Fans often get their own ideas about what TV couples are supposed to end up together, so it can be a big surprise when things don’t turn out the way people expected. Some couples who seem perfect for each other just can’t figure things out in the end because the writers have other ideas. This can be disappointing for fans, but there are also some cases where a failed relationship makes way for something even better.
Just as there are some TV couples that should break up for good, there are just as many cases of shows splitting up perfectly good couples. With the benefit of hindsight, fans can decide for themselves whether the characters really get their happy endings, or whether the writers forced them to a conclusion that wasn’t quite right. Even though these TV couples didn’t last, they were often more popular than what came next.
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10
Alexis & Ted
Sheets creek
- Figure
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Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, Noah Reid, Emily Hampshire, Tim Rozon, Dustin Milligan, Eugene Levy, Jennifer Robertson, Chris Elliott, Annie Murphy
- Release date
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January 13, 2015
- Seasons
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6
When the Rose family first arrived in Sheets Creek, they all try to keep a distance between themselves and the town. Gradually their snobbish nature disappears as they realize that they should not judge people so quickly. One of the first people to change Alexis’s mind is Ted, the local vet with a heart of gold. Although she is initially drawn to Ted’s looks, it doesn’t take long for Alexis to realize how sweet he is.
It’s refreshing to see a female character get a happy ending that doesn’t hinge on her relationship with a man, but some fans will still be upset that Alexis can’t have it all.
Ted brings out the best in Alexis, and he’s patient with her when she needs it most. unfortunately, Circumstances force them to part waysHow they take dream jobs in different parts of the world. Alexis ends up in New York while Ted travels to the Galapagos Islands. It’s refreshing to see a female character get a happy ending that doesn’t hinge on her relationship with a man, but some fans will still be upset that Alexis can’t have it all.
9
Andy & Erin
The office
Andy Bernard, or the “Nard-Dog” as he likes to call himself – is introduced as one of the most awkward characters in The office. His relationship with Erin is a huge turning point, as he slowly mellows out and reveals a much more sympathetic side to himself. He’s still just as grumpy as before, but Erin matches his energy, and they develop a dynamic with each other that’s strangely endearing.
Andy and Erin are both quite immature, and that has its pros and cons.
Andy and Erin are both quite immature, and that has its pros and cons. One positive is that they can have fun with each other and communicate on the same level. On a less positive note, Andy is prone to ridiculous romantic gestures, such as buying Erin every gift mentioned in “The 12 Days of Christmas” for Secret Santa. Andy gets weird towards the end of the showAnd it’s probably best for both of them that Erin breaks up with him.
8
Midge & Lenny
The wonderful woman Meisel
- Figure
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Rachel Brosnahan, Kevin Pollack, Caroline Aaron, Jane Lynch, Marin Hinkle, Michael Zegen, Tony Shahub, Alex Borstein
- Release date
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March 17, 2017
- Seasons
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5
The wonderful woman Meisel Starts with Midge’s marriage falling apart, and it takes her a while to find an identity and her own self-worth as a single woman. Before her divorce, her family and society as a whole has taught that a woman’s role is to be a good wife to her husband. Soon, she realizes that she is capable of much more. When the possibility of a romantic relationship with Lenny Bruce starts up, it comes at a time when Midge is most content.
They have a brief romantic relationship that feels like it could be perfect for both of them, but Lenny’s self-destructive habits get in the way.
Lenny is a mentor to Midge as she starts breaking into the world of stand-up comedyAnd he is one of the very few people who recognize her talent without shooting down her ambitions. They run into each other many times over the years in various bars and clubs, and there is a clear spark between them. They have a brief romantic relationship that feels like it could be perfect for both of them, but Lenny’s self-destructive habits get in the way. The end of The wonderful woman Meisel Shows that Midge eventually remarries, but not to Lenny. His story has a much sadder ending.
7
Ryan and Marissa
The OC
- Figure
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Mischa Barton, Ben McKenzie, Peter Gallagher, Melinda Clarke
- Release date
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August 5, 2003
- Seasons
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4
Ryan and Marissa’s relationship is filled with ups and downs, and there are often many more negatives. Ryan has to save Marisa’s life on multiple occasions, such as when she gets into trouble in Tijuana. However, their relationship is not just about the drama. Their romantic conversation on the Ferris wheel and their dramatic New Year’s Eve kiss are two moments that show how perfect they are as a couple.
From the start, they seem attached to one another in a way that goes beyond most ordinary romances.
Ryan and Marissa never got to live happily ever after, as Marissa dies at the end of season 3. Marissa’s death is one of the most shocking moments in The OC It makes sense that she dies in Ryan’s arms, however, as it creates a poetic finale about the depth of their relationship. From early on, they seem tied to one another in a way that goes beyond most ordinary romances.
6
Robin & Barney
How I Met Your Mother
- Release date
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September 19, 2005
- Seasons
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9
For the first few seasons of How I Met Your MotherBarney is New York’s most infamous playboy. He has an endless procession of girlfriends and one-night stands, most of which he wins over using a corny line or a weird gambit from his playbook. Robin means enough to Barney for him to leave that lifestyle behind, and it’s surprising how quickly he settles into a committed monogamous relationship.
The controversial How I Met Your Mother The series finale ruins Robin and Barney’s happy ending.
Robin and Barney go from best friends to lovers, and they continue their playful dynamic. They balance each other wonderfully, But the controversial How I Met Your Mother Series finale ruins their happy ending. Most of the criticism over the finale was aimed at the way the show got Tracy out of the way. The other half of the show’s rushed reunion between Ted and Robin means that Barney and Robin have to break up. This reads like an uncertain plot contrivance.
5
Roy & Kiley
Ted Lasso
- Release date
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August 14, 2020
- Seasons
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3
Roy and Keeley’s break-up is one of the most shocking moments of Ted LassoAs if it is coming from somewhere. Kili breaks through Roy’s tough exterior, and she proves to be the perfect fit for him. This makes it a huge surprise when he breaks up with her, potentially as an act of self-preservation, because he worries so much about the heartache that would happen if she dumped him instead.
Roy and Keeley’s break-up is one of the most shocking moments of Ted Lasso.
After an ill-fated relationship with Jack, Keeley finds herself stuck in a love triangle with Roy and Jamie once again. She ends season 3 by choosing none of them, opting instead to focus on herself. It was like an unsatisfying series wrap on Roy and Keeley’s relationship, before news emerged that Ted Lasso Season 4 has become an increasingly likely possibility. After all, the couple could sort things out.
4
Fleabag & Hot Priest
Fleabag
- Release date
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June 21, 2016
- Seasons
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2
From the beginning, Fleabag’s relationship with the hot priest looks doomed to fail, for obvious reasons. However, the couple gradually opens up to one another, and the idea that they could be the perfect couple begins to creep in. The priest is the only character who sees Fleabag on a deeper level, as emphasized by the way he interrupts her habit of breaking the fourth wall to ask where she is wandering.
The priest is the only character who sees Fleabag on a deeper level.
Ultimately, the priest makes the predictable decision when faced with a choice between committing to fleabag or committing to his religion. Despite the crackling chemistry he shares with Fleabag, he knows they can’t be together. This creates a heartbreaking ending for FleabagAlthough this is balanced by the silver lining that Fleabag finally seems at peace with himself. She no longer has to live her life behind a veil of artifice.
3
Archer & Lana
Archer
- Release date
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December 28, 2010
- Seasons
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13
Lana and Archer have a tumultuous relationshipBut they seem destined to end up with each other. In the first few seasons of ArcherShe is repeatedly disappointed by his immaturity and his recklessness. This means setting up a long redemption arc in which Archer gradually matures, puts Lana first, and sets things right. As it turns out, this is only half the story. Archer is becoming more mature in some ways, but he’s missing his shot with Lana in the meantime.
It’s hard to say what might have happened to Archer and Lana’s relationship if he hadn’t gone into a coma that lasted several years.
It’s hard to say what might have happened to Archer and Lana’s relationship if he hadn’t gone into a coma that lasted several years. Before he goes into a coma, he and Lana have a child together and are showing some signs that they might be ready to give things another shot. When he wakes up, he finds that the world has gone on without him, and she married someone he doesn’t know.
2
Rory and Jess
Gilmore Girls
- Figure
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Lauren Graham, Scott Patterson, Sean Gunn, Keiko Agena, Matt Czuchry, Alexis Bledel, Yanic Truesdale, Kelly Bishop, Melissa McCarthy, Edward Herrmann, Liza Weil, Jared Padalecki, Milo Ventimiglia.
- Release date
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October 5, 2000
- Seasons
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7
Rory and Jess have a fiery dynamic from the start. They know exactly how to push each other’s buttons, and they don’t let up when they get into heated arguments about literature, Star Hollow or anything else. However, their constant bickering only shows how comfortable they are with each other. Rory needs someone who can challenge her in a positive way, and Jess needs someone intelligent enough to see through his nonchalant act.
Although Jess and Rory’s Relationship ends in heartbreak, they leave each other having learned a lot and developed as people.
Although Jess and Rory’s Gilmore Girls Relationship ends in heartbreak, they leave each other having learned a lot and developed as people. If the stars had aligned differently, they might have been perfect for each other in the long run, but fate tears them apart. Gilmore Girls Fans will always debate which of Rory’s boyfriends is the best match for her. Jess obviously has his problems, but he opens up to Rory.
1
Carrie & Aiden
Sex and the City
- Figure
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Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis
- Release date
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June 6, 1998
- Seasons
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6
Carrie Bradshaw spends most of Sex and the City Torn between her love for Aiden and her love for Mr. Big. A few other boyfriends come and go, but these are the two most consequential partners, and they’ve split the show’s fan base down the middle. Aidan comes into Carrie’s life while she’s still recovering from her recent heartbreak with Big, and he represents her chance to be loved and to have fun again without any drama.
Carrie could be happy with Aidan if only she could let go of her past with Big.
Aidan has all the good qualities that Big lacks. He is open and honest in his communication with Carrie, he is just as invested in their relationship as she is, and he is not afraid to communicate. Still, Carrie and Big’s relationship has many more twists and turns after Aidan enters the picture. Carrie could be happy with Aidan if only she could let go of her past with Big, but he’s always lurking in the background, ready to play with her whenever the mood strikes him.