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Coupling is a British comedy television series that aired from 2000 to 2004. The series tells the story of a group of six friends, three men and three women, who navigate the ups and downs of dating, relationships, and friendship in modern-day London. The series begins with Steve Taylor (played by Jack Davenport) and Susan Walker (played by Sarah Alexander) going on their first date after meeting at a bar. The couple quickly realize that they have a strong connection, and they navigate the early stages of their relationship with the help of their friends. Steve's best friend, Jeff Murdoch (played by Richard Coyle), is a womanizer who enjoys telling inappropriate stories and giving questionable dating advice. Patrick Maitland (played by Ben Miles) is another friend of Steve's who is frequently in and out of relationships and often finds himself in awkward situations. The female members of the group include Susan's best friend, Sally Harper (played by Kate Isitt), who is sassy and smart but can be insecure about her looks. Jane Christie (played by Gina Bellman) is a wildcard who enjoys playing pranks and has a colorful sexual history.

Throughout the series, the characters explore various themes related to dating and relationships, such as commitment, jealousy, and infidelity. The series' comedy comes primarily from the characters' witty banter, as they frequently engage in humorous conversations about sex, dating, and relationships.

One of the series' unique features is its use of flashback sequences. In many episodes, the characters will be discussing a particular topic or situation, and the show will cut to a flashback that provides additional context or humor.

Coupling was praised for its sharp writing and clever humor. The show's use of flashbacks and fast-paced dialogue was compared to the American sitcom Friends, which was also popular at the time. Notably, the show was criticized for its limited diversity, as the main cast is entirely white and heterosexual.

Despite its popularity, Coupling was not without controversy. In 2002, the show came under fire for a scene in which Jeff suggests that a woman he is dating may be too drunk to give consent. The scene was criticized for making light of sexual assault and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women. The show's creator, Steven Moffat, defended the scene as a commentary on male behavior, but it remains a problematic aspect of the show's legacy.

Overall, Coupling is remembered as a clever and entertaining comedy that tackled modern dating and relationships with a lighthearted and irreverent approach. The show has since gained a cult following and is often compared favorably to other classic British comedies like The Office and Blackadder.

Coupling is a series that ran for 4 seasons (28 episodes) between May 12, 2000 and on