Television has produced some of the best and most iconic love stories ever told, and just as iconic are those stories: heart-wrenching breakups. While some couples face challenges and beat the odds, others drag on season after season, tormenting themselves and viewers who are wholly invested in their stories. Whether it’s toxic dynamics, bad timing, or differences too great to overcome, some TV couples just need to go their separate ways.
From popular childhood shows, like iCarly, which featured the mismatched pair Sam (Jennette McCurdy) and Freddie (Nathan Kress), to cringe-worthy pairings who were pushed together randomly, like Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) and Jackie (Mila Kunis) in the series That ’70s Show, these relationships weren’t meant to last and viewers were thankful for it. In this list are 10 TV breakups that have long past their due dates, seeming to be the only good resolution for the characters and their fans.
10
Phoebe Halliwell and Cole Turner
‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)
This lovable supernatural drama holds icon status for the massive number of fans it has acquired. Charmed features three sisters, who discover they are powerful witches with a destiny to protect all innocents from vicious demons. Across the series’ run, the sisters face plenty of hardships, including the drama of love. For one particular Halliwell sister —Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), the youngest who wore her heart on her sleeve— trouble seemed to trail her when it came to bad guys and romance.
When Cole Turner (Julian McMahon) makes his entrance as the charming lawyer with a dark secret—he’s actually Belthazor, a half-demon sent to kill the Charmed Ones—and were definitely intrigued. By the time Phoebe and Cole fell in love, the two had audiences rooting for them as they were seen as star-crossed lovers with the odds stacked heavily against them. Unfortunately, things took a turn once Cole became the new Source of All Evil, leading to nothing but misfortune for Pheobe and her sister. Although Cole had multiple redemption arcs, fans were tired of seeing the on-screen couple devolve continuously into a toxic mess. These two definitely deserve a spot on this list.
- Release Date
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1998 – 2005
- Network
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The WB
- Showrunner
-
Brad Kern
- Directors
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James L. Conway, Joel J. Feigenbaum, John T. Kretchmer, Mel Damski, John Behring, Derek Johansen, Craig Zisk, Jonathan West, Stuart Gillard, Michael Grossman, Chris Long, David Straiton, Kevin Inch, James A. Contner, Noel Nosseck, Shannen Doherty, David Jackson, Anson Williams, LeVar Burton, Michael Zinberg, Michael Schultz, Richard Compton, Richard Denault, Les Sheldon
9
Diane Nguyen and Mr. Peanutbutter
‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)
BoJack Horseman is a popular animated series that is set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals do more than coexsist. The series follows Bojack as he struggles with addiction and depression, while confronting his famous past. Among those in BoJack’s circle are Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie), BoJack’s ghostwriter-turned-human friend, and Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Tompkins), her optimistic dog-like husband.
From the moment Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter connected, fans of BoJack Horseman were a bit skeptical, but, alas, the romance fanatics believed that opposites can attract. Diane as the cynic, and Mr. Peanutbutter the optimist, might have had the potential for a very great romance, but their differences were too pronounced, leading to unmet needs and continuous miscommunications. Viewers witnessed the heartache as the two began to compromise their happiness for each other, becoming people they, at their core, weren’t. Their breakup was long overdue and quite expected by viewers, as the couple needed to be able to grow and pursue their happiness while being wholly themselves.
8
Archie Andrews and Veronica Lodge
‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)
This teen drama features beguiling mysteries and thrilling romances in the town of Riverdale. It centers around Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) and his group of friends as they deal with family conflicts, dark secrets, and messy love lives. Archie himself is the object of plenty of drama, including a tangled love triangle, featuring Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), and Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes).
Archie’s affection for Veronica Lodge was almost immediate. The impulsive teens’ romance initially sizzled extremely hot before becoming rife with conflict and drama. By Season 3 of the series, fans were quite over the pair, as Archie, quite literally, abandons Veronica while on the run, only to return and cause more drama. Viewers found themselves even disliking Archie at one point, as he was seen as such a hindrance to Veronica’s growth. The couple’s breakup was most definitely welcomed by audiences, as their romance was unsustainable and holding them both back.
7
Jackie Burkhart and Fez
‘That ’70s Show’ (1998–2006)
That 70s Show is a teen sitcom staple, set in the late 1970s. The series follows a group of friends in Wisconsin as they navigate their teenage years, dealing with comedic misadventures and romances. Throughout the series’ run, Jackie Burkhart is primarily seen with Himbo Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), and rough around the edges, Hyde (Danny Masterson), but in a twist for fans, Jackie begins to date long-time friend and foreign exchange student Fez.
Fez and Jackie’s romantic relationship seemed like it popped out of thin air. Sure, for years, Fez had harbored a crush on Jackie, but the comedic character harbored many crushes on the girls who crossed his path. Meanwhile, Jackie had always rebuked Fez, seeing him solely as an odd friend. While their breakup isn’t shown in That 70s Show, it is revealed in the series’ sequel That 90s Show, that the two didn’t last—much to no one’s surprise.
That ’70s Show
- Release Date
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August 23, 1998
- Network
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FOX
6
Riley Finn and Buffy Summers
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)
This genre-blending series has a host of dedicated fans, even today, completely invested in its story. Buffy the Vampire Slayer centers on a teen-chosen one, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), as she battles the forces of darkness while trying to live an ordinary teenaged life. While beating up supernatural foes, Buffy navigates friendships, particularly with Riley Finn (Marc Blucas).
As Buffy’s love interest, Angel (David Boreanaz)—a vampire with a soul—leaves town during Season 4, Riley Finn, a sweet Iowa human guy, is introduced to viewers. He helps Buffy conquer a few tough situations. However, he does have some insecurities about Buffy’s independence and power. In the later seasons, Riley’s insecurities grow, and he becomes quite self-destructive. Fans were eager for the two to part ways, as they saw him as a bland character whose insecurities were heavily burdensome on Buffy.
5
Clark Kent and Lana Lang
‘Smallville’ (2001–2017)
Smallville is an iconic superhero drama that chronicles the beginning of Clark Kent (Tom Welling) as he slowly transitions into the being we all know as Superman. The series begins with Clark in high school, as he tries to live normally while also exploring his powers. Like everyone else, he harbors crushes, and his is on the school’s beauty, Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk).
At the beginning of Smallville, Clark’s affection for Lana goes unrequited. Eventually, the two find their way to each other, only to be hindered by secrets. Clark and Lana are often on-again, off-again throughout the earlier seasons, but fans’ hope for them to be together wanes, especially since Clark is iconically known to be with Lois Lane. While they did try hard to make it work, their relationship was weighed down by past baggage, and the reality that they had both grown out of their high school romance, making this couple the perfect addition to this list of those whose breakups were long overdue.
4
Sam Puckett and Freddie Benson
‘iCarly’ (2007–2012)
This hit Nickelodeon sitcom is remembered fondly for its humor and occasional teen drama. iCarly follows a girl named Carly who ran a viral web series with her best friends Sam Puckett and Freddie.
No one truly expected Sam and Freddie to get together. Sam viciously teased Freddie throughout the show, while Freddie pined for Carly half the time. The two are polar opposites, with Freddie being the soft techie “nerd,” and Sam being the tough tomboy unafraid of anything. But fans were here for it, seeing the enemies to lovers trope and riding with it hard. Unfortunately, the relationship turned a bit sour, as the two began to bring out the worst in each other. Even the fans who shipped the couple began to wish for their separation. The couple ranks perfectly on this list of those who should have ended it a lot sooner.
- Release Date
-
2007 – 2011
- Network
-
Nickelodeon
- Directors
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Steve Hoefer, Adam Weissman, David Kendall, Roger Christiansen, Jerry Trainor, Jonathan Goldstein, Clayton Boen
- Writers
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Andrew Hill Newman, Arthur Gradstein, Steve Holland, Peter Tibbals, Eric Goldberg, Steven Molaro, Ben Huebscher, Ethan Banville
3
Pam Beesly and Roy Anderson
‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
The Office is a beloved mockumentary-style comedic series that is the host to a plethora of hilarious moments. The series centers on the employees at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is the manager of the company but usually blunders at his job as he attempts to lead his equally hilarious group of employees. Among those employees are sweet and incredibly witty Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), and warehouse worker Roy Anderson (David Denman).
From almost the very beginning, fans were not for the romantic relationship between Roy and Pam. With the couple’s three-year engagement, viewers were eager to see the relationship, quite frankly, end. Roy stood as an extremely immature character who barely understood Pam. Audiences hoped viciously that they would end their engagement and Pam would finally find love elsewhere, particularly with Jim (John Krasinski). Their breakup was long overdue since Roy ignored his fiancée’s needs even when she grew extremely discontent.
2
Harley Quinn and The Joker
‘Harley Quinn’ (2019–)
The iconic and beloved character Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) stands as the central character in her very own animated series, Harley Quinn. The show follows villainess Harley Quin as she navigates a life of crime and love. Originally, Harley was the Joker’s (Alan Tudyk) psychiatrist while he languished in prison. Through the famed villain’s manipulations, the two end up hopelessly and toxicly in love.
Though they are both villains, fans witness in Harley Quinn’s 2019 series the insane couple’s toxicity, as the Joker time and time again proves he cares very little for Harley. Audiences all equally agree that the charming female villain deserves so much better. Finally, with the help of her close—very close—companion Ivy (Lake Bell), Harley finds the strength to break away from the destructive hold of the Joker, and find her independence.
1
Jaime Lannister and Cersei Lannister
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)
Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy series that follows the whims and schemes of noble families who are all aggressively fighting for the Iron Throne. Among the families sits House Lannister—incredibly wealthy and extremely powerful. Within said family is Jamie (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), twins who have secretly been lovers for years.
Cersei and Jaime’s relationship was quite the shock for viewers of the incredible series Game of Thrones. While the show sometimes focused on Jamies conflicted honor and Cersei’s ambition, fans were extremely divided over their bond. The two’ relationship was doomed from the very beginning because of its nature. While there wasn’t an official separation, due to the relationship being so heavily taboo, they did go their separate way, finding their independence away from each other, much to the liking of many fans. This unexpected couple is perfect for this list, as their taboo relationship was extremely long overdue.
