Just do it, already! The Big Bang Theory‘s Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) are finally giving in to their chemistry (no, not the kind that involves the periodic table) and losing their respective virginities on the CBS sitcom’s Thursday, December 17, episode. And it’s about time!
In honor of their long-awaited romp, we’ve picked 10 other popular TV couples who took way too long to knock boots. Whether they were hindered by previous relationships or by the ever-important search for extraterrestrial life, here are the pairs who took “will they or won’t they” to the extreme.
Dawson’s Creek‘s Joey and Pacey (Season 4, Episode 14)
It’s still hard to believe that the two were able to keep their hands off each other while spending an entire summer on his boat between seasons 3 and 4. But somehow, Joey (Katie Holmes) kept demurring, and they waited to do the deed until more than halfway through season 4, when things finally heated up during their wintry cabin trip.
The Vampire Diaries’ Damon and Elena (Season 4, Episode 7)
It’s a tough time for Delena fans, with Elena (Nina Dobrev) currently getting some decades-long shut-eye. But the beloved couple will always have this sexy episode, which was four seasons in the making and involved dancing in front of the fireplace.
Friends’ Rachel and Ross (Season 2, Episode 15)
Before they were on a break, they had fans breathlessly sipping cappuccinos and waiting for them to finally hook up, which happened in Ross’ (David Schwimmer) museum once various other suitors (we still love you, Paolo) were in the past. After all, they were each other’s lobsters.
The X-Files‘ Mulder and Scully (Season 7, Episode 17)
The truth is out there as to whether the two became FBI special agents with benefits, but it was implied that they both dropped their suits in this season 7 episode. Indeed, the cast later confirmed that yes, things had gotten X-rated for the pair.
The Office’s Jim and Pam (Season 4, Episode 1)
After countless furtive glances in the workplace, the two pals finally became more than just coworkers after starting a relationship in the season 3 finale. And considering they both had to listen to countless “that’s what she said” jokes from their boss, they deserved to get a little something extra from their jobs.
Bones’ Bones and Booth (Season 6, Episode 22) and Castle’s Castle and Beckett (Season 4, Episode 23)
Which couple had the stronger on-the-job chemistry: Bones’ FBI agent and forensic anthropologist, or Castle’s mystery novelist and homicide detective? It’s impossible to choose, so we didn’t.
The OC’s Marissa and Ryan (Season 3, Episode 3)
This pair clicked a lot faster than Seth (Adam Brody) and Summer (Rachel Bilson) did, yet the toy horse–loving couple ended up in bed a lot sooner than the bad boy from Chino and his former debutante paramour. Finally, Ryan (Ben McKenzie) and Marissa (Mischa Barton) found themselves in a beach hut together after Caleb’s (Alan Dale) will was read. But the happy times didn’t last long, as Marissa made her way to the Great Big Sample Sale in the Sky by the season’s end.
Beverly Hills, 90210′s David and Donna (Season 7, Episode 32)
Amy and Sheldon would be proud! Just as the two Big Bang Theory lovebirds managed to hang on to their V cards until now, Donna (Tori Spelling) similarly held out far longer than her Beverly Hills–based pals, eventually losing it to longtime love David (Brian Austin Green) by the light of many, many candles.
Gilmore Girls’ Luke and Lorelai (Season 5, Episode 3)
Luke (Scott Patterson) learned it was a good idea to hang on to the horoscope Lorelai (Lauren Graham) gave him, as their first date ended up with her wearing his shirt as she greeted the breakfast crowd at the diner the next morning. Of course, this moment is not quite as enjoyable for fans of the couple when they know that her frustrating marriage to Christopher (David Sutcliffe) is right around the corner.
Tell Us: Which overly patient couple is your favorite?
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
