Unhappily Ever After: Top 7 TV Couples Who Couldn't Make It In Real Life

7. Ted & Robin - How I Met Your Mother

Starting our list are Ted and Robin, whose relationship was a central theme of 'How I Met Your Mother'. Despite the series ending with them giving their love another try, this couple's differences were too great to bridge. Ted's desire for a traditional family life clashed with Robin's prioritization of her career and independence. Their reunion was a nostalgic response to the fans rather than a realistic depiction of a sustainable relationship. Over time, their fundamental differences resurfaced, leading to their ultimate separation.

Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders as Ted Mosby and Robin Holding Hands in the Grass in How I Met Your Mother

6. D.J. & Steve - Fuller House

Nostalgia can be a powerful force, but for D.J. and Steve from 'Fuller House', it wasn't enough to keep their relationship afloat. While their high school sweetheart dynamic was endearing, their adult union seemed to be an attempt to recapture the past rather than move forward into a mature relationship. The couple's reunion felt forced, as if they were trying to relive their teenage years, leaving them with little substance to build a future upon. Eventually, realizing their love was more about fond memories than actual growth, they amicably decided to part ways.

D.J. and Steve Taking a Selfie in Fuller House

5. Luke & Lorelai - Gilmore Girls

In fifth place, we have Luke and Lorelai from 'Gilmore Girls'. Their love story was one of slow burns and missed opportunities. Even after a revival and a rushed marriage, the couple's communication issues persisted. Their inability to openly discuss their fears and concerns led to a relationship filled with gaps and uncertainties. After years of will-they-won't-they, their eventual elopement seemed to be a hasty decision rather than a well-considered step, likely leading to a swift annulment once the reality of their hasty commitment set in.

Luke and Lorelai Get Married in Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life

4. Dwight & Angela - The Office

Dwight and Angela's relationship in 'The Office' was anything but smooth. The tumultuous nature of their love, marked by betrayal and secrecy, casts a long shadow over their future. While they did marry in the series finale, the deep-seated issues and mutual mistrust lingered. Angela's deception regarding the paternity of Dwight's child was a betrayal too profound to simply forget. Despite their passionate reunion, the reality of their past wrongdoings would likely erode their marriage, ending in an inevitable split.

Dwight and Angela Dancing at Their Wedding in The Office

3. Kurt & Blaine - Glee

Kurt and Blaine from 'Glee' captured hearts with their groundbreaking storyline and the resilience of their love. However, their relationship was marred by a competitive streak and a lack of respectful communication. Both characters had a strong desire to be in the spotlight, which created an underlying tension in their union. Post-show, it's likely that their unresolved issues and the pressure to always shine would lead to a dramatic and painful breakup, as they struggled to balance their ambitions with the needs of their partnership.

Kurt and Blaine Read a Magazine While Cuddling in a Sofa in Glee

2. Damon & Elena - The Vampire Diaries

The intense and tumultuous relationship between Damon and Elena in 'The Vampire Diaries' was fraught with moral complexities and supernatural challenges. Damon's dark past and the violent deeds he committed, including those against Elena's own family, would haunt their 'happily-ever-after'. As the excitement of their chaotic world faded, the stark reality of Damon's actions would become impossible for Elena to ignore. The guilt and horror of his past crimes would ultimately be too much for their relationship to withstand, leading to an emotional and irrevocable separation.

Damon and Elena Dancing, About to Kiss in The Vampire Diaries

1. Leonard & Penny - The Big Bang Theory

Topping our list at number one are Leonard and Penny from 'The Big Bang Theory'. Their relationship was characterized by a lack of mutual respect and an inability to effectively communicate their needs and desires. Leonard's condescension towards Penny's intellect and Penny's mockery of Leonard's interests were indicative of deeper issues. Their differing views on parenthood further complicated their marriage. The series finale may have seen them embrace the prospect of a child, but without resolving their fundamental issues, their marriage was destined for failure, leading to a probable and heartbreaking divorce.

Leonard and Penny Taking on the Bed with Serious Faces in The Big Bang Theory Season 9 Episode 1