters.

12) James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek)

James Van Der Beek portrayed the titular character of Dawson Leery in this iconic 90s show Dawson's Creek. An aspiring filmmaker, Beek's Dawson had an idealistic view of love and romance. Due to his charming performance, Beek's Dawson became the classic hero of romantic teen dramas of the 90s.

11) Adam Brody (The O.C.)

Adam Brody might be basking in the glory of his recent popular rom-com show Nobody Wants This on Netflix. But his introduction to the romance genre happened way earlier, in the early 00s with the Teen Romance Drama The O.C. Brody's portrayal of Seth Cohen is iconic. Seth, the witty and nerdy outsider with a love for comic books and indie music, became a fan favorite. Fans still remember his on-screen chemistry with Rachel Bilson's Summer Roberts, relatable and charming performance.

10) Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek)

Joshua Jackson played the character of Pacy Witter, a lovable and rebellious underdog, in the hit show Dawson's Creek. Jackson's portrayal of Witter with charm and vulnerability made him appear relatable. His romance with Katie Holmes' Joey Potter captured many hearts, making it one of his memorable performances that is still talked about.

9) Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl)

Leighton Meester played the role of Blair Waldorf in the fan-favorite show Gossip Girl. Meester's Blair was the queen bee of the Upper East Side. Her romance with Ed Westwick's Chuck Bass is one of the most popular love stories from the show. To this day, fans can't stop admiring Meester for her portrayal of Blair Waldorf.

8) Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls)

Gilmore Girls remains a comfort show, and Alexis Bledel's Rory Gilmore is a comfort character. Bledel's relatable and authentic performance made Rory a beloved character among fans, and her romantic entanglements with Jess, Dean, and Logan made her an iconic figure in romantic TV shows who is still loved by her fans.

7) Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton)

Phoebe Dynovor's portrayal of Daphne Bridgerton in the first season of Bridgerton was phenomenal, making her synonymous with the show. As the enchanting and poised eldest Bridgerton daughter, her love story with Regé-Jean Page's Simon Basset captivated audiences and set a benchmark for romance for the other Bridgerton siblings.

6) India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story)

India Amarteifio portrays the role of young Queen Charlotte in the Bridgerton spin-off series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Her performance as the young monarch navigating love, duty, and societal expectations has captivated audiences. Amarteifo's Queen Charlotte's romantic on-screen chemistry with Corey Mylchreest's Young King George is delightful to watch, making her role memorable.

5) Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy)

Ellen Pompeo is the reigning queen of Television. Be it drama or romance, she has done it all and done it perfectly. Her portrayal of Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy is still one of the most beloved characters. Pompeo's Meredith had many love interests throughout the show, but her romantic on-screen chemistry with Patrick Dempsey's Dr. Derek Sheperd is the most iconic.

4) Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries)

Nina Dobrev ruled the hearts of many with her portrayal of Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries. Dobrev's authentic and relatable performance made the supernatural show more popular. Moreover, her romance with Paul Wesley's Stefan Salvatore and later Ian Somerhalder's Damon Salvatore are the show's most iconic moments.

3) Andrew Scott (Fleabag)

Regarded as The Hot Priest throughout the internet, Andrew Scott's role as The Priest in Fleabag's season 2 is nothing short of iconic. Although Scott's talent makes every role memorable, his portrayal of The Priest caught special attention because of the authenticity and wit with which he played the role. The romance with Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag was relatable and heartbreaking.

2) Sam Heughan (Outlander)

Sam Heughan portrays the role of James "Jamie" Fraser in the romantic period drama Outlander. Heughan, with his portrayal of Jamie, a Scottish Highlander from the 18th century, captivated audiences with his bravery, loyalty, and romantic dedication. His intense and passionate relationship with Caitriona Balfe's Claire Randall remains one of the most iconic romantic stories of this decade.

1) Caitríona Balfe (Outlander)

Based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander is one of the most iconic and beloved romantic period dramas of this decade. Caitriona Balfe plays the lead role of Clare Fraser. Balfe's powerful and nuanced performance brought emotional depth to Claire, making her an unforgettable character. Her romantic relationship with Sam Heughan's Jamie Fraser remains one of the most memorable and is loved by the viewers.