20 Bizarre and Controversial TV Show Relationships That'll Leave You Speechless

WARNING: This article discusses predatory relationships.

Summary

TV shows frequently feature controversial and problematic relationships, deliberately surpassing legal and ethical boundaries in order to captivate and astonish viewers. Aria and Ezra, portrayed in Pretty Little Liars, and Monica and Richard, depicted in Friends, serve as illustrations of couples that glamorize predatory relationships.

These storylines should be critiqued for romanticizing important subjects and neglecting to recognize the moral and legal consequences.

While there are numerous commendable relationships depicted on television, there are also those that are perplexing and highly troubling. It is not uncommon for even the most exceptional TV shows in history to include unconventional and contentious storylines, as a means to remain innovative and stand out in a saturated entertainment industry. Despite their controversial nature, these storylines and the characters involved often leave a lasting impression, albeit for the wrong reasons.

Numerous highly influential TV shows have depicted relationships that are commonly viewed as peculiar and violate various legal and ethical standards. These relationships often involve unequal power dynamics, legal complications, substantial age gaps, and other similar issues. Although these storylines cannot be endorsed in any way and may be subject to criticism for glamorizing these sensitive subjects, they persistently emerge as writers strive to astonish audiences.

10 Aria & Ezra From Pretty Little Liars

9 Monica & Richard From Friends

The portrayal of Aria and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars as a couple has sparked intense controversy and raised numerous concerns, especially considering the fact that the show was designed to appeal to a teenage audience. One particularly troubling aspect is the fact that Ezra is Aria's high school English teacher, and their romantic involvement begins when she is still a minor. Several moments within the show are truly perplexing, such as Aria and Ezra attempting to gain her parents' approval for their relationship, as well as Ezra participating in socializing with the teenage partners of Aria's friends, behaving as if he is part of their group. Unfortunately, the show romanticizes what can be viewed as a predatory connection and fails to address the ethical and legal implications associated with such a relationship.

Several storylines in Friends have not aged well, and one prime example is the relationship between Monica and Richard. Richard, who was a close family friend of Monica's parents, had known her since she was a young girl. It is rather peculiar to consider that Richard could develop feelings for someone he had watched grow up, making this particular storyline questionable. The show did acknowledge the unconventional nature of their age gap and overall relationship. It delved into the complexities that arose when Monica disclosed their relationship to her parents and highlighted the difficulty they faced in aligning their visions for the future.

8 Ivy & Rufus From Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is known for its portrayal of problematic relationships, including Serena dating Ben after her mother falsely accused him of statutory rape and sent him to jail, and Blair's boyfriend having an affair with his stepmother. One of the most peculiar relationships among them all is Rufus and Ivy's. Not only is Rufus significantly older than Ivy, but the situation becomes even stranger when considering that Rufus initially believes she is his wife's niece and his stepdaughter's cousin. Moreover, prior to their relationship, Ivy had kissed Rufus' son and had been exposed for deceiving his family. Given these circumstances, it is particularly peculiar that Rufus would choose to date her.

7 Ms. Grundy & Archie From Riverdale

Another example of inappropriate teacher-student dynamics can be seen in the portrayal of Ms. Grundy and Archie's relationship in Riverdale. From the very start of the show, it is evident that the couple's dynamic is highly questionable, as they engage in a complex sexual relationship despite Archie being a minor and Ms. Grundy being his teacher. Their relationship goes through various ups and downs, with multiple instances of breaking up and getting back together whenever the school year begins. However, their tumultuous relationship takes a turn when another adult discovers their affair and threatens to involve the police unless Ms. Grundy leaves town. As the years pass, Archie comes to the realization that he was groomed and that his relationship with Ms. Grundy was actually abusive.

6 Callie & Brandon From The Fosters

One of The Fosters' primary pairs, Callie and Brandon, generates significant controversy as their relationship ventures into taboo territory. Callie and Brandon, although not biologically related, reside together as foster siblings in the same household. This peculiar dynamic arises from their upbringing as siblings and their shared siblings and parents, resulting in complex legal implications.

5 Izzie & George From Grey's Anatomy

Although Izzie and George do not violate any legal boundaries like some other couples on this list, they do transgress an ethical one. George enters into an affair with his longtime best friend, Izzie, while he is still married. Their relationship is widely perceived as uncomfortable and inappropriate, lacking any romantic chemistry. Supporting their union becomes difficult as it appears sudden and disregards the feelings of George's wife. Furthermore, Izzie's attraction to George seems to stem solely from his marriage, giving the impression of a romantic involvement fueled by jealousy.

4 Shelby & Puck From Glee

3 Tamara & Pacey From Dawson's Creek

Tamara and Pacey's relationship on Dawson's Creek has sparked significant controversy and is widely regarded as highly problematic. Tamara, Pacey's high school English teacher, initiated the relationship while Pacey was still underage. Their sexual encounter, marking Pacey's loss of virginity, has faced intense scrutiny within the show's history. Despite this couple violating ethical and legal boundaries, the show's creator expressed no regrets about its inclusion. He revealed that it was inspired by a personal experience from his own childhood, resulting in severe criticism directed at The WB's president.

2 Paris & Asher From Gilmore Girls

It seems that TV shows often portray teacher/student relationships, and Paris and Asher exemplify this inappropriate dynamic. Their unconventional relationship, characterized by one of the largest age gaps on television, was technically legal but highly unconventional. As Paris' college professor, Asher was over forty years her senior. However, their differing life stages became starkly apparent when Asher suffered a fatal heart attack before Paris' sophomore year, preventing any possibility of reconciliation after their breakup.

1 Beck & Joe From You

The relationship between Beck and Joe is possibly one of the most troubled and unconventional in television history. Their dynamic is toxic and manipulative, as Joe becomes dangerously fixated on Beck and goes to extreme lengths to keep her by his side. This includes stalking her through her apartment windows and attempting to cut her off from her loved ones. The most disturbing aspect of their relationship is when he imprisones her in a glass cage and ultimately takes her life. This unhealthy couple serves as a stark reminder of the perils of obsessive and possessive relationships.

Sources: AV Club