Top 9 TV Couples Who Were Better Off Apart

9. Jane & Rafael - Jane The Virgin

Jane the Virgin presented a fairytale-like romance with its protagonists Jane and Rafael. However, their love story, which only came to fruition after the tragic death of Jane's first love, Michael, felt less like destiny and more like a plot device to give Jane a happy ending. Despite sharing a child and having a tumultuous past, Jane and Rafael's dynamic was more engaging when they navigated co-parenting and personal growth separately.

Jane and Rafel are touching foreheads in Jane the Virgin.

8. Ross & Rachel - Friends

Ross and Rachel from Friends are perhaps one of the most iconic will-they-won't-they couples in sitcom history. Their initial union was met with fanfare, but Ross's jealousy and insecurities quickly soured the romance. The series kept introducing hurdles to their relationship, turning their love story into a frustrating loop of breakups and makeups that overshadowed their strong initial connection.

David Schwimmer As Ross And Jennifer Aniston As Rachel In Friends season 2

7. Clark & Lana - Smallville

The love story of Clark and Lana in Smallville was a tale of what could have been. Fans watched them grow close, only to be pulled apart by Clark's secret and Lana's entanglements with Lex Luthor. Their eventual union lacked the innocence and passion of their early years, proving that some relationships are better left as fond memories rather than forced realities.

Clark and Lana flirting in Smallville

6. Joey & Dawson - Dawson's Creek

Childhood best friends Joey and Dawson of Dawson's Creek gave in to their romantic curiosity, but their relationship fizzled as quickly as it sparked. Joey's realization that the fantasy of Dawson didn't match the reality was a poignant moment for viewers. Their story highlighted that sometimes, the most meaningful connections don't translate into fulfilling romantic relationships.

Joey and Dawson on Dawson's bed in Dawson's Creek

5. Sookie & Eric - True Blood

The electric tension between Sookie and Eric in True Blood was palpable, but once they embarked on a real relationship, the allure began to wane. Eric's transformation from bad boy to devoted lover stripped away the intrigue that made their initial interactions so captivating. Their romance serves as a reminder that some characters are more interesting when their love remains unattainable.

Sookie and Eric looking serious on True Blood

4. Lorelai & Christopher - Gilmore Girls

On Gilmore Girls, Lorelai's impulsive marriage to Christopher was a dramatic twist that ultimately fell flat. Their union, while full of history and chemistry, lacked the depth and mutual respect necessary for a lasting partnership. As they faced the reality of their relationship, it became clear that they were better suited to memories of the past rather than partners in the present.

Christopher and Lorelai both look off screen upset in Gilmore Girls

3. Jess & Nick - New Girl

Jess and Nick from New Girl captured hearts with their quirky and endearing friendship, which set the stage for an equally charming romance. However, their transition from friends to lovers was premature, leading to a lackluster exploration of their relationship. The show struggled to maintain the magic that made their initial flirtations so special, demonstrating the risk of rushing romance on screen.

Nick and Jess talking in the elevator in the New Girl season 6 finale

2. House & Cuddy - House

The professional and personal tension between House and Cuddy on House was a central element of the show's drama. Their eventual romance, however, highlighted the pitfalls of mixing work with pleasure. The relationship undermined the characters' integrity and the series' focus, turning a once intriguing dynamic into a cautionary tale about workplace romance.

Hugh Laurie and Lisa Edelstein as Gregory House and Lisa Cuddy Looking into Each Other's Eyes in House, M.D.

1. Oliver & Felicity - Arrow

Arrow's Oliver and Felicity went from a dynamic duo with complementary skills to a couple whose romantic entanglement felt forced and lackluster. Their relationship, while central to the show's narrative, often took a backseat to Oliver's vigilante pursuits, suggesting that perhaps his true commitment lay elsewhere. Their coupling marked a shift in the show's balance, detracting from the action and intrigue that initially drew in viewers.

Oliver and Felicity kissing in Arrow