Television in 2014 delivered plenty of unforgettable drama, romance, and complicated relationships. From passionate romances to unexpected encounters, some of the year's most talked-about moments came from shows that weren't afraid to explore adult relationships and emotional chemistry.
Series such as Game of Thrones, True Blood, House of Cards, Mad Men, and Outlander regularly pushed the boundaries of television storytelling. But what made many of these moments memorable wasn't simply their provocative nature. Strong performances, complicated characters, unexpected situations, and genuine chemistry helped these scenes become major talking points among viewers.
Here are 10 memorable romance and intimate moments from television in 2014, ranked from number 10 to number 1.
10. Danny and Mindy — The Mindy Project
The revelation that Danny had once worked as a stripper while trying to pay his way through medical school led to one of the show's funniest and most unexpected romantic moments. Danny's willingness to embrace his embarrassing past made the scene memorable while adding another playful dimension to the couple's relationship.
9. Annalise and Nate — How to Get Away with Murder
How to Get Away with Murder quickly established itself as a series filled with secrets, complicated relationships, and unexpected twists. The relationship between Annalise and Nate was particularly complicated because both characters were dealing with serious personal and professional problems.
Their intimate encounter became one of the show's most talked-about relationship moments. Beyond the romance itself, the scene reflected the complicated emotional world of two characters constantly making difficult choices.
8. Daenerys and Daario — Game of Thrones
Daenerys Targaryen had already become one of television's most compelling characters by 2014. Her evolving relationship with Daario Naharis added another interesting layer to her story.
Rather than simply being defined by romance, Daenerys remained firmly in control of her own decisions. Her scenes with Daario demonstrated her growing confidence and independence while also giving viewers a glimpse into a more personal side of the future queen.
7. Eric and Jason — True Blood
True Blood was famous for mixing supernatural drama with provocative storylines, so viewers were accustomed to unexpected situations. One of the more memorable moments involving Eric and Jason played with the show's surreal approach to attraction and fantasy.
The unusual circumstances surrounding the scene made it stand out from the show's many other romantic encounters. It also demonstrated how creatively True Blood could use supernatural elements to explore relationships and attraction.
6. Rachel and Lisa — House of Cards
The second season of House of Cards continued the show's tradition of complicated relationships and morally questionable decisions. Rachel and Lisa's relationship provided a rare moment of personal connection amid the show's darker political storylines.
Their encounter also highlighted Rachel's desire to find some happiness while dealing with the pressure surrounding her. Unfortunately, as fans of the series knew, peace and happiness were rarely guaranteed in the world of House of Cards.
5. Angela and James "Ghost" — Power
The complicated relationship between Angela and James "Ghost" St. Patrick became one of the defining elements of Power. Their shared history created an intense connection that continued despite the secrets and other relationships surrounding them.
Their romantic moments worked because they were tied directly to the show's larger story. Every encounter carried emotional consequences, making their relationship much more complicated than a simple television romance.
4. Nichols and Soso — Orange Is the New Black
Their storyline added humor and vulnerability while continuing the series' broader exploration of relationships inside the prison environment. It was one of the many moments that helped make the show different from conventional television dramas.
3. Megan, Don and Amy — Mad Men
Mad Men frequently used relationships and romance to explore the changing social attitudes of the 1960s. Megan, Don, and Amy became part of one of the show's more surprising relationship storylines.
The moment reflected the show's depiction of changing attitudes toward relationships and personal freedom. As always with Mad Men, the scene wasn't simply about romance; it also fit into the larger themes of marriage, identity, and the changing culture surrounding its characters.
2. Connor and the Copy Room Guy — How to Get Away with Murder
Connor Walsh quickly became one of the most recognizable characters on How to Get Away with Murder, thanks in part to his confidence and complicated romantic life.
His encounter with a man working in the copy room was particularly memorable because it combined Connor's determination with one of the show's trademark unexpected twists. The scene also reinforced the character's willingness to use his charm when trying to get what he wants.
1. Claire and Jamie — Outlander
Taking the top spot is Claire and Jamie from Outlander. Fans of Diana Gabaldon's book series had spent considerable time waiting to see the couple's relationship fully develop on screen, and the television adaptation delivered a major emotional milestone in 2014.
Their wedding night became one of the most talked-about episodes of the season. What made the storyline particularly effective was the combination of romance, character development, emotional vulnerability, and the strong chemistry between Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan.
Rather than functioning as a standalone romantic moment, the episode helped establish Claire and Jamie's relationship as one of the central emotional foundations of Outlander. For many viewers, it remains one of the defining television romance moments of 2014.
Final Thoughts
From fantasy dramas and political thrillers to comedies and historical romances, 2014 gave television audiences plenty of memorable relationship storylines. Some were unexpected, some were controversial, and others had been building for an entire season.
What these moments had in common was their ability to generate conversation and add another dimension to their characters. Whether viewers preferred the romance of Outlander, the unpredictability of Game of Thrones, or the complicated relationships of Mad Men and Power, 2014 certainly wasn't short on memorable television moments.