Unforgettable TV Heartbreaks: Exploring Iconic Fictional Breakups That Still Haunt Fans

Fans have been taken on an emotional journey as they witnessed heart-wrenching breakups of beloved couples from shows like Riverdale and Nancy Drew. Starting in 2017, Riverdale introduced Cheryl, who was portrayed by Madelaine Petsch, as a sister mourning the loss of her twin brother, Jason, played by Trevor Stines. Through her friendship with Toni, a member of the Southside Serpents, portrayed by Vanessa Morgan, Cheryl discovered her own sexuality and the two began a romantic relationship.

Cheryl made the decision to temporarily end her relationship with Toni in order to address the wrongdoings committed by her family in Riverdale before the time jump in season 5. After seven years, Toni shared the news that she was pregnant with Fangs and mentioned that Cheryl was not interested in reigniting their romantic relationship. Despite this, the cast remained optimistic about the possibility of the two characters reuniting.

"I am aware that Choni has a strong fan base, and there might be a continuation of their story in season 6. It would be intriguing to witness how events unfold," shared Morgan in an exclusive interview with We in November 2021. "There are unresolved issues and lingering tension between them. I believe their story is not yet concluded, but time will tell."

In a later statement, creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa subtly suggested that Cheryl and Toni's love story still had more to offer.

It is undeniable that Choni holds a great amount of power. This is a fact that both we and the fandom are well aware of. In season 6, it was crucial for us to explore Toni and Cheryl's individual stories. However, as we approached the end of the season, we recognized the need to bring them back together. During an interview with Nerds of Color in July 2022, Aguirre-Sacasa explained that Choni's stories will be told in season 7. The upcoming season will present an interesting challenge, as the '50s era poses a different landscape for our queer characters. The way they navigate and live their lives will be significantly different in this time period. Aguirre-Sacasa further emphasized that one of the main considerations when deciding to delve into the '50s was to explore how this era would shape Choni's narrative. Season 7 will showcase Choni in a very different light, deviating from what we have previously witnessed.

In the CW series Nancy Drew, fans were left devastated by the dramatic storyline involving the onscreen couple of Nancy (played by Kennedy McMann) and her best friend Ace (portrayed by Alex Saxon). Their journey to solidify their relationship took a tragic turn when Nancy's relative Temperance placed a curse on them, forbidding them from being together.

During an interview on "The Wayne Ayers Podcast" in August 2022, McMann hinted at the new direction their relationship would take in season 4. She expressed that this chapter would be a significant milestone for them, with an increased level of openness, emotional support, and vulnerability between the two characters. McMann also shared her excitement for Nancy to finally experience a deep emotional connection and be able to share her true self with someone else.

The star of The Good Lawyer hinted at surprising methods that Nancy and Ace would employ to confront the imminent danger. "The writers have taken this curse and the challenges it presents to their relationship in a way that is completely unexpected," she revealed. "I enjoy reading fans' thoughts and theories about the show, but so far, everyone has been wrong. The outcome will be truly unexpected and immensely gratifying. Our show has a unique blend of romance, beauty, heartbreak, and anguish."

Scroll down for other fictional TV breakups that tugged at fans’ heartstrings through the years:

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW

Devastating Fictional Breakups TV Fans Still Can't Get Over: From Jess and Rory in 'Gilmore Girls' to April and Jackson in 'Grey's Anatomy'

Fans of popular TV shows like Riverdale and Nancy Drew have been taken on an emotional roller-coaster as they witness the heart-wrenching splits of their favorite couples. In the case of Riverdale, which first aired in 2017, viewers were introduced to Cheryl, a character portrayed by Madelaine Petsch, who was grappling with the loss of her twin brother Jason, played by Trevor Stines. As the series progressed, Cheryl found solace in her friendship with Toni, portrayed by Vanessa Morgan, a member of the Southside Serpents gang. This connection led Cheryl to embrace her true sexuality, coming out as gay, and eventually, the two became romantically involved.

The cast, nonetheless, remained optimistic about the possibility of the two characters reuniting.

Morgan expressed her awareness of the strong support for Choni, acknowledging the possibility of their storyline continuing in season 6. She expressed her curiosity about how things will unfold, highlighting the presence of unresolved issues and underlying tension. Morgan believes that the chapter between Cheryl and Toni is not yet closed, but the outcome remains uncertain. Aguirre-Sacasa, the creator, further suggested that Cheryl and Toni's love story is far from being concluded.

"We are fully aware of the immense impact Choni has had, and this sentiment is shared by both us and the devoted fandom. Throughout season 6, we made a deliberate choice to explore Toni and Cheryl's individual narratives. However, as we approached the conclusion of the season, we recognized the need to bring them back together," he revealed in an interview with Nerds of Color in July 2022. "I can confirm that we will be delving into Choni's storyline in season 7. It will certainly be intriguing, as the 1950s present a distinct landscape for our queer characters, and their way of life will undoubtedly differ significantly in that era."

Aguirre-Sacasa further elaborated, stating, "Exploring this shift is one of the primary aspects we discussed when considering the return to the 1950s. Consequently, Choni's journey will continue in season 7, but it will be a departure from what we have witnessed thus far."

In the popular CW series Nancy Drew, fans were left heartbroken by the romantic turmoil between the main character (Kennedy McMann) and her best friend Ace (Alex Saxon). Despite their efforts to solidify their relationship, tragedy struck when Nancy's relative Temperance placed a curse on them, forbidding them from ever being together.

During an interview on "The Wayne Ayers Podcast" in August 2022, McMann hinted at a new chapter in their relationship for the upcoming season 4. She expressed her desire for Nancy to experience emotional openness and vulnerability with someone, highlighting the importance of their bond and the growth in their connection.

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The Good Lawyer star hinted at the unconventional methods Nancy and Ace would employ to confront the imminent danger. "The writers have brilliantly crafted a twist in the curse's narrative and the challenges it poses to their relationship," she revealed. "I enjoy perusing fan theories and opinions on the show, and thus far, everyone has been incorrect. I believe the outcome will be truly unforeseen and immensely gratifying. As our series exemplifies, it encompasses elements of romance, beauty, heartbreak, and agony."

Scroll down for other fictional TV breakups that tugged at fans' heartstrings through the years:

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW

Nancy and Ace ('Nancy Drew')

After envisioning a future with Ace in a vivid dreamscape, Nancy's hopes are abruptly dashed by a curse. The season 3 finale reveals the dire consequence of their union - Ace's life would be forfeit. In a heart-wrenching moment, Nancy musters the strength to reject Ace, deceitfully denying any affection for him.

In their endeavors to break Temperance's curse at the start of season 4, the couple faces grave danger as Nancy comes perilously close to losing her life. Consequently, Ace makes the difficult decision to remain solely friends with Nancy, unwilling to jeopardize her safety once more.

Credit: Netflix

Steve and Nancy ('Stranger Things')

Following the events of season 1, Steve (Joe Keery) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer) find themselves growing apart as they employ different strategies to deal with their emotions. In a heart-wrenching moment from season 2, Steve questions his then-girlfriend about why they are merely pretending to be in love instead of actually experiencing true love for one another.

Nancy ultimately moves on with Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) — but the door for her and Steve seemingly opened a crack during their season 4 reunion.

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April and Jackson ('Grey's Anatomy')

April (Sarah Drew) and Jackson (Jesse Williams) had experienced numerous challenges throughout their relationship. Despite the hardships, it appeared that they were meant to be together forever after getting married and discovering they were going to have a baby. Tragically, their joy was short-lived when their first child passed away. This heartbreaking event ultimately led to their separation in season 12.

Initially, even a casual relationship and the birth of their second child couldn't mend the rift between April and Jackson. However, off-screen, they managed to find their way back to each other and reconcile their differences. The confirmation of their renewed love is sealed with a passionate kiss in the season 18 finale.

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Emma and Sean ('Degrassi')

Emma (Miriam McDonald) and Sean (Daniel Clark) had a love story that started in their childhood and blossomed into a teenage romance. Their journey seemed effortless, until it hit some bumps along the way. Despite going through multiple breakups, fans always held onto the hope that Sean would eventually find his way back into Emma's life for good.

Before that could happen, Emma unexpectedly marries Spinner (Shane Kippel) in a writing decision that perplexed viewers and cast alike.

Credit: Cate Cameron/The CW

Cheryl and Toni ('Riverdale')

Cheryl and Toni, the former Serpent girlfriends, were once a perfect couple until their relationship was shattered by fate and the dramatic storylines of Riverdale. Despite Cheryl's lingering feelings for her soulmate, Toni tried to move forward by getting involved with Fangs, the father of her child. However, according to hints from showrunner Aguirre-Sacasa, fans can expect Cheryl and Toni to finally find their happily ever after in season 7 of this popular CW series.

Credit: Alan Markfield/The CW

Stefan and Elena ('The Vampire Diaries')

Throughout the seasons, the TVD couple experienced multiple breakups, but one particular separation stood out. Imagine having to part ways with your girlfriend because she developed romantic feelings for your own brother. This was the unfortunate reality faced by Stefan (Paul Wesley) when he had to accept that Elena (Nina Dobrev) was destined to be with Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Their complicated love triangle continued to unfold, leaving fans captivated by the emotional turmoil and difficult choices these characters had to make.

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A unique and forbidden love story, Fleabag's (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) relationship with The Hot Priest (Andrew Scott) seemed destined to fail. In a highly emotional moment during season 2, the priest rededicates himself to God and informs his love interest that her feelings for him will eventually fade away.

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Buffy and Angel ('Buffy the Vampire Slayer')

The couple faced numerous challenges, yet they remained determined to give their love a chance. Viewers were in for a heart-wrenching journey as Angel (David Boreanaz) and Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) found true happiness together, only for Angel to lose his soul due to a devastating curse. The aftermath led Buffy to make the agonizing decision to kill Angel in order to save the world, forever altering their star-crossed love.

Credit: Jose Haro/Peacock

Rose and Dimitri ('Vampire Academy')

During a memorable overnight escapade, Rose (Sisi Stringer) and Dimitri (Kieron Moore) seize the opportunity to delve into the potential of their connection. In episode 7, they embark on an excursion to the mortal realm alongside Lissa (Daniela Nieves) and Adrian (Leo Woodall), engrossed in the vibrant ambiance of a club and engaging in heartfelt conversations.

Regrettably, their tender moment is abruptly shattered when Lissa's safety is compromised, reminding them of their obligations. Dimitri confesses to Rose that he experienced the profound essence of what they could have shared, but acknowledges that such exploration is no longer viable. As the first season draws to a close, the duo bids a passionate farewell with a scorching final kiss before Rose departs from St. Vladimir's.

Credit: Disney

Ricky and Gina ('HSMTMTS')

Despite Ricky (Joshua Bassett) technically still being in a relationship with Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) during season 1, Gina's (Sofia Wylie) farewell speech at their school felt like a breakup. The newcomer openly admitted that she would not have given up on exploring her potential with Ricky if circumstances hadn't forced her to move away.

Ricky and Gina found their groove in season 3 following his split from Nini. In the season finale, the students gave their feelings a real shot when they shared a kiss.

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Hanna and Caleb ('Pretty Little Liars')

Throughout the series, Hanna (played by Ashley Benson) and Caleb (played by Tyler Blackburn) faced numerous obstacles that led to a couple of breakups. These challenges ranged from a hacker moving to Ravenswood to create a spinoff series to an offscreen separation caused by a significant time jump. However, despite the distance, Hanna and Caleb proved that absence truly made the heart grow fonder.

Credit: ABC

Haley and Andy ('Modern Family')

Andy seemed like the ideal match for Haley (Sarah Hyland), so it came as a surprise to viewers when she reverted back to her old self. Instead of choosing someone who brought positivity to her life, Haley ended up reuniting with her high school boyfriend, Dylan (Reid Ewing), and eventually became a mother to twins.

Fans who were captivated by the undeniable chemistry between Haley and Andy (Adam DeVine) were granted another opportunity to see the actors portray love interests in Peacock's Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.

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Sutton and Richard ('The Bold Type')

While working at Scarlet magazine, the coworkers experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. However, their journey took a positive turn in the season 2 finale as Sutton (Meghann Fahy) and Richard (Samuel Page) rekindled their relationship and decided to take it to the next level by getting engaged and eventually getting married. Unfortunately, their joy was short-lived as they faced the heartbreaking experience of a miscarriage, prompting them to reassess their plans for the future.

After spending some time apart, Sutton and Richard rekindled their romance during The Bold Type’s finale.

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Ted and Alexis ('Schitt's Creek')

Ted and Alexis' relationship in Schitt's Creek seemed uncertain from the start. Despite Alexis dating Ted while still harboring feelings for Mutt, the couple briefly got engaged before ultimately breaking up. Surprisingly, fate brought them together once again as coworkers, allowing Alexis to find her place in a new chapter of her life.

Viewers were overjoyed when Ted and Alexis decided to give their love another shot. Sadly, in the show's final season, they made the difficult decision to go their separate ways. This choice came after a heartfelt conversation about the profound impact they had on each other's personal growth and transformation.

Credit: Michael Desmond/Hulu

Their love story was legendary, a tale that captured the hearts of many. However, even the strongest bonds could falter under the weight of teenage turmoil. In the midst of season 3, Logan (Jason Dohring) shattered Veronica's (Kristen Bell) world when he expressed doubts about their emotional readiness for a relationship. This revelation left fans just as shattered, mourning the potential demise of their beloved couple. Yet, hope was reignited when the 2014 Veronica Mars film brought them back together, allowing them to finally find their happily ever after. The fourth season's absence only cemented their enduring love.

Credit: Patrick Ecclesine/The WB

Jess and Rory ('Gilmore Girls')

Jess and Rory of Gilmore Girls perfectly embody the concept of being the right person at the wrong time. When they first got together in season 3, it became clear that their relationship couldn't flourish as it should have due to where they were in their lives. Eventually, they went their separate ways, but their connection remained unparalleled in their respective romantic journeys.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life didn't solidify their endgame status, but it encouraged fans to hold out hope — just like Jess is.