No matter the genre of a TV series, a love interest will always spike attention from its fans. Will they get together? Are they suited for one another? How could they possibly make it work with zombies after them? It’s the drama we all live for.
Some TV shows have made brilliant moves when it comes to pairing up characters together. From dynamics that were meant to be from the beginning to surprising twists and romances no one saw coming, a love interest can really make or a break a season or even the entire show.
That is why, when they get it wrong, it really hurts the storyline and the fans. Some couples may seem fantastic when it’s just an idea, but when they write it up and we have to see these characters kissing or pretending they love each other, it can make viewers want to cringe or just turn of the TV completely. And recovery from these mistakes could make matters even worse.
Other times, writers just follow the organic rhythm of their characters and they end up pairing them like two peas in a pod. It flows, it builds up the story and it makes for an even better series. When the focus is not just on the couple finally getting together but on seeing them together throughout every obstacle, that is when the couple is meant to be. Here are 10 Couples that Hurt Drama Series and 10 that Saved Them.
Hurt - Rory and Logan - Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
When a reunion was released on Netflix in 2016, Gilmore Girls fans couldn’t wait to see what life was like ten years later for the witty mother-daughter duo. Unfortunately, it was a lot of bad relationship decisions, homelessness and career plateaus. This is just on Rory’s side.
The four part reunion starts with Rory coming back to Stars Hollow for a quick visit before she flies off to London to meet her ‘friend’. Turns out her friend is her ex-boyfriend Logan, whom she breaks up with at the end of Gilmore Girls because she wasn’t ready to be married. Now, ten years later, they share secret rendezvous because Rory has a boyfriend she keeps forgetting about –what was his name again?- and Logan is engaged to a well-known heiress.
Their encounters add very little to the series, only enhancing what a mess Rory has made of her personal life. There is zero connection or longing between them and everything ends simply because the final episode has to end. It doesn’t allow fans to remember the charm and genuine love that existed between them a decade ago.
Saved - Betty and Jughead - Riverdale
When the characters of Archie Comics were transplanted to a grittier live action version of their town, Riverdale, it could be assumed the teenage drama, along with the crime, would be increased. The classic love triangle of Archie, Betty and Veronica was almost immediately decimated when Archie told Betty in the first episode that he didn’t feel the same way. After a few tears, Betty got over it pretty quickly for someone who had been in love with Archie her whole life.
As the story of ‘Who took out Jason?’ continued to developed, Betty teamed up with self-proclaimed weirdo Jughead in order to find out what the adults of Riverdale were hiding about the case. Their bond strengthened as they continue to play spy and solve all the problems in season one. While everyone expected Archie and Veronica to get together, Betty falling for Jughead was a lovely and refreshing surprise. She is the perfect girl next door and Jughead is the isolated intellectual from the wrong side of the tracks. She makes him feel more comfortable around others and he helps her understand this darker side she has but tries not to explore. Overall, they balance each other out and seem to be going strong no matter what crazy crimes occur in their town.
Hurt - Izzie and George - Grey’s Anatomy
Sometimes a friendship between a man and a woman is just that - a really good friendship that doesn’t need to lead anywhere else. Even if people think they should get together because ‘they get each other’, it doesn’t mean they should. Sadly Izzie and George didn’t get the memo.
From season one of Grey’s Anatomy, surgical interns Izzie and George gravitated towards each other.
While George pined for Meredith, Izzie was busy with her own on and off relationship with bad boy Alex. Never once was George jealous of Izzie’s partner. However, when George began a relationship with Callie, Izzie couldn’t stop butting in and having way too many opinions about things that didn’t concern her. In a drunken night when George tells Izzie she has to be a supportive of his relationship and she abides, they end up spending the night together.
From then on, the longing and guilt are the elements that bring any kind of spark to this possible couple, but as soon as the drama ends and they get together, it is very clear they have zero chemistry. They quickly end things, but end up leaving a really big mess and too much drama at the workplace.
Saved - Glenn and Maggie - The Walking Dead
Let’s face it. Nothing will end well in The Walking Dead. Ever. If the zombies don’t get you, the evil power-hungry humans will. This show is not for the optimistic hearts. Any ray of hope and happiness is rare and must be treasured. That is why Glenn and Maggie became very quickly the heart and soul of the AMC series.
It all started out very casual when Maggie decided she would sleep with Glenn in season two and Glenn’s shocked reaction because he couldn’t believe his luck. From then on, they were inseparable and always found ways to express their love and need for each other. They were able to have a successful relationship while maintaining their separate identities.
While other couples in the show had to deal with a variety of trust issues, Glenn and Maggie had a solid foundation to stand on. Plus, it really helps that they are both super awesome at slaying zombies together. Glenn and Maggie were that ray of hope for fans that allowed them to believe that things might eventually work out in this zombie riddled world. When that ray was extinguished, though, many fans called it quits thanks to the gruesome and terrible way things ended.
Hurt - Sookie Stackhouse and Everyone - True Blood
Sookie is a magnet for trouble. Later on we find out it’s because she is a fairy and her powers and blood are intoxicating, but for the longest time, every man in Bon Temps couldn’t help but falling for the telepathic waitress.
Every man Sookie dates in True Blood, from Bill the vampire who wants to drink her blood to Alcide the werewolf who doesn’t want to be part of his wolfpack, ends up getting her in at-the-brink-of-death trouble. Sure, they are all chiseled insanely good looking guys, but they all have major issues with their vampire creators, wolf packs or with the vampire authorities of the region that can kill any of them with a snap of their fingers.
Sookie often woes about finding a normal guy with whom she can go on a normal date with while the sun is out, but two seconds later she is back to having a complicated relationship with her forever love, Bill Compton. However, if he isn’t available, Sookie will settle for the man who tried to take her out more than once, Eric Northman. Thankfully by the end, Sookie learns her lesson and ends up with a faceless normal man, but she doesn’t learn it soon enough.
Saved - Barry and Iris - The Flash
Even from the comic books, fans know how important Iris is to Barry and how their love finds ways to stay alive through time travel and even death. In The Flash, Iris and Barry’s connection is just as important to the story.
While the comic book canon has Iris and Barry already engaged to each other, the Arrowverse took a different approach.
In The Flash, Iris meets Barry in school and they become best friends. Shortly after, Barry’s mom is taken out and Iris’ father, Joe, takes Barry into his home. They didn’t grow up together but their friendship was strengthened by living together and, eventually, their romance grew as well. Time and time again Iris has proven to be the reason why Barry wants to use his powers for good. She gives him a reason to keep fighting. And in the same way, Barry encourages her to be her own hero in her story and claim her independence.
They complement and understand each other perfectly. It is no wonder that their partnership and love transcends so easily from the comic book pages to the screen.
Hurt - Jon and Daenerys - Game of Thrones
Fans have shipped together many characters from HBO’s fantasy-drama series, from Jamie-Brianne to Brianne-Tormund (man, people really want Brianne to find herself a man). But the most elusive couple would be the King of the North and the Mother of Dragons and it finally happened by the latest season finale. The problem? Fans can wish for it all they want but once it happens, it feels weird and, in this case, relatives-loving-each-other-weird.
Jon Snow’s story has always taken place in the North and beyond The Wall. Then the show decided to send him to the warm lands of Dragonstone to convince Daenerys Targaryen to help them in their war against the White Walkers. After a lot of ‘bend the knee’ talk and a lot of resistance from Jon, sparks begin to fly between the Dragon and the Wolf. The season ends with Daenerys letting Jon into her private chambers in the middle of the night.
The problem with this pairing, aside from obvious issues that are revealed by the end of the season, is that Jon and Daenerys happened a little too late. The series has only one more season to go before wrapping everything up and it still hasn’t settled who will be sitting in the iron throne in the end. At this point it, Jon could also be the one ruling the Seven Kingdoms. Will Daenerys ever allow that?
Saved - Poussey and Soso - Orange is the New Black
There have been a lot of dysfunctional relationships in Orange is the New Black. From the main on and off couple, Piper and Alex, to the inappropriate relations between the guards and the inmates, this Netflix Original doesn’t shy away from showing self-destructive romance.
That is why when Poussey finally found someone who appreciated her, even if it was in the form of the obnoxious know-it-all new inmate, fans were ecstatic by this weird but perfect coupling. For several seasons, Poussey was in love with her best friend Taystee, who was neither gay nor interested in Poussey in a romantic way. Soso is introduced in season two, annoying everyone with her principled protests and talkative ways. It wasn’t until Soso tried to take her own life that Poussey got close to Soso, trying to help her out of her depression and self-destructive ways.
When everyone was busy trying to manipulate one another, Poussey and Soso genuinely cared about each other. Even though everything around them was a complete mess, they found ways to be alone and plan their future once they got out of prison. It’s possible their romance is remembered with such tenderness because it was cut short, leaving Soso heartbroken and mourning over Poussey.
Hurt - June and Nick - The Handmaid’s Tale
In the series’ defense, any relationship that develops in this world is bound to be messed up. The Handmaid’s Tale takes place in a dystopian America where infertility has become a serious threat to the nation. All fertile women have lost their rights and their sole purpose is to produce children for the house they are assigned to.
June, known as Offred, was captured and separated from her daughter Hannah and quickly becomes the handmaid to Commander Fred. As she tries to keep her head down and her sanity somewhat intact, she begins a relationship with the Commander’s driver, Nick Blaine. Her secret encounters with Nick allow her to exercise a sliver of independence and reclaim her body and her consent.
Sadly, June really doesn’t have many options when it comes to finding a romantic relationship.
If there is even a suggestion that she’s been with another man, she could be taken out. Anything related to intimacy has been redirected to the purpose of breeding and saving the human race. While Nick likes her, he is definitely not trustworthy. At any point, he can turn on her and everyone will believe his word over hers. The relationship is bound to end but the journey is just a monotone and morose as the rest of June’s tale.
Saved - Yorkie and Kelly - Black Mirror
Black Mirror is not exactly known for romance. The British anthology focuses on how different hypothetical technologies affect social behaviors and how it sheds a light on deep rooted issues of society. Tackling all of these things leaves little room for love and happy endings. That is why when season three came along with the “San Junipero” episode, fans couldn’t get enough of Yorkie and Kelly.
Yorkie is an introverted redhead who is trying out the simulated reality San Junipero, a resort-like beach town, where the deceased can live and the elderly or terminally ill can visit in the form of their younger selves. Yorkie meets the outgoing Kelly, who only visits San Junipero to pass some time before she passes away and can possibly meet again with her husband in the afterlife. The two develop feelings for each other, which makes Kelly question this plan she was so set on carrying out.
Yorkie’s genuineness is a refreshing quality in a series that showcases characters with moral ambiguity. San Junipero is her one chance to be herself and be happy while Kelly feels she has already lived her happily ever after. While the episode explores the idea of a computer made type of heaven, San Junipero goes deep into the human psyche, exploring what makes people fall in love, change their views on life and if any of that could last forever.
Hurt - Thomas Shelby and Anyone - Peaky Blinders
The first season of Peaky Blinders started with a bang, with Thomas Shelby as the leader of the Shelby family and their wish to make their way to the top. However, while the first two seasons had a primary love interest that could put Tommy in jeopardy, the other three seasons have introduced inconsequential female characters that he can easily discard whenever he wants.
Thomas’ relationship with Grace was complicated due to the fact that she was spying on the Shelbys and, therefore, Thomas might never be able to trust her again. When they decide to bring her back, it presented a complex storyline of love, betrayal and lies. However, the show decided to get rid of her at the beginning of season three and the show has never been the same. From then on, Thomas took solace in the arms of a Russian princess who was way more dangerous and volatile than Grace could ever be. He also keeps using Lizzie, his secretary, to console himself even though she has made it clear she is in love with him.
He continues his tactics in season four by using Jessie to his advantage and making her believe he is a changed man but none of these female characters have proved to be Tommy’s equal.
Saved - Willow and Tara - Buffy the Vampire Slayer
It is hard to end a good thing, but it can sometimes lead to even better things. Such was the case for Willow and Tara, which was a hard follow because Willow and Oz were such a big item. Oz was a perfect match for Willow’s socially awkward personality but Seth Green, who portrayed Oz, decided to leave the show to pursue a career in film. As a result, Oz leaves in order to take care of inner problems related to his werewolf powers.
Tara and Willow first become linked in college, where they both show up for a Wicca group meeting and they ended up being the only attendants. The network didn’t approve the idea of this possible couple showing the same levels of affection as the show’s heterosexual couples, so the writers got creative. A lot of Tara and Willow’s connection is shown through their intimate encounters to practice magic in their candle lit dorm rooms.
It is clear they share strong bond when their magic is stronger when they work together.
Once the show moved to UPN, the network treated it like any other relationship in the series which allowed for Tara and Willow to be free and show the same affection anyone else in the show would. The couple revolutionized the show and the approach to same-sex couples, which was rare back in the 90s.
Hurt - Marnie and Ray - Girls
Characters who are total opposites can sometimes make for a great couple. Other times, like in Girls, it’s just disastrous and nonsensical.
Marnie has had her ups and downs when it comes to relationships. She started the series in a relationship with her college boyfriend that she doesn’t love anymore. After the break up, she bumps into him and falls for him all over again when she finds out he is successful and less clingy. That doesn’t last long and Marnie ends up going to Ray, the person she hates the most, and asks for advice about her personality. After Ray is brutally honest with her and why she is so delusional, they randomly get together.
Ray, who has never really liked Marnie or how she treated his best friend, ends up falling for her when he sees her vulnerabilities. However, Marnie does not feel the same way. The deal was they were going to secretly get together at times and never ever make it about a relationship.
The series clearly tried to mimic the chemistry that was so charming in Sex and the City between Charlotte, the preppy prudish girl, and Harry, the rude ill-mannered lawyer she ends up with. However Marnie is not likeable enough and doesn’t learn to let go with Ray and Ray just becomes sappy as a result.
Saved - Joey and Pacey - Dawson’s Creek
From the very beginning, Dawson’s Creek was set up for Joey and Dawson, longtime friends, to end up together. The love triangle forms when Jenny comes into town and disrupts their dynamic. However at some point after his relationship with Jenny, Dawson realizes he has feelings for Joey and they begin to date. It was…weird.
Thankfully they end up breaking up and Joey finds a connection with Pacey, Dawson’s best friend. Pacey and Joey originally had a hostile kind of friendship in which they both tolerated each other because they were friends with Dawson. Later on, their dynamic changed and they end up being one of the most wholesome couples throughout the entire series. The sparks between Joey and Pacey opened up the storyline to a different love triangle, moving from Dawson, Jenny and Joey to Joey, Dawson and Pacey. This also allowed for Jenny to have different storylines away from her romance with Dawson.
More importantly, it opened up the story to show that Joey wasn’t just there to be the best friend of Dawson whenever he needed it. The relationship gave the character independence and value away from whatever Dawson wanted and, in the end, strengthened the show’s plot.
Hurt - Deb and Dexter - Dexter
Poor Deb couldn’t catch a break when it came to her love life. It’s surprising she found the energy to try love over and over again. However, when writers decided Deb was just in love with Dexter, her adopted brother she had known her entire life, well, everyone knew this was a new kind of low for Deb.
Dexter is a show about a serial killer who quenches his thirst to kill by only eliminating really bad people. To keep his secret hobby hidden, he works as a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department. Deb, who also works for the MMPD, has no idea what her brother is up to or that they end up chasing his trail.
Deb and Dexter had a fun brother-sister dynamic which made the show all the more compelling. Even though Dexter is a sociopath, his character goes through a real change when he decides to protect the only family he has left. It only makes it weirder when the writers decided Deb discovers she has feelings for her brother in season six. Sure, they are not related by blood, but they grew up together and have always known each other as family.
Saved - Harry and Charlotte - Sex and the City
This is one of those instances when pairing polar opposites gave the best results, giving us one of the best couples on HBO’s Sex and the City.
Charlotte was the preppy WASP out of the four girls. While Samantha loved casual encounters with men, Charlotte dreamed of her prince charming and her happily ever after. And then, when she finally got what she wanted by marrying a Scottish doctor with manners and a prestigious family, it turned out their relationship was less than perfect. Saddened and in the middle of the divorce, Charlotte meets her future divorce lawyer, Harry. She picks him because he is ruthless and completely unattractive to her eyes, but Harry felt the opposite.
In a heated moment where Harry confesses how much he wants her, Charlotte gives in and has the most intense connection she’s ever had with someone.
Charlotte learns a lot about herself when she decides to be with Harry. She converts to Judaism, works hard to adopt a child with him and realizes that happy endings don’t always come the way you thought they would, but if you open yourself up to a true connection, you can definitely end up happily ever after.
Hurt - House and Cuddy - House
TV shows have led audiences to believe that constant bickering and witty conversations mean a relationship should happen. Nothing could be farther from the truth when it comes to House and Cuddy. House is an addict and manipulator and Cuddy doesn’t necessarily make him want to be a better man. Their argumentative boss-employee relationship made it seem like there was a spark between the two, but sometimes it’s best to leave the audience wanting more than giving them what they want. Otherwise, you end up with a dynamic that leads nowhere and feels anticlimactic.
Once House and Cuddy finally entered a relationship after six years of ‘Will they/ Won’t they?’, the show became impossible to watch. House has made it clear from the very beginning he is not fit for a relationship given his long struggle with sobriety and his mental health. Even though fans wanted these two together, it didn’t mean House could suddenly get his act together.
Also, after their breakup, House doesn’t handle Cuddy’s dating life all too well. His last reaction was ramming his car into Cuddy’s home when he sees her with someone else. That is definitely not a healthy reaction.
Saved - Jane and Michael - Jane the Virgin
Jane the Virgin set up their original couple, Jane and Michael, to fail when they introduced Jane’s accidental artificial insemination and her new baby daddy, Rafael. Michael, who was ready to marry Jane before these crazy events transpired, was scared to suddenly have a baby that was half Jane and half some random guy. On top of that, Jane started having feelings for Rafael, who happened to be one of her previous crushes. I know! Straight out of a telenovela, right!
Jane and Michael broke up because Jane started developing feelings for Rafael. However, it turned out Rafael was going through many problems with his family and his hotel which had become the scene of two major crimes. Stress took its toll on him and he ended pushing Jane away. Eventually Jane and Michael reconnect and it became clear that these two needed to end up together. Nobody knows Jane the way Michael does and he completely respected her wish to remain a virgin until marriage, despite already having had a baby.
While Jane and Rafael had intense chemistry, Jane and Michael’s love felt natural, the kind of love you can build a life on.
It was important to give their relationship another try in order to see Jane get everything she ever wanted and definitely deserved.
Hurt - Huck and Quinn - Scandal
Ah, nothing like torture and face licking to show someone you really care about them. Well, it’s not like Scandal was going to give anyone an honest version of a happy, healthy relationship.
There are many things messed up about the love interests in Scandal, but Huck and Quinn are definitely at the top of the list. No one could have guessed that once naïve, doe eyed Quinn would end up becoming the awesome spy that Huck would want to get with. Their ‘romance’ started when Quinn had to do some terrible things to Huck’s friend, but he ended up enjoying it a bit too much. From then on, Quinn was like ‘but do you like me or do you just want to take me out?’ and Huck was like ‘I don’t know…’ After a few confrontations, Huck admits he wants her and they end up getting together.
From then on, they live happily ever after while going about their crazy lives. They definitely don’t trust each other no matter how much they like making out after committing terrible crimes.
1. Saved - Bob and Joyce - Stranger Things
We all know Sean Astin is a darn saint. That’s why fans were so excited when he came on board for the second season of Stranger Things. Joyce Byers had a rough year before meeting Bob. With her son’s disappearance and the government faking her son’s passing and the Demogorgon, Joyce had very little time for romance. Thankfully by season two, Will is safe and sound and Joyce meets the sweetest guy on Earth, Bob Newby. Sure, he is a bit of a dork and doesn’t carry the same air of mystery and bitterness as Hopper, but Bob adores Joyce and her kids.
Even when things go crazy again and Will starts seeing the Upside Down, Joyce brings in Bob the Brain to help out and solve the problem. Bob doesn’t question the situation or why Will is drawing incessantly. He just climbs aboard the crazy train and helps Joyce in her time of need. At the same time, Joyce needed stability, someone she could count on, which she didn’t have much of with her ex-husband.
Without a doubt, Joyce and Bob are the best couple to grace this Sci-Fi eighties-themed show for the time being. Fans still don’t understand why things had to end the way they did for Bob.
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Which of these do you not agree with? Let us know in the comments!
