Love triangles are a commonly-used plot device across all media content, but it's used continuously in sitcoms. Love triangles can inject some drama and some hilarious misunderstandings into a sitcom.
Usually, a love triangle is depicted as one person having to pick between two love interests. However, the lines are often blurred. Some characters cheat on one part of the triangle for the other or they flit between the two people. It leaves viewers guessing as to where their favorite character will end up, and who will be by their side.
10 Alexis Chooses Between Ted And Mutt
Schitt's Creek
While Alexis ends Schitt's Creek alone, there was a lot of drama and discussion about the love triangle she found herself in with Ted and Mutt. After being involved with Ted, Alexis ends things to date Mutt. Their relationship burnt out as Alexis realized her feelings for Ted.
The back and forth gave fans whiplash as Ted and Alexis decided to give their relationship another go. It is sad for fans to see Alexis and Ted end up alone, making them wonder if she should've given introverted Mutt more of a chance. Either way, Alexis went through great character development, so her ending Schitt's Creek to work more on herself was a fitting conclusion.
9 Karen Interferes With Destiny
The Office
Every fan of The Office knew from the start that Jim and Pam were endgame. Everything that got in the way, even Pam's long-term engagement, would eventually fall apart to give way to their relationship. It was upsetting, however, to watch Jim return to the office in a serious relationship with Karen.
While it is understandable that Jim would move on, as he had every right to do so, it was always clear that his feelings for Pam lingered. This love triangle led to a lot of tension, a friendship between Pam and Karen, and eventually, a resignation.
8 Schmidt's Difficult Decision
New Girl
Fans knew from Season 1 that New Girl's Schmidt and Cece would end up together. The show threw a spanner in the works when Schmidt decided to date both Cece and Elizabeth. He told his friends Nick, Jess, and Winston that he was dating Cece and had dumped Elizabeth, but he told Elizabeth the opposite story.
It is sad to see Schmidt damage a relationship that fans wanted to last forever, but those obstacles only solidified Schmidt and Cece's bond. It was a classic love triangle, but it paved the way for hilarious scenes and iconic Nick moments.
7 Haley's Fight Between The Past And The Future
Modern Family
Modern Family gave Haley time to shine in Season 10 when she has to choose between her long-term on-again-off-again love Dylan and her overseas boyfriend, Arvin. This love triangle saw Haley choose between her past and her future, but she had grown significantly since the beginning of the sitcom. Because of Haley's growth, many fans were disappointed when she ended up with Dylan.
The love triangle also brings out new sides to her parents, Phil and Claire, as they are very invested in her decision. Ultimately, Arvin breaks up with Haley, allowing Dylan to step back into her life.
6 Robin Goes Back And Forth
How I Met Your Mother
Robin, Ted, and Barney immediately come to mind when fans think of love triangles. How I Met Your Mother milks their relationships with one another for all they are worth, and the storyline spans from the pilot to the finale. First, Ted falls for Robin. Then, Barney develops feelings for Robin. Ultimately, they both love her, even though she doesn't love them.
This love triangle lingers until Barney proposes. He and Robin get married, and it seemed as if that was the end of the storyline. However, Marshall and Lily's bet continues as Barney and Robin's marriage falls apart, and Ted's wife Tracy dies. How I Met Your Mother ends with Ted calling Robin, ending the longest-running love triangle.
5 Ramona's Kiss Sparked An Engagement
The Big Bang Theory
While The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon did not reciprocate feelings towards Ramona, her kissing him led to one of the best moments of the entire series. Ramona took the plunge and kissed him and in turn, Sheldon followed his heart, got on a flight, and proposed to Amy.
Ramona was very attached to Sheldon. She had a huge crush on him and idolized him for his scientific research and career achievements. However, Sheldon was unaware of any of Ramona's romantic feelings. This led to many hilarious scenes, but ultimately, it solidified Amy and Sheldon's relationship.
4 Homer's Dad And Mr. Burns Both Fall For Marge's Mom
The Simpsons
In Season 5 of The Simpsons, "Lady Bouvier's Lover" sees Homer and Marge find out that Abe (Homer's dad) has fallen in love with Jacqueline (Marge's mom). Thankfully, their relationship doesn't last, as an older man comes into the picture and steals Jacqueline's heart.
In typical Simpsons fashion, Jacqueline's new beau is Mr. Burns. The pair decides to get married and at their wedding, Abe crashes the ceremony and asks Jacqueline to marry him instead. With both Abe and Mr. Burns after her affection, Jacqueline makes the noble decision to say no to both of them. It is a hilarious turn of events.
3 Rachel And Joey's Chemistry Causes Problems For Ross
Friends
Friends ended in 2004, but the conclusion is still up for debate as many fans believe that Rachel's story should've ended differently. Rachel and Joey decide to date in Season 10, which leaves Ross confused and upset. Even though Rachel and Ross hadn't been together in years, Ross struggles to understand how Joey and Rachel could be together.
To keep their friendships intact, Joey and Rachel call it quits. Their romantic connection shook things up in Friends, and many fans continue to ship them and believe that they should've ended up together.
2 Amy Can't Get Rid Of Teddy
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Many things stand between Jake and Amy's relationship in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, whether it be their careers and friendship or their relationships with other people. Amy meets and dates Teddy in Season 1, but they break up by Season 2. However, for the next few seasons, Teddy pops up repeatedly in Amy's life.
Even all the way into Season 7, Teddy is still holding a candle for Amy. He is married with a child on the way, and Amy is with Jake and is expecting a child, but Teddy still proposes marriage. What begins as a genuine love triangle ends as a long-standing joke.
1 Claire Finally Left Her Husband
Fleabag
Fleabag's two seasons left such an impression that fans are still begging for more episodes. So much is given to the audience in such a short space of time, including Claire's repeated wrong decisions. Fans rejoiced when the terrible man she calls her husband is eventually cast aside for her true love.
Claire's growth is a long process, as she repeatedly chooses her husband over everybody else, even her sister. Claire gets caught up in an affair with her colleague and, to the delight of fans, runs off to be with him.