TVLine has published a roundup of the 15 most memorable marriage proposals in television history, drawing from iconic sitcoms, dramas, and genre shows. The list celebrates emotional culminations of fan-favorite romances across decades of programming.
Overview
Television often captures heartfelt romance through pivotal moments like proposals, which serve as emotional payoffs for character arcs. Published on December 6, 2025, TVLine's feature ranks these scenes for their poignancy, humor, and cultural impact, even if some relationships face later challenges.
Notable Entries
The list kicks off with Niles Crane's elaborate yet imperfect proposal to Daphne Moon in Frasier's ninth season, where illness doesn't derail their bond. In Friends, Chandler Bing and Monica Geller share a mutual proposal in season six, complicated by an ex's return, ending with a dance to Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight.'
The Office's Michael Scott proposes to Holly Flax in season seven amid a sprinkler mishap, mimicking Yoda for a callback to their start. Grey's Anatomy sees Miranda Bailey accept Ben Warren's offer in the season eight finale, blending frustration and affection. Parks and Recreation's Ben Wyatt pauses his season five proposal to Leslie Knope, respecting her need to savor the moment.
Other highlights include Mitch Pritchett and Cam Tucker's roadside double proposal in Modern Family season five, enabled by California's same-sex marriage legalization; Mary and Matthew Crawley's confession-fueled engagement in Downton Abbey's 2011 Christmas special; and Glenn Rhee's zombie-sourced ring to Maggie Green in The Walking Dead season three.
The ranking continues with Mike Ross's heartfelt list to Rachel Zane in Suits season four; Schmidt's memento-purged ask to Cece Parekh in New Girl season four; Jake Peralta's engraved-belt surprise for Amy Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season five; Barry Allen's dual proposals to Iris West in The Flash season three; Jane Villanueva's initiative with Michael Cordero in Jane the Virgin season two; Patrick Brewer's hike-top question to David Rose in Schitt's Creek season five; and Randall Pearson's equality-affirming renewal to Beth Clarke in This Is Us season three.
These scenes underscore TV's knack for blending joy, setbacks, and growth in relationships.