The “will they/won’t they” couple is a dynamic fairly unique to television. Sure, you can spend an entire movie wondering if a couple will get together, but you pretty much know they will. TV allows for long stretches of yearning, burning glances, heaps of missed chances, and, if done right, a TV show will always keep you guessing as to when (and sometimes if) it ever plans to pull the trigger.

This is a fairly recent phenomenon, too. (Not counting daytime soaps.) And since the tension and energy of a will they/won’t they couple is such television gold, it’s always tempting to stretch the dynamic out past the breaking point. But when the “will they” is done right, and sealed with a proper kiss, well, television doesn’t get much better.

But how long is too long to keep the audience waiting, and will everyone stop watching once the wait is over? Some shows go for surprise rather than satisfaction (see: Logan and Veronica), while other shows get pretty creative with the obstacles to keep their lovers apart. In the oddball romantic comedy series Pushing Daisies, satisfaction never really comes. (If he touches her, she dies. Again. Long story.)

And while most shows have trouble in the aftermath of an explosive “finally!” kiss, we’re not here to worry about that. We’re here to remember and celebrate the consummations that work. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there’s no better reminder that waiting might be fine for TV characters, but nothing beats the satisfaction of going for it sooner rather than later. So go for it! And let these couples show you how it’s done.