I admit it. I’m a serial shipper.
I’ve never had that OTP** to end all OTPs.
And then I thought, why not recap my favorite new ‘ships in 2020?
I haven’t kept track of the shows I watched the past year but I have 2 ships that have been burned in my mind because of how satisfying their slow burn relationships were.
New TV Ships in 2020
Chae Song-ah + Park Joon-young (Do You Like Brahms?)
In the flurry of K-dramas that aired in 2020, this was one of the more underrated/understated that I’d seen. To be fair, I’ve only really seen a few lately but I’ve kept up with the fangirling happening around me.
Chae Song-ah and Park Joon-young’s slow burn romance was a sight to behold.
Having a series/drama with introverted leads being so headstrong and open with each other was enough to keep me hooked. They really went from strangers to friends to a couple.
This one scene is them in the very early stages of their friendship — or acquaintanceship?
I’m just in awe of how well their relationship came to fruition and of how they supported each other. There were secrets kept and insecurities abound (which was one of their major issues). Nevertheless, they persevered which is to be expected because they are the lead couple in the drama.
If I was asked what my favorite K-drama of 2020 is… Do You Like Brahms? would likely be it. With Hospital Playlist, a close second.
Pacey Witter + Joey Potter (Dawson’s Creek)
Look. I’m very much aware that Dawson’s Creek aired way back when I was idk how many years old.
I knew how this was going to end and what I was getting into, at the same time I didn’t.
I always had plans to watch the series, especially during my One Tree Hill phase but never really got to it.
Then when it popped up on my Netflix feed, it meant it was time for me to start watching. And boy, I did not get the hype of it all until Double Date and the succeeding Pacey storylines (with Andie and with Joey). I’m not really sure how I got past season 1 because Dawson… wasn’t a great character but I went ahead because I knew.
Pacey/Joey (Poey?) were just electric whenever they were together onscreen. And seeing all of that happening in season 3? *chef’s kiss*
That was also the ultimate slow burn romance I’ve seen in American television. No endless will-they-won’t-they ploys to extend the story. It even brought us the beauty that was The Longest Day… and, of course, who could forget this scene:
Sure, season 4 was a drag once you see where it was going, especially in a shipper’s POV. Not only that but I simply could not make myself watch the rest of that season, totally skipped season 5, and the majority of season 6.
And you know what season 6 brought us? Castaways. And that is all I can say about the matter. If you haven’t seen it, you should. It’s a bottle episode that continued to prove just how good Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes were together.
So there we have it. My TV ships of 2020 that I didn’t really have to write/talk about. I’m sure more will come this year (and I’ll be sure to take note of it). But for now, I shall carry on with my fixations.
**For those who aren’t in tune with fandom slang, OTP means “one true pairing” – a ride-or-die romantic relationship in a TV series, a movie, a book, or wherever.
Images from SBS and paceyjwitters