Television has given us some unforgettable love stories, filled with chemistry, passion, and heartbreak. But for every couple that gets their happily ever after, there are those that leave us screaming at our screens, wondering why they didn’t make it. These are the couples that had everything going for them but, for one reason or another, just didn’t end up together. So grab your tissues and get ready to relive the romantic near-misses and tragic breakups of 24 TV couples that made so much sense but were ultimately left adrift.
1. Emily and Maya (Pretty Little Liars)
Emily and Maya were soulmates. Unlike Emily’s forced and rushed relationship with Ali, Maya treated her right from the start. Their chemistry was palpable, and they brought out the best in each other. It was heartbreaking to see their love story cut short.
2. Finn and Rachel (Glee)
Finn and Rachel had a real, tangible connection that resonated with viewers. Despite a rocky start, they grew together and pushed each other to be their best selves. Their breakup was a devastating blow, and fans were left mourning the happy ending they deserved but never got.
3. Glenn and Maggie (The Walking Dead)
Glenn and Maggie were the heart of The Walking Dead, offering a glimmer of hope and love amidst the chaos. Their plans for a family were tragically cut short, leaving fans yearning for the future they could have had together.
4. Regina and Robin (Once Upon a Time)
Regina and Robin were perfect for each other, with Robin bringing joy and light to Regina’s troubled past. Regina’s redemption arc made her deserving of a happy ending, but Robin’s untimely death shattered that dream, leaving fans in tears.
5. Robin and Barney (How I Met Your Mother)
Robin and Barney had undeniable chemistry and brought out the best in each other. Their breakup felt forced and left many fans bitter. The show’s ending, with Robin ending up with Ted, felt like a betrayal to Barney and Robin’s growth as a couple.
6. Bonnie and Enzo (The Vampire Diaries)
Bonnie and Enzo were a rare, unproblematic couple in The Vampire Diaries. Their love was deep and genuine, making Enzo’s death in the final season feel like an unnecessary shock. Fans are still mourning their lost potential.
7. Lane and Dave (Gilmore Girls)
Lane and Dave’s relationship was built on mutual respect and shared interests. Dave’s dedication, even reading the entire Bible for Lane, made their breakup when he moved away all the more painful. Lane’s subsequent relationship with Zach never quite measured up.
8. Phoebe and Cole (Charmed)
Phoebe and Cole’s love was intense and complicated, making it all the more captivating. Despite their ups and downs, their chemistry was undeniable. Fans were devastated when they didn’t end up together, feeling they deserved a better ending.
And
9. The Doctor and Rose (Doctor Who)
The Doctor and Rose had a love story that transcended time and space. Their separation was one of the most heartbreaking moments in Doctor Who, with Rose getting a happy ending in a parallel universe while the Doctor was left alone.
10. Haley and Andy (Modern Family)
Haley and Andy had great chemistry and brought out the best in each other. Their breakup felt like a mistake, as Andy’s adventurous spirit and the sexual tension between them made for a compelling and dynamic relationship.
11. Willow and Tara (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)
Willow and Tara’s relationship was one of the first honest representations of LGBTQ+ couples on a major network. Their love was deep and genuine, making Tara’s tragic death all the more heartbreaking for fans who had rooted for them. The subsequent evil stint Willow went on felt very appropriate though.
12. Effy and Freddie (Skins)
Effy and Freddie’s relationship was filled with passion and genuine love. Freddie’s untimely death left fans devastated, as he was the one who truly loved and understood Effy. Their potential was never fully realized, leaving a void in the show’s narrative.
13. Rory and Jess (Gilmore Girls)
Rory and Jess had a deep understanding and connection that made them a perfect match. Jess’s ability to challenge and motivate Rory set him apart from her other relationships. Fans were left longing for the grown-up version of Jess and Rory to end up together. And if his speech of «why did you drop out of Yale» didn’t convince you, idk what will.
14. Samar and Aram (The Blacklist)
Samar and Aram’s relationship was a beacon of hope and love in The Blacklist. Their ending, with Samar needing to disappear, left fans in tears. Many wished for a different outcome where they could have been together.
15. Shane and Carmen (The L Word)
Shane and Carmen had a fiery and passionate relationship that felt like a perfect match. Their breakup was a heartbreaker, and many fans still lament the loss of this dynamic couple.
16. Daisy and Lincoln (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
Daisy and Lincoln’s relationship was filled with love and sacrifice. Lincoln’s tragic death left fans heartbroken, as their love story was cut short, leaving many to wonder what could have been.
17. Allison and Scott (Teen Wolf)
Allison and Scott had an undeniable chemistry and deep love for each other. Allison’s death was a major blow to fans who had hoped for a happy ending for the show’s central couple. Scott’s love for Allison remained a poignant part of his character’s journey.
18. Jack and Ianto (Torchwood)
Jack and Ianto’s relationship was a fan favorite, filled with love and complexity. Ianto’s death was a devastating moment that left fans mourning the loss of a couple that had so much potential.
19. Jackie and Hyde (That ’70s Show)
Jackie and Hyde’s relationship was a surprising yet perfect match. They brought out the best in each other and had incredible chemistry. Their breakup and Jackie’s eventual relationship with Fez felt like a disservice to their growth as a couple.
20. Ted and Tracy (How I Met Your Mother)
Ted and Tracy’s love story was built up over the entire series, only for it to end in tragedy with Tracy’s death. The show’s ending, with Ted going back to Robin, left many fans feeling cheated and frustrated.
21. Lady Sybil and Tom Branson (Downton Abbey)
Lady Sybil and Tom Branson’s love story was a beautiful and rebellious romance that crossed social boundaries. Sybil’s tragic death during childbirth was a heartbreaking moment that left fans mourning the loss of their future together.