Throughout its nine-season run, relationships were at the forefront of One Tree Hill and remained a focal point in every season. While many fan-favorite couples were formed in season 1, others came much later in the series but still had a great impact on audiences.
The teen drama remains hugely popular and is the topic of many Reddit threads, and Redditors have been discussing which OTH couple are the best in their eyes. The staple couples, like Nathan and Haley and Lucas and Peyton, have been mentioned, but there are also some unexpected pairings that have crept into the debate.
Keith And Karen
Although their relationship was tragically short-lived, Reddit IlaDC "really liked Karen and Keith." The constant will-they-wont-they seemed worth it when they finally got together in season 3, however, Keith’s heartbreaking death meant their relationship was ripped apart.
Their relationship was no doubt complex, however, that doesn’t stop people from believing that Keith and Karen were perfect together on One Tree Hill. Fans were eager for the pair to get together from the beginning and had Keith never been killed, it’s likely the two would have remained together and got the happy ending they both deserved.
Brooke And Owen
In season 5 of One Tree Hill, Owen became Brooke’s love interest after they met at Tric. When it seemed like Brooke may have finally found her man, Owen sadly ended the relationship because he didn’t want to deal with the commitment of a child.
Although they’re not widely recognized as a favorite, Reddit iwantto-be-leave believes that "they had a really natural chemistry" as a couple. While they seemed like a good match at the time, there are certainly other male characters that Brooke had a greater connection with.
Peyton And Jake
Although Lucas and Peyton always seem to be the obvious choice, Reddit the best One Tree Hill ship of season 2.
While their relationship was short-lived, it was always a hit with fans. Jake quickly captured Peyton’s heart, although her unresolved feelings for Lucas caused them to break up. Reddit sweetdeeswallcat said, "It still pains me that Peyton didn’t end up with Jake."
Brooke And Julian
While it seemed like Brooke never had the best luck with men, that all changed when Julian came to Tree Hill. Although he was introduced as Peyton’s ex-boyfriend, it was quickly forgotten because it was clear that Julian was Brooke’s well-deserved happy ending.
Like every Tree Hill relationship, it came with its complications, however, one now-deleted Reddit "loved Brooke and Julian’s moments" and believes that "they were a good match." They eventually got married in season 8, and although their relationship came significantly later than other fan-favorite couples, it was certainly worth the wait.
Skills And Deb
There were many questionable relationships in One Tree Hill and Skills and Deb fell firmly into that category. Fans could look past the significant age difference, however, Nathan’s mom dating his good friend was something fans simply couldn’t wrap their heads around.
However, this didn’t stop Reddit TPGStorm from saying Skills and Deb were "by far" their favorite couple. To no one's surprise, their relationship didn’t last long when they realized they wanted different things in life. Although it was an unexpected pairing, their relationship did provide for some hilariously awkward moments.
Clay And Quinn
Clay and Quinn were two of the best OTH characters added after season 1 and their relationship was a refreshing aspect of the show in the later seasons. Despite their late introduction, a now-deleted Reddit still regarded them as their favorite couple, claiming that they were "great together."
Several fans believed that Quinn and Clay were a direct and poor replacement of Lucas and Peyton and therefore never warmed to them. While it’s clear they weren’t everyone's favorite, Reddit 1033149 was also "really fond" of the couple.
Karen And Dan
This is arguably one of the most controversial and uncommon pairing choices thanks to the likes of Dan Scott. While most fans would choose Keith to be with Karen, Reddit kosty271 believes that the time they spent together after Keith's death made for "an interesting dynamic" and states that "Karen is the one for Dan."
While Karen may be the one for Dan, Dan being for Karen is a widely unpopular opinion. Although their history runs deeper than a lot of the other characters on the show, it was impossible to imagine them as a couple, especially after Keith’s death.
Brooke And Lucas
Many fans were satisfied with the couple outcomes in the show, however, some Reddit s weren't. Although Lucas and Brooke went through countless hardships as a couple, Reddit breakup in season 3 was arguably the most devastating on One Tree Hill.
One of the greatest aspects of their relationship was that they managed to remain in each other's lives as friends, and whether it was a friendship or more, Reddit confusedlabrador thinks that "their chemistry was absolutely stunning."
Nathan And Haley
While Nathan and Haley’s relationship had its difficulties, there was no doubt that they were soulmates. After falling in love in season 1, their love story remained a focal point in the series until the final episode, and Reddit Jobr95 believes that "they were perfect together."
"Naley" was often regarded as the greatest couple on One Tree Hill, and thankfully, there are plenty of Nathan and Haley-centric One Tree Hill episodes to re-watch for nostalgic fans. They will always be one of the strongest couples in television history and Reddit OncerGirl agrees, stating that "everything about their love story was iconic."
Lucas And Peyton
It’s no surprise that many fans consider Lucas and Peyton’s relationship to be their overall favorite. Despite their constant on-again-off-again routine, they finally settled it when they got married at the end of season 6. Reddit nicuch147 loved their "development, the angst, all these beautiful quotes, their chemistry, their connection. Everything."
While they seemed like they were from different worlds, the undeniable chemistry and complex love that the two shared was hard to ignore. Though there were many other couples on the show, Reddit GhostSamurai701 believes that "no other couple made more sense" than Lucas and Peyton.