For lovers of all things love and romance, nothing makes their favorite show better than a swoon-worthy couple. Adorable chance meetings, strong friendships turned steamy, and long-time rivals dripping with chemistry have often kept viewers glued to their screens. But, when fans spend weeks, months and even years anticipating a happy ending for their favorite tv pairing only to be disappointed, feelings can quickly sour.
As television continues to depict sweet, steamy and addictive couples, LGBT+ representation flourishes and audiences are left satisfied, other shows have undeniably dropped the ball. Whether it be the deterioration of a once-strong fan favorite, shameless queer baiting or a love triangle gone pear-shaped, fans are bound to shed a few tears when remembering these iconic couples.
Alexis & Ted Were Sent Up Schitt's Creek
Spoiled socialite Alexis Rose (Annie Murphy) and humble veterinarian Ted Mullins (Dustin Milligan) made for an unlikely, but adorable match. As soon as Alexis arrived in the humble town of Schitt's Creek, the charming dog-tor became a permanent fixture in her life. Their multiple chance meetings and delightfully contrasting personalities were, in Ted's words, "out of a romantic comedy."
Unfortunately, the pair's addictive on-off dynamic came to a saddening end in the series finale. Despite a solid relationship heading into Schitt's Creek's sixth and final season, Alexis and Ted wouldn't end up together as originally planned. Entertainment Weekly reports that star and co-creator, David Levy, felt that Alexis would be better served as a strong single woman.
That '70s Show's Jackie and Hyde Were Headed For Marriage ... Until They Weren't
Much like the other pairings discussed, Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis) and Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson) couldn't be more different. Initially shocking audiences by getting together during the Season 5 premiere of That '70s Show, viewers quickly warmed to the couple. Regarded by fans and newcomers alike as an ideal example of "opposites attracting," Jackie and Hyde learned to appreciate each other, growing as a result of their respective differences.
By the end of That '70s Show's penultimate season, fans were confident that Jackie and Hyde were headed down the aisle. While this was where the show was initially headed, the notable absence of the core cast and crew altered the couple's fate. Perplexing viewers, and earning a well-deserved reputation as That '70s Show's worst, Season 8 not only dismantled their romance but, paired Jackie with comic relief Fez. And, while a sequel series entitled That '90s Show is set to debut on Netflix, it is doubtful that the character of Steven Hyde will be returning. Due to pending charges against Danny Masterson, he will not reprise the role, and there has been no mention of a re-cast.
Buffy: The Vampire Slayer's Willow & Tara Deserved A Happy Ending
Buffy: The Vampire Slayer was loaded with iconic couples, none more so than the brilliant and unexpected pairing of Willow Rosenburg (Alyson Hannigan) and Tara MacClay (Amber Benson). Mutually loving and utterly adorable, the fan-favorite pair gave audiences the first same-gender kiss on network television. Easily the healthiest love in the Buffy-verse, fans couldn't get enough of seeing the two together, and wholeheartedly rooted for a long and happy future for them.
Unfortunately, this happiness is cruelly destroyed following Tara's unexpected and violent death in the infamous Season 6 episode, "Seeing Red." Tara's death devastated both Willow and the audience and sparked one of the show's most divisive plot points. Despite Willow being given a number of other romantic interests on and off the series afterward, none managed to win fans over quite as well as poor Tara.
Supernatural Fans Will Never Know Whether Dean Loved Cas In Return
Since his initial appearance in Season 3 of Supernatural, the angel Castiel (Misha Collins) quickly won fans' hearts. Moreover, long-time viewers noticed undeniable chemistry between the character and series co-lead, Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles). While it was never confirmed that the former was interested in men romantically, there were several hints throughout the series to indicate his potential bisexuality.
Regarding Castiel's feelings, the angel who raised him from Hell learned the value of humanity, family and love through his relationship with Dean. After confessing his feelings for Dean in the Season 15 episode "Despair," Castiel promptly dies. This baffling turn both delighted and frustrated Supernatural fans, who often criticized the show for its overuse of homophobic TV tropes. While many were hoping for a romantic reunion in the series' final episodes, this wouldn't happen. Brothers Sam and Dean are reunited in heaven, with only a brief mention of Castiel, leaving fans wondering whether the angel's love was requited.
How I Met Your Mother Destroyed The Barney & Robin Romance
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The ending of How I Met Your Mother is considered by many to be the worst in television history. For the majority of its run, the romcom-inspired series positions itself as the story of how protagonist Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) met the love of his life and the mother of his children. After Ted's initially compelling but, seemingly doomed, romance with core cast member, Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) fans were surprised by the unforeseen Robin and Barney pairing that sparked at the end of Season 3.
Ted's best friend and a notorious womanizer, Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) became a surprisingly brilliant match for the ambitious Canadian news anchor. The two shared a number of commonalities, had similar views on romance and grew to love each other deeply. While the relationship was far from straightforward, fans were delighted when their imperfect love resulted in a proposal and marriage. The majority of How I Met Your Mother's final season takes place over their wedding weekend, all but guaranteeing a blissful ending for the fan-favorite pair. But, in an infuriating twist that renders the entire series meaningless, it's revealed Barney and Robin's 3-year marriage ends in divorce, ultimately forcing her back into widower Ted's obsessive arms.