'The Simpsons' Couples

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'The Simpsons' Couples

"Moonshine River"
"Moonshine River". FOX

For almost thirty years, dozens of couples have been falling in and out of love on The Simpsons. Some are fleeting romances (Mary and Bart, above), while others blossom in to long-enduring marriages (Apu and Manjula). While other couples are doomed from the start (Lisa and Ralph?). Most of the characters were talented guest stars. Click through this slideshow of lovers and couples from The Simpsons.

02
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Homer Simpson and Mindy Simmons

Mindy Simmons and Homer Simpson - The Last Temptation of Homer
Mindy Simmons and Homer Simpson - The Last Temptation of Homer. Twentieth Century Fox

"The Last Temptation of Homer"

At the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, Mr. Burns hires a female employee named Mindy Simmons (guest star Michelle Pfeiffer). Homer is immediately infatuated with her, because she is exactly like him, only beautiful. Worried, Homer calls a marriage hotline, but Ned Flanders is the one who answers. While Homer is trying to tell Mindy he can't see her anymore ("think unsexy thoughts think unsexy thoughts). Mr. Burns assigns Homer and Mindy to be representatives of the power plant at the National Energy Convention in Capital City. Reluctantly Homer enjoys his time with Mindy. They order room service, insult passersby and eat a romantic dinner for two at Madame Chao's. After dinner, they return to Homer's hotel room. Instead of giving in to temptation, Homer invites Marge to spend the night with him at the hotel. They enjoy a tender evening, turkey included.

See also: Funniest Homer Simpson Quotes | 20 Most Famous Guest Stars on The Simpsons | Recaps from Season 5

03
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Marge Simpson and Artie Ziff

Marge Simpson and Artie Ziff - Half-Decent Proposal
Marge Simpson and Artie Ziff - Half-Decent Proposal. Twentieth Century Fox

"Half-Decent Proposal"

When Homer's snoring is keeping Marge from sleeping, she winds up at Patty and Selma's for some much needed rest. While there, she hears news of her old prom date, Artie Ziff (guest star Jon Lovitz). She emails him in a drunken stupor, and he immediately helicopters to the Simpson home. He invites the whole family to his yacht, where he tells Homer he'll pay them $1 million for spending the weekend with Marge. They refuse, but eventually Marge gives in when she knows she can use the money for surgery that will fix Homer's snoring. Homer spies on them, sees them kiss, but misses the part where Marge throws off Artie. Devastated, Homer takes a job on an oil rig. When it catches fire, Marge saves him using Artie's helicopter. They refuse his money, but they use his new invention, which turns Homer's snoring into soft music (along with Artie's subliminal messages for Marge).

See also: 20 Most Famous Guest Stars on The Simpsons

04
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Homer Simpson and Lurleen Lumpkin

Lurleen Lumpkin - The Simpsons
Lurleen Lumpkin - The Simpsons. Twentieth Century Fox

"Colonel Homer"

Homer and Marge have a fight after attending a boring movie and Homer drives off angry. As he drives, he pulls up to a honky-tonk bar called Beer 'N' Brawl where he meets an aspiring country music singer named Lurleen Lumpkin (guest star Beverly D'Angelo). Struck by her talent and her beauty, Homer becomes her manager, securing her gigs and a record deal while at the same time fraying his relationship with Marge. Even though it's clear that Lurleen is falling in love with Homer, he resists her come-ons. Later he signs away Lurleen's contract to another manager in order to be a better husband to Marge.

See also: Profile of Homer Simpson | 20 Most Famous Guest Stars on The Simpsons | Recaps from Season 3

05
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Selma and Sideshow Bob

Black Widower - The Simpsons
Bart, Selma and Sideshow Bob. Twentieth Century Fox

"Black Widower"

The Simpson family is surprised when Selma's new boyfriend turns out to be Sideshow Bob (guest star Kelsey Grammer). During dinner, he tells the story of his rough time in prison. He tells them that he changed after meeting Selma who corresponded with him as part of a a prison pen-pal program. However, Bart refuses to believe that Sideshow Bob really has turned over a new leaf. Then Sideshow Bob proposes to Selma, and she agrees to marry him. Bart is terrified of his soon-to-be new uncle, and the wedding is almost called off when Sideshow Bob confesses that he hates Selma's favorite show, MacGyver. The wedding takes place as planned, but during the honeymoon, Sideshow Bob tries to kill Selma. Luckily, Bart foils his plan. Sideshow Bob is taken away by the police, but he vows to return the next time the Democrats are in power.

See also: Recaps for Season 3

06
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Apu and Manjula

apuwifeeltonjohn.jpg

"The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons"

Apu receives a letter from his mother in India reminding him that he has been promised in marriage to an Indian woman named Manjula (voiced by Jan Hooks). Apu cuts short his busy bachelor life and, on Homer's advice, pretends to be married to Marge to fool his mother. However, Apu's mother walks in on Homer and Marge in bed (with Apu on the floor) and Apu is forced to reveal the truth, and agrees to marry Manjula. The Simpsons host Apu's wedding in their backyard. When Apu sees Manjula, he is taken with her beauty. Then he asks her what her favorite food, movie and book is. She says the answer to all three is Fried Green Tomatoes. They laugh, and Apu decides being married to Manjula might work out. (Pictured: "I'm with Cupid")

See also: Profile of Apu | Recaps for Season 9

07
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Ned and Maude Flanders

Maude Flanders
Maude Flanders. FOX

Ned Flanders was happily married to Maude Flanders, until the eleventh season when she died in "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily," after getting knocked off the grandstand at a raceway by a t-shirt cannon. Prior to her death, Maude was as religiously fervent as Ned. In "Grade School Confidential," she told Principal Skinner, "I don't think we're talking about love here. We are talking about S-E-X in front of the C-H-I-L-D-R-E-N!" (Which Krusty mistakenly heard as "Sex Cauldron.") Ned was devastated by Maude's death, and even established and amusement park in her name in "Praiseland."

See also: Top 10 Sexiest TV Cartoon Characters (You Won't Believe #1)

08
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Edna Krabappel and Ned Flanders

Edna Krabappel and Ned Flanders
Edna Krabappel and Ned Flanders. FOX

Edna Krabappel and Ned Flanders are an unlikely couple. When Ned saves Edna from a falling ladder in "The Ned-liest Catch," the begin bonding over their frustrating experiences with the Simpson family. However, Ned starts to doubt the strength of their relationship when he find out just how many men in Springfield Edna's been with. We don't know if they'll end up together until "Ned 'N Edna's Blend," when we (and all of Springfield) find out they're married. Sadly, Marcia Wallace, the actress who played Edna, died in 2013. The Simpsons did not replace the actress. Although we never saw Edna's death, in "Four Regrettings and a Funeral," Bart writes a single line on the blackboard, "We'll really miss you Mrs. K" and a tribute appears at the credits. Then in "The Man Who Grew Too Much," we see Ned Flanders wearing a black armband and looking at a photo of Edna, that sits next to a photo of Maude.

See also: Remembering Marcia Wallace

09
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Ms. Juniper and Principal Skinner

Melody, Bart, Ms. Juniper and Principal Skinner
Melody, Bart, Ms. Juniper and Principal Skinner. FOX

"Flaming Moe"

Principal Skinner falls for the new music teacher, Ms. Calliope Juniper. He asks Bart to start dating her daughter, Melody, in order to keep him close for advice. Melody is crazy about Bart, and Bart soon dumps her. When Calliope finds out, she and Melody move away from Springfield. Principal Skinner goes with them, but later Bart tells us he came back after three months.

See also: How to Make a Flaming Moe | Recaps for Season 22

10
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Lisa Simpson and Ralph Wiggum

Lisa Simpson and Ralph Wiggum
Lisa Simpson and Ralph Wiggum. FOX

"I Love Lisa"

It's Valentine's Day at Springfield Elementary. When Lisa sees that Ralph Wiggum isn't getting any Valentines, she quickly gives him one ("I choo choo choose you!"). Ralph then believes they are in love. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, Lisa keeps up a charade of friendship with Ralph. But when he says she's his girlfriend on air at Krusty the Clown's show, she yells the truth about her feelings. Later, when Ralph saves the school play, she tells him they can still be friends.

See also: Profile of Lisa Simpson | 10 Best Episodes about Springfield Elementary| Recaps for Season 4

11
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Lisa Simpson and Milhouse

Lisa Simpson and Milhouse
Lisa Simpson and Milhouse. FOX

"What Animated Women Want"

Milhouse van Houten has always had a crush on Lisa Simpson. After watching A Streetcar Named Desire for a class assignment, he impulsively acts like Marlon Brando when Lisa asks for his cupcake. His indifferent, rude personality attracts Lisa, so he keeps it up. Eventually, he feels guilty for being someone he's not and confesses his act to Lisa.

See also: Profile of Lisa Simpson

12
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Lisa Simpson and Edmund

"Tweenlight"
"Tweenlight". FOX

"Treehouse of Horror XXI"

During the "Tweelight" portion of the episode, Lisa falls for the mysterious new boy at school named Edmund (an obvious parody of Edward from Twlight, voiced by Daniel Radcliffe). When he tells her that he is a vampire, she isn't afraid, much to Milhouse's dismay (he's a were-poodle). But when it's time for Lisa to become a vampire, she realizes she doesn't want to stay eight-years old forever.

See also: 20 Most Famous Guest Stars on The Simpsons | "Treehouse of Horror" Picture Gallery | The Simpsons Parodies of Blockbuster Movies

13
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Bart Simpson and Greta Wolfcastle

Bart, Greta and Milhouse
Bart, Greta and Milhouse. FOX

"The Bart Wants What it Wants"

Rainier Wolfcastle's daughter, Greta (guest star Reese Witherspoon), develops a crush on Bart. But he stands her up at the dance so he and Milhouse can pull a prank on Principal Skinner. When Bart realizes he misses Greta, he visits her at home to tell her. But he finds out she's dating Milhouse to get back at him. When Bart and Milhouse face off against each other over Greta, she decides she doesn't want either of them and that she is too young to start dating, anyway.

See also: 20 Most Famous Guest Stars on The Simpsons 

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Bart Simpson and Mary Spuckler

Mary and Bart
Mary and Bart. FOX

Bart Simpson has a long history with Mary Spuckler. The first time they meet is in "Apolcalypse Cow," when Bart agrees to marry Marry (guest star Zooey Deschanel) in order to save his "cow" Lou. Homer and Marge are able to trick Cletus (Mary's father), so that Bart is saved from marriage and Lou is saved from the slaughterhouse. Then in "Moonshine River," Bart travels to New York City to see Mary, who left her family after her broken engagement. She confesses she loves Bart, but she takes off again when her family comes to take her back to Springfield. Finally, in "Love is a Many Splintered Thing," Bart finds out that Mary has moved back to Springfield. They begin dating, but when Bart spends too much time playing video games, Mary decides to date someone else. At the end of the episode, Bart sees on a social media site that she's "single," and he sends her a message that says, "I miss you."

See also: 20 Most Famous Guest Stars on The Simpsons

15
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Bart Simpson and Gina Vendetti

"The Wandering Juvie"
"The Wandering Juvie". FOX

"Wandering Juvie"

Barts gets thrown in juvenile detention after his wedding registry scheme goes bust. He ends up handcuffed to a bully, Gina Vendetti (guest star Sarah Michelle Gellar). While they're dancing at the prom, she decides to escape, taking Bart with her. After they're free from their handcuffs, they have a rough fight and thrown back in jail. When Gina reveals she doesn't have a family, the Simpsons show up to have dinner with her.

See also: 20 Most Iconic Episodes of The Simpsons | Recaps for Season 15

16
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Bart Simpson and Darcy

"Little Big Girl"
"Little Big Girl". Twentieth Century Fox

"Little Big Girl"

Bart starts driving Homer's car and winds up in North Haverbrook. There he picks up a fifteen-year old girl named Darcy (guest star Natalie Portman). He likes her, so he tells her he's sixteen. They fall in love and decide to get married. At the courthouse, Bart reveals his real age and Darcy reveals that she's pregnant, but that (obviously) the baby isn't Bart's. He decides to marry her anyway, so they flee to Utah, where marriage laws are a little "looser." Bart's and Darcy's parents stop the marriage. Darcy's mother explains that she's also pregnant, and they can tell everyone the baby's are twins. Later, Bart admits to Homer he was looking forward to being a father.

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Bart Simpson and Jenny

"The Good, the Sad and the Drugly"
"The Good, the Sad and the Drugly". FOX

"The Good, the Bad and the Drugly"

When Bart takes Homer's shift volunteering at the Retirement Castle, he becomes smitten with an eleven-year old girl named Jenny (guest voice Anne Hathaway). Bart continues to do selfless deeds to impress her. But when Milhouse blackmails Bart because he's been neglecting their friendship, Bart reveals his true nature to Jenny. He begs her to stay anyway, but she breaks up with him.

See also: Bart's Best Prank Calls to Moe 

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Krusty the Clown and Princess Penelope

"Once Upon a Time in Springfield"
"Once Upon a Time in Springfield". FOX

"Once Upon a Time in Springfield"

Krusty is approached by two network executives who want to bring on female co-star Princess Penelope (guest voice Anne Hathaway) to increase the show's female demographic. The onstage and behind-the-scenes rapport between Krusty and Princess Penelope grows, and before long, Krusty asks for his co-star's hand in marriage. But Krusty breaks it off at the altar, saying that every woman he's every marriage winds up miserable. Later, we see Penelope in Paris, singing. She wanders out to the Seine. Standing on the bridge, she imagines she sees Krusty in the water. But it's really him! He fell off the boat. She jumps in and they float down the river on her guitar.

See also: 10 Most Revealing Episodes for Krusty the Clown | Recaps for Season 21

19
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Bart Simpson and Nikki

"Stealing First Base"
"Stealing First Base". FOX

"Stealing First Base"

When Bart's fourth grade classes merges with another one, he meets Nikki (guest voice Sarah Silverman). They go skateboarding together. But when Bart kisses her, she freaks out. Nikki's parents demand a "no touch" policy at school. However, Nikki kisses Bart while she's hiding in his locker. Bart's getting more and more confused. They wind up on the rooftop where he kisses her again, and again, she recoils. Bart falls off the roof and Nikki defies the "no touch" policy to revive him.

See also: 10 Best Episodes About Springfield Elementary | Profile of Bart Simpson | Recaps for Season 21

20
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Grampa Simpson and Zelda

"The Old Man and the Key"
"The Old Man and the Key". FOX

"The Old Man and the Key"

Grampa Simpson becomes smitten with Zelda (guest star Olympia Dukakis), a new resident of the Springfield Retirement Castle. Grampa convinces Homer to let him borrow his car so he can take Zelda for a drive. He impresses Zelda with his driving skills, but Zelda has another suitor. When the younger man takes Zelda for a drive, Grampa kidnaps Bart to track them down. Though Grampa doesn't win her heart, he and Bart become even closer.

21
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Selma Bouvier and Troy McClure

"A Fish Called Selma"
"A Fish Called Selma". FOX

"A Fish Called Selma"

When Troy McClure (Phil Hartman) realizes his career is waning because of his strange fish fetish, he decides to marry Selma Bouvier to cover up his true nature. Selma falls for Troy and imagines a dreamy romance with the famous actor. She gets caught up in his movie star lifestyle. But when it becomes clear that Troy doesn't really love her, she leaves him.

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Grampa Simpson and Rita LaFleur

"Gone Abie Gone"
"Gone Abie Gone". FOX

"Gone Abie Gone"

When Grampa goes missing at the Retirement Castle, Marge and Homer track down his old flame, Rita LeFleur (guest star Anika Noni Rose). They met when he was a busboy and she was a singer at Spiro's. She tells them that she used to be Abe's wife, but she left for a singing career in Europe, and Abe stayed in Springfield to raise Homer. When Homer and Marge finally return to the nursing home, they find Grampa and Rita at the piano, singing their song.

23
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Homer and Marge Simpson

Homer and Marge Simpson
Homer and Marge Simpson. FOX

Homer and Marge Simpson have one of the most enduring marriages on TV. They began dating in high school when Homer asked Marge to tutor him just so he could take her to the prom. She went to the prom with Artie Ziff, but when he tried to have sex with her, she dumped him. On her way home, she picked up Homer and he fixed her dress with his corsage. Later, Marge told Homer she was pregnant. They got married in a simple ceremony and have been married ever since. Sometimes they experience rough patches (like when she kicked him out of the house in "Secrets of a Successful Marriage," and when she leaves him in Alaska in The Simpsons Movie). Other times they have wild, romantic encounters (like when they realized having sex in public was a turn on in "Natural Born Kissers").

See also: The Simpsons Kiss & Tell DVD | Take the Valentine's Day Quiz for 

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Want More?

Homer and Marge Simpson
Homer and Marge Simpson. FOX

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