When it was first announced, it seemed that High School Musical: The Musical: The Series would be a short-mini series meant to appeal to childhood nostalgia. After it premiered, it became recognized for its teen-drama potential and ability to appeal to a new generation of viewers and the cast is currently filming season 4.
The romance is in full swing, and the pairings aren’t as simple and obvious as Troy and Gabriella, as the series deals with the ups and downs of life. It focuses on subjects such as divorce, fear of change, heartbreak, and the discovery of one’s self-worth. The different couples are used to address these issues, and because of what they represent, some are better than others.
Updated on November 7th, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras:High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has been a fan favorite series since it premiered in November 2019 and has had three seasons so far. Viewers love seeing Olivia Rodrigo play the main character Nini Salazar-Roberts and the Disney+ Instagram account shared a post in May 2022 that season 4 was in the works. While fans wait for more episodes, it’s the perfect time to take a look back at the sweet couples who attend East High and love performing more than anything.
10 Ricky And Lily
Fans loved High School Musical: The Musical: The Series right away and the last few episodes of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 2 hinted at a romance between Ricky and Lily. It’s not something that fans are too keen on, as it feels out of the blue. Ricky is still unaware that Lily has been manipulating him, which makes whether or not she has real feelings irrelevant.
Viewers haven’t gotten much of a glimpse into the real Lily to see if she and Ricky would even make a good pair, but the entire dynamic feels unnecessary. Ricky already has plenty of romantic options in his life, and adding someone else into the mix is overkill. He needs to work on his individuality before he can be in a healthy relationship.
9 E.J. And Nini
E.J. and Nini are great as individuals but disastrous in a romantic relationship. Whether it was consciously or not, Nini was using E.J. as a way to get over Ricky. E.J. wasn’t an innocent victim in their relationship though, and the things he did to ensure Nini’s success were signs of a much bigger issue.
No matter how talented E.J. thought Nini was, he didn’t believe that she could succeed on her own. Their relationship brought out the worst in both of them, and they became much more likable characters after they settled into a friendship.
8 Mike And Miss Jenn
Miss Jenn and Mike are a cute couple, but that’s all there is to it. There’s nothing wrong with their relationship, but it’s not something the show really pushes viewers to care about. Mike was still mourning his marriage when he ran into Miss Jenn, so it might not have been the best time to start something new.
Additionally, it’s difficult for Ricky to see his dad with his teacher so soon after his parents split. It doesn’t mean the two of them should never give things a shot, but Mike should give both himself and his son more time to process such a major life change.
7 Ricky And Nini
It might appear odd to rank Ricky and Nini so low, as there was a time when it felt like they were the heart and soul of the series. However, their relationship became so unhealthy and co-dependent that it was suffocating. Ricky and Nini are each other’s first love, which will always be special. But their romance became a way to prolong personal growth, which as everyone knows, is inevitable.
Ricky’s fear of change made him cling so tightly to Nini, that he forced his way into her company and neglected his other relationships. In turn, Nini felt like Ricky was trying to push her to become a version of herself that she had outgrown. Ultimately, their breakup was the right move. Nini and Ricky can still hold a place in each other’s hearts while recognizing that they’re no longer romantically compatible.
6 Kourtney And Howie
Kourtney grew into her own person in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2, as her talents were much better utilized. She became more than just Nini’s best friend, and she made it clear to Howie that she didn’t want to be someone who was on the sidelines in a relationship.
Kourtney and Howie had a few obstacles thrown their way, but it was nothing they couldn’t overcome. Howie doesn’t just respect Kourtney’s independence, he admires it. Their romance wasn’t featured too heavily, but hopefully, viewers will see more of them if the show is renewed for a third season.
5 Gina And EJ
Gina and E.J. are a controversial pairing for several reasons. Until Ricky, Gina had never let herself get close to anyone. She’s been through a lot, but E.J. has been there to strengthen her resolve. Although anything is possible, it’s not likely that the first person Gina kisses is going to be her perfect match.
High school is about growing up and learning who a person is and what they want. While there is chemistry between Gina and E.J., it’s difficult to grow attached to a pair that hasn’t been set up for success. E.J. going off to college while Gina enters her Junior year is a lot of strain to put on Gina’s first relationship. This could play out in a number of ways, but no matter where it goes, E.J. and Gina have formed an unbreakable bond.
4 Ashlyn And Big Red
Ashlyn and Big Red always push each other to be better, and they’re just an all-around sweet couple. They deserve to be praised for being a united front and for the supportive nature of their relationship. There’s no denying that they’re one of the healthiest couples, as they make each other feel important and loved.
However, it does need to be mentioned that their chemistry isn’t where it needs to be. It has a tendency to make some of their scenes feel a bit forced, which is why it can be hard to get on board with their romance.
3 Miss Jenn And Mr. Mazzara
Miss Jenn and Mr. Mazzara’s relationship is the epitome of the enemies to friends to lovers trope. They became rivals when the robotics club and drama club clashed, but a friendship blossomed between them, as well as mutual respect for one another’s craft.
The best romances have strong foundations, and there’s has been solidified. Miss Jenn and Mr. Mazzara are one of the best duos in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and they’re already at the top of the list of fan-favorite couples.
2 Ricky And Gina
What began as a ploy to get the lead in the musical turned into one of, if not the, deepest and most complex relationships in the show. That’s not to say that Ricky and Gina are all rainbows and butterflies. Every relationship needs to be nurtured, and they need to have a serious heart-to-heart after the events of the second season. However, their surprising bond is proof that things fall apart to make way for better things.
Many fans believe there are scenes proving Ricky and Gina are meant to be in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and it’s easy to see why. Ricky’s relationship with Gina changed him for the better, and for the first time, he finally had the courage to face the future instead of clinging to the past. In turn, Ricky was the first person who made Gina feel like she had a safe place to land, and by seeing the good in her, Gina finally felt comfortable being her true self. They help each other grow as individuals and their relationship is so intricately crafted it feels out of place in a teen drama.
1 Seb And Carlos
Seb and Carlos are the all-around best couple in the show. Their relationship is impressively healthy given their age, and while they respect each other’s space, they’re always there when the other needs them. Seb and Carlos have made High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, one of the best teen shows with LGBTQ+ representation.
Every argument they’ve had has been resolved with patience, understanding, and a willingness to listen. Seb and Carlos are never jealous of each other’s talents and consider their partners’ success their own. They could even teach the adults in the series a thing or two about communication.
