The Ultimate Heartbreak: 12 TV Show Couples That Torturously Stayed Apart

Summary

TV show couples with perfect chemistry sometimes frustratingly don't get together, as romantic tension is often more entertaining than steady relationships.

Numerous characters had the potential for love interests that never blossomed into romantic relationships, leaving avid fans feeling let down and emotionally invested in their characters' love lives.

Frequently, viewers passionately support particular couples and hope they will ultimately unite, yet the creators of the show often have alternative intentions for their characters' relationships, which unfortunately leads to missed chances for love.

A will-they-or-won't-they dynamic often creates captivating drama and chemistry in television. However, it can be frustrating when some TV show couples, who appeared perfect for each other, never actually get together. Romantic relationships in television are complex, as a stable partnership doesn't always generate the same level of entertainment as flirtation and tension. Frequently, characters only end up with their ultimate partner towards the end of the series. In many shows, the final romantic pairing is predetermined early on, which can result in forced conclusions for relationships or potential romances leading up to that point.

Certain character dynamics exude undeniable romantic compatibility, with electrifying chemistry that leaves audiences yearning for more each week. Unfortunately, these connections fail to evolve into something substantial and meaningful. On the other hand, there are characters who engage in brief encounters with their potential soulmates but never progress beyond that stage for various reasons. It can be exceedingly frustrating when an evidently perfect match doesn't embark on a romantic relationship, as character romances often evoke intense passion from TV fans.

12 Ted & Rebecca (Ted Lasso)

Ted Lasso is more than just a sports show; it captivates audiences with its richly portrayed characters and their intricate relationships. Among these characters, Ted and Rebecca initially appeared to be the ideal couple. In an intriguing twist, season 3 even played with the idea that they had shared an intimate encounter, only to reveal it as a clever misdirection. Despite their profound understanding of one another, cultivated through their past marriages, in which they both endured challenging experiences, Ted remained the polar opposite of Rebecca's despicable ex-husband. Co-creator Brendan Hunt has addressed the common expectation of viewers that male and female leads should ultimately become romantically involved but has not explicitly elucidated the specific reason behind Ted and Rebecca's divergence in this regard.

11 Daryl & Carol (The Walking Dead)

During Season 2 of The Walking Dead, Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier developed a deep bond rooted in their shared experiences. Though their connection remained purely platonic throughout the show, it is widely believed that their friendship bolstered the growth of both characters. Excitement looms as the duo set off on their own adventure in the spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Despite never having pursued a romantic relationship in the 11 seasons of The Walking Dead, devoted shippers still hold onto hope for their union.

10 Carter & Lucy (ER)

Throughout the 15 seasons of ER, there were numerous possibilities for relationships that never materialized, but the pairing of John Carter and Lucy Knight stood out due to their exceptional chemistry. Lucy was introduced in season 5 as a medical student under the guidance of Dr. Carter. Despite their strong bond and a brief moment of intimacy, Carter's role as her teacher caused him to reject any romantic involvement, much to the disappointment of fans. Noah Wyle, the actor who portrayed Dr. Carter, revealed that he personally struggled with the idea of their relationship progressing, as he viewed Lucy's character as more of a younger sister figure to Carter.

9 Jack & Sam (Stargate SG-1)

Stargate SG-1 primarily centered around a captivating blend of science fiction and adventure. Although Jack O'Neill and Sam Carter undeniably harbored strong emotions for each other, these romantic sparks were often short-lived. Their profound connection gradually evolved over the course of their shared experiences on the ship. Regrettably, due to the hierarchical dynamics within the Air Force, O'Neill's position as Carter's superior prevented them from pursuing a romantic relationship. Adhering to military regulations, engaging in such a bond would have compelled them to be assigned to separate units.

8 Don & Joan (Mad Men)

Don and Joan are two integral Mad Men characters who rarely shared scenes together in the early episodes of the series. While the show explored Don's relationships with various girlfriends and two wives, there was never a romantic involvement between Don and either Joan or Peggy, despite the clear similarities between them. However, had Don pursued a romantic relationship with Joan or Peggy, it would likely have resulted in the same issues that plagued his other relationships, and it could have also jeopardized their strong friendships.

7 Joey & Phoebe (Friends)

Friends, a popular TV show, took the classic will-they-won't-they trope to new heights by maintaining relationship tension among its characters for a remarkable span of 10 seasons. Joey and Phoebe shared numerous kisses throughout the series, one of which was hailed as "perfect." The creators, however, believed that uniting them romantically would have resulted in a plotline that was too neat and predictable. While many viewers might argue that this situation would have been ideal for a romantic connection, it simply didn't align with the essence of Friends. Nevertheless, the show benefited greatly from showcasing their enduring friendship, devoid of any romantic entanglements.

6 Sam & Ainsley (The West Wing)

Sam Seaborn and Ainsley Hayes had an undeniable romantic spark on The West Wing, a show renowned for its rapid-fire and clever dialogue crafted by Aaron Sorkin. Originally adversaries, they eventually formed a strong bond, characterized by their spirited and flirtatious banter. Despite their undeniable chemistry, their relationship never crossed the line into romantic territory, although many viewers speculated that there may have been some off-screen physical involvement between them.

5 Lucas & Haley (One Tree Hill)

Lucas Scott and Haley James from the popular TV show One Tree Hill captivated fans with their extraordinary bond as best friends. Throughout the series, their relationship underwent numerous trials and tantalizing hints at the possibility of something more, causing viewers to yearn for a deeper connection between them. However, Lucas and Haley chose to cherish their platonic friendship above all else, resisting the temptation to pursue a romantic entanglement. One Tree Hill skillfully delved into various love triangles, including those involving the Scott brothers, intensifying the potential for prolonged awkwardness had a romantic relationship blossomed between Lucas and Haley. Ultimately, Haley's decision to marry Nathan Scott solidified their unwavering dedication to maintaining a close-knit friendship.

4 Paris & Jess (Gilmore Girls)

Jess's relationship with Paris on Gilmore Girls was a testament to the potential for connection, despite their limited screen time. The scenes they shared were a delight to behold, their shared passions for intellect and the arts serving as a foundation for their connection. Viewers couldn't help but notice their remarkable ability to engage in meaningful discussions and attentively listen to one another, even when their opinions diverged.

3 Brienne & Tormund (Game Of Thrones)

In Game of Thrones season 8, Brienne of Tarth faced heartbreak when Jaime Lannister, whom she had chosen, reverted back to his old ways and reunited with Cersei. However, many fans believe that Tormund would have been a more suitable partner for Brienne, if only she had reciprocated his interest. Throughout the series, Tormund saw and appreciated Brienne's beauty, despite her attempts to conceal it. Moreover, Tormund's unwavering loyalty, evident in his constant support of Jon, proved that he was a dependable companion. It is clear that Tormund's feelings were genuine, and had Brienne felt the same way, their relationship could have been filled with tenderness and affection.

2 Clark & Chloe (Smallville)

Smallville faced a challenge in creating engaging romantic storylines since the deep-rooted Superman fanbase already associated Clark Kent and Lois Lane as a couple. Similarly, the characters of Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan were destined to be just friends with the show's hero. Despite the numerous instances where Clark and Lana demonstrated their incompatibility, Clark and Chloe never had a genuine opportunity to explore a romantic connection. Clark's infatuation with Lana prevented him from developing romantic feelings for Chloe, resulting in a repetitive storyline. Nonetheless, Clark and Chloe established a beautiful platonic bond, and introducing a potential romantic relationship between them could have added some variation to the early seasons.

1 Damon & Bonnie (The Vampire Diaries)

Contrary to their book counterparts, Damon and Bonnie never pursued a romantic relationship on The Vampire Diaries. Initially, they were at odds with each other, a dynamic that persisted for five seasons until they united against a common enemy. Eventually, their relationship evolved into a friendship during season 6. Although the show teased the possibility of Damon and Elena not ending up together, which could have created an opportunity for Bonnie, this turned out to be a minor obstacle. By the time Damon and Bonnie became friends, he was firmly committed to Elena.