4 unconventional TV proposals and what you can learn from them

Many of us live vicariously through our favourite fictional characters. There is nothing like watching two hypothetical individuals build a hypothetically life together. Remember how, for a brief moment, our hearts stopped when we almost believed that Rachel didn’t get off the plane? When Jim almost gave up on the idea of marrying Pam? When Luke and Lorelai almost called off their wedding? Had these parallels not come true, we would have stopped believing in love altogether.

When it comes to shaping the idea of love or how an ideal ‘proposal’ should look, the television world has significantly dominated our panorama. And if you think about it, each of them left us with a takeaway. So, if you’re planning to go down on one knee, pull out your notes for these TV proposals are about to leave you with lessons on how you can get your ‘big day’ right. 

Jake and Amy from 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'

It took them five Halloweens to make it to ‘the moment’ of Brooklyn 99. And let’s be real, none of us saw it coming. For most part, we were led to believe that it was just another heist that Amy was going to win. Well, she indeed won. But the lesson here? Take your partner by surprise. Do it when they’re least expecting it. Lesson number two: An ideal proposal doesn’t have to include a room full of roses, a big speech, or the perfect outfit. 

Sutton Brady and Richard Hunter from 'The Bold Type' 

While Richard and Sutton kept us all hooked on to the show, and their proposal is one for the books. With ‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift playing in the background of the board room, he built the right moment and pulled out the ring. Lesson: Stop waiting for the right moment; instead, make one. The tailored proposal got us teary-eyed mostly because of how thoughtful it was. Richard picked the very place he fell in love with her for the first time. Your learning here? Trace back the history of your relationship. 

Pro tip: Before proposing, take the blessings of your partner's closest friends. That way, your ‘big day’ will never go wrong. 

Mitch and Cam from 'Modern Family' 

Now Mitch and Cam’s storyline in itself is a win, for it is one of the first gay proposals in American TV history. While they had been together for eight years, the writers of the show knew how important a proposal episode like this would be. As the pair struggled to give each other the perfect proposal throughout, they realised they didn’t need a grand gesture or a thousand words to do it the right way. 

Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd from 'Grey’s Anatomy' 

If you ask me, this is one of the greatest proposals that the TV universe has ever seen. And it probably meant more to the long-time Grey’s Anatomy fans than anyone else. Derek decided to get a copy of all the cases they worked on together to remind her of the ups and downs and their history together. We are not crying, you are.