Fans often get their own ideas about which TV couples are supposed to end up together, so it can be a big surprise when things don’t turn out the way people anticipated. Some couples who seem perfect for each other just can’t figure things out in the end, as 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 someTV couples who should break up for good, there are just as many instances of shows splitting up perfectly good couples. With the benefit of hindsight, fans can decide for themselves whether the characters really got their happy endings, or whether the writers forced them into a conclusion which doesn’t quite fit. Even though these TV couples didn’t last, they are often more popular than what came next.
10 TV Couples That Only Got Together Because Fans Demanded It
Sometimes, when it isn’t in the original plan for a series, two characters will get together because fans are so outspoken about their chemistry.
When the Rose family first arrive in Schitt’s Creek, they all try to maintain a gap between themselves and the townsfolk. Gradually, their snobbish behavior fades away as they realize that they shouldn’t judge people so quickly. One of the people who first begins to change Alexis' mind is Ted, the local veterinarian with a heart of gold. Although she’s 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 getting a happy ending that doesn’t hinge on her relationship with a man, but some fans will still be upset that Alexis couldn’t have it all.
Ted brings the best out of Alexis, and he is patient with her when she needs it most. Unfortunately,circumstances force them to part ways, as they take dream jobs in different parts of the world. Alexis ends up in New York while Ted travels to the Galápagos Islands. It’s refreshing to see a female character getting a happy ending that doesn’t hinge on her relationship with a man, but some fans will still be upset that Alexis couldn’t have it all.
Andy Bernard, or the “Nard-Dog” as he likes to call himself - is introduced as one of the most obnoxious characters inThe Office.His relationship with Erin is a huge turning point, as he slowly mellows out and reveals a far more sympathetic side to himself. He’s still just as cringeworthy as before, but Erin matches his energy, and they develop a dynamic with one another that is strangely endearing.
Andy and Erin are both rather immature, and this has its pros and cons.
Andy and Erin are both rather immature, and this has its pros and cons. One positive is that they can have fun with one another and communicate on the same level. On a less positive note, Andy is prone to ludicrous romantic gestures, such as buying Erin every gift mentioned in “The 12 Days of Christmas” for Secret Santa.Andy gets weirder toward the end of the show’s run, and it’s probably best for them both that Erin breaks up with him.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselstarts with Midge’s marriage falling apart, and it takes her a little while to find an identity and her own self-worth as a single woman. Before her divorce, her family and society as a whole had taught her that a woman’s role was 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 more contented.
They have a brief romantic relationship which 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 when she starts breaking into the world of stand-up comedy, and he’s one of very few people who recognize her talent without shooting down her ambitions. They run into each other many times over the years at different bars and clubs, and there’s a clear spark between them. They have a brief romantic relationship which feels like it could be perfect for both of them, but Lenny’s self-destructive habits get in the way. Theending ofThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselshows that Midge does remarry eventually, but not with Lenny. His story has a much sadder ending.
Ryan and Marissa’s relationship is filled with ups and downs, and there are often many more negatives. Ryan has to save Marissa’s life on multiple occasions, such as when she gets into trouble in Tijuana. However, their relationship isn’t just about the drama. Their romantic conversation on the ferris wheel and their dramatic New Year’s Eve kiss are two moments which show how perfect they are as a couple.
From early on, they seem tied to one another in a way that goes beyond most ordinary romances.
Ryan and Marissa never got to live their happily ever after, as Marissa dies at the end of season 3.Marissa’s death is one of the most shocking moments inThe O.C.It makes sense that she dies in Ryan’s arms, however, as this 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.
For the first few seasons ofHow I Met Your Mother, Barney is New York’s most infamous playboy. He has an endless procession of girlfriends and one-night-stands, most of whom he wins over using a corny line or a bizarre gambit from his playbook. Robin means enough to Barney for him to leave this lifestyle behind him, and it’s surprising how quickly he settles into a committed monogamous relationship.
The controversialHow I Met Your Motherseries 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 out wonderfully,but the controversialHow I Met Your Motherseries finaleruins their happy ending. Most of the criticism over the finale has been aimed at the way that the show gets 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 as an insincere plot contrivance.
Roy and Keeley’s break-up is one of the most shocking moments ofTed Lasso, as it seems to come from nowhere. Keeley 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 occur if she were to dump him instead.
Roy and Keeley’s break-up is one of the most shocking moments ofTed 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 neither of them, opting instead to focus on herself. This seemed like an unsatisfying series wrap on Roy and Keeley’s relationship, before news emerged thatTed Lassoseason 4was becoming an increasingly likely possibility.The couple could sort things out after all.
From the outset, Fleabag’s relationship with the hot priest looks doomed to fail, for obvious reasons. However, the pair gradually open up to one another, and the idea that they could be the perfect couple starts to creep in. The priest is the only character who sees Fleabag on a deeper level, as emphasized by the way that he interrupts her habit of fourth-wall breaking to ask where she’s wandering off to.
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 that they can’t be together. This creates aheartbreaking ending forFleabag, although this is balanced out by the silver lining that Fleabag finally seems at peace with herself.She no longer has to live her life behind a veil of artificiality.
Lana and Archer have a tumultuous relationship, but they seem destined to end up with each other. In the first few seasons ofArcher, she is repeatedly disappointed by his immaturity and his recklessness. This seems to set 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 does become more mature in some ways, but he misses out on his shot with Lana in the meantime.
It’s hard to tell what might have happened to Archer and Lana’s relationship if he hadn’t entered a coma which lasts for several years.
It’s hard to tell what might have happened to Archer and Lana’s relationship if he hadn’t entered a coma which lasts for several years. Before he enters the coma, he and Lana have a child together and show some signs that they may be ready to give things another shot. When he wakes up, he finds that the world has moved on without him, and she has gotten married to someone he doesn’t know.
Rory and Jess have a fiery dynamic from the outset. They know just how to push each other’s buttons, and they don’t let up when they get into heated debates about literature, Stars Hollow or anything else. However, their constant bickering just shows how comfortable they are with one another. 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’srelationship ends in heartbreak, they leave each other having learned a lot and developed as people.
AlthoughJess and Rory’sGilmore Girlsrelationshipends in heartbreak, they leave each other having learned a lot and developed as people. If the stars had aligned differently, they could have been perfect for one another in the long run, but fate tears them apart.Gilmore Girlsfans will always debate which of Rory’s boyfriends is the best fit for her.Jess obviously has his problems, but he opens up to Rory.
Carrie Bradshaw spends most ofSex and the Citytorn between her love for Aidan and her love for Mr. Big. A few other boyfriends come and go, but these are the two most consequential partners, and they have split the show’s fan base down the middle. Aidan comes into Carrie’s life while she is still recovering from her latest heartbreak with Big, and he represents the opportunity for her 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 invests just as much in their relationship as she does, and he isn’t afraid to commit. Still,Carrie and Big’s relationshiphas 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 is always lurking in the background, ready to toy with her whenever the mood strikes him.
