In the sensational world of television, fan-favorite couples often cause devoted viewers to become completely invested in the outcome of their relationships. Fictional romances have the power to incite happiness, envy, and tears (along with a slew of other emotions), and audiences can’t help but root for these endearing characters as they fall in love…and oftentimes split up.
Whether they break up and make up or say goodbye for good, many of these cherished couples’ fates left fans reaching for a box of tissues. From Ross and Rachel’s iconic “we were on a break” to Tara and Willow’s gut-wrenching magical separation, the small screen has had no problems destroying loyal viewers with the demise of popular romantic pairs. Here are 20 TV couple break-ups that devastated audiences.
20 Luke & Lorelai (Gilmore Girls)
Fans of the wholesome, feel-good dramedy Gilmore Girls knew from the very first scene that the coffee-loving, fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore was destined to have a romantic dalliance with surly diner owner Luke Danes.
Even the colorful residents of Stars Hollow were wise to the unspoken attraction and endearing bond the two mismatched characters shared, and they (like the rest of viewers) waited not-so-patiently for the pair to take the leap. Audiences got their wish when they finally shared a passionate kiss in the fourth season finale.
An Ultimatum Leads to Devastation
Luke and Lorelai shared a lovely connection and their playful banter and unique quirks made them one of television’s most cherished couples. Wedding bells were even ringing for the pair after Lorelai (with her signature flair) proposed to Luke, getting fans’ hopes up that the hardworking Gilmore gal was finally going to get her much-deserved happy ending.
Alas, the arrival of a previously unknown 12-year-old daughter and Luke’s inability to juggle his responsibilities as a father and partner led to Lorelai’s brash ultimatum that resulted in their split. Thankfully, the duo reignited their romance in the series finale, sealing their love with a kiss. Streamon Netflix
19 Ian & Mickey (Shameless)
Despite an initially rocky beginning during which Mickey terrorized Ian’s former married lover and refused to acknowledge his attraction to him, the complicated pair faced their fair share of personal hurdles yet ultimately came out stronger. In the engrossing dramedy Shameless, Mickey and Ian break up and make
up many times and to say their relationship is simply dysfunctional is a major understatement. In spite of the adversities they faced, the couple’s love and bond with one another touched the hearts of viewers.
An Unorthodox Love Story
Known for his frequent run-ins with the law, the fiery and headstrong Mickey is sent to prison for attempted murder and ends up breaking out with Mexico on his mind. Mickey pleads with Ian to run away with him so they can finally be together in peace, yet Ian eventually balks at the idea because his life in Chicago is finally turning around.
The two share an emotional goodbye that ends up being short-lived, as they are subsequently reunited in jail later on where they resume their relationship. The chaotic couple ultimately are given the happiness they so desperately wanted, marrying one another later in the series to the delight of fans. Stream on Netflix
18 Cristina & Burke (Grey’s Anatomy)
When the fiercely ambitious and tenacious surgical intern Cristina Yang meets brilliant chief of cardiothoracic surgery Preston Burke, sparks instantly fly between the career-driven characters in Grey’s Anatomy.
Their often tumultuous romance was full of countless highs and lows, from Cristina’s horrible ectopic pregnancy to Burke getting shot and developing a debilitating hand tremor that Cristina so selflessly tries to hide and help. The couple were able to overcome these hurdles and even made it to the altar, where the relationship ultimately imploded.
Love Just Wasn’t Enough
After taking a long eight days to accept Burke’s marriage proposal, a skittish Cristina is preparing to walk down the aisle when she experiences a wave of major panic, though she manages to pull herself together and meet him at the altar.
Burke, realizing that his lovely bride-to-be is putting on a front and is not fully ready to commit, decides to end their relationship because he was forcing her to be someone she’s not. Watching him walk away and witnessing the normally impenetrable Cristina have a gut-wrenching breakdown left audiences shattered, especially when they realized Burke was truly gone for good. Stream on Hulu
17 Sam & Diane (Cheers)
Another beloved TV couple that captivated audiences with their instant connection and undeniable chemistry was Cheers “It” couple Sam and Diane, who skirted around their true romantic feelings for one another for nearly five seasons and kept fans on their toes with their many ups and downs.
A classic case of opposites attract, the laid-back lothario Sam and sophisticated cocktail waitress Diane tried to fight the obvious attraction they shared for one another, but naturally they lost the battle and gave the world what they wanted.
Star-Crossed Lovers
While the legendary super-couple bickered constantly and kiss and made up numerous times throughout the sitcom, the breakup that left fans forlorn was when Diane was offered her dream writing job, an opportunity that would take her away from both Sam and Boston.
Promising they would rekindle their romance once she returned in six months, a surprisingly introspective Sam knew this would not be the case and he maturely let her go and pursue the perfect life she craved. While the couple were given another chance at love six years later in the series finale, their love story was sadly not mean to be. Stream on Paramount+
16 Buffy & Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Hotly debated love triangles are no new thing in the world of television, and the ongoing discussion over who was the perfect match for the butt-kicking Buffy Summers rages on to this day.
In the cultural phenomenon Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the fierce blonde heroine begins a passionate and deeply meaningful relationship with the brooding Angel, a mysterious man who just so happens to be a centuries-old vampire cursed with a soul. Together, they help protect Sunnydale from forces of evil while falling more in love with one another.
An Ill-Fated Romance From the Start
It shouldn’t be surprising that a relationship involving a human and a vampire was destined for failure, a hard lesson Buffy learned on the night of her high school prom in season three. After Angel arrives in a tuxedo to give Buffy the prom experience she so rightfully deserves, the two share a deeply poignant slow dance that is full of meaning and emotion, with the couple knowing it will be their last intimate moment.
Angel breaks things off with the slayer after realizing he will never be able to give her a normal life, and he selflessly makes the hard decision to leave Sunnydale and Buffy to help preserve her future…and launch a successful spinoff series. Stream on Hulu
15 Pacey & Joey (Dawson’s Creek)
Another deeply contested love triangle that caused a frenzy in teenage hearts everywhere, the Joey, Pacey, and Dawson debacle rocked the small screen during the 2000s in the hit drama Dawson’s Creek.
Despite the first few seasons of the show chronicling the innocent romance between friends-to-lovers Joey and Dawson, the creek truly heated up when Pacey planted a swoon-worthy kiss on Joey after realizing he was in love with her. What ensued was passionate and tender romance between the unlikely romantic duo that still packs a punch today.
An Explosive Prom Night Exchange
Fans were thrilled to watch Joey and Pacey’s love story unfold on screen, as the once bickering pair’s dynamic blossomed into a sweet and enviable romance that made audiences (and Dawson himself) yearn for such devotion.
Sadly, love just wasn’t enough as the couple’s conflicting ambitions and temperaments proved too much to overcome, with Pacey worrying he’s holding Joey back from bigger and better things. The two have an explosive and heartbreaking argument on their prom night that ultimately leads to their break-up. However, the couple find their way back to one another later on and rekindle their romance in the series finale. Stream on Prime Video
14 Jess & Nick (New Girl)
Who doesn’t love a good slow burn sitcom romance? When the bubbly and quirky Jess Day moves in with a group of three men after suffering a difficult break-up, her chemistry with the sarcastic and apathetic bartender Nick Miller was instantly palpable.
Throughout its seven seasons, New Girl fans watched as Nick and Jess fell in love after initially denying their feelings, break-up, and eventually find their way back to one another after an excruciating separation period for the pair (and viewers).
True Love Finds A Way
Watching the zany couple get swept up in a hilarious array of mischief and misadventures while together was a thrill for fans, and their endearing banter only added to the charm of the sitcom. Nick and Jess’ passionate first kiss was one of the best in TV history, yet the adored duo eventually realize they want very different things in life and have opposing goals.
They handled their breakup maturely and each moved on in new romantic relationships, but naturally, their bond and love for one another couldn’t be ignored and they reunite as a couple at the tail-end of the series. Stream on Peacock
13 Fleabag & The Priest (Fleabag)
An illicit romance between a man of the cloth and a free-spirited young woman makes for some seriously titillating TV, and audiences all across the world tuned in to witness the love grow between the eponymous character and the Priest in Fleabag.
In the second season of the black comedy, Fleabag becomes instantly enamored by the unorthodox clergyman and the two perform a dangerous dance, flirting with disaster as their forbidden feelings become more than either one can ignore.
This Too Shall Pass
Though he tries to fight his powerful attraction to Fleabag, the Priest can’t deny his heart and despite his vows of celibacy becomes intimate with the leading lady. Fans assumed the couple would receive a happy ending because of the sacrifice he was willing to make for her, yet the Priest’s faith and devotion to god proved to be more important than a relationship with Fleabag.
The emotionally distressed character tries to change his mind and declare her love for him, to which the Priest famously retorted, “It’ll pass”, sadly shooting down any potential future for the couple. Stream on Prime Video
12 Elena & Stefan (The Vampire Diaries)
Yet again, a relationship between a centuries-old vampire and a high school teenager doesn’t exactly scream long-term success, and the romance between Stefan Salvatore and Elena Gilbert was doomed from the start in The Vampire Diaries. \
Stefan found himself captivated by Elena, the doppelgänger of his former love Katherine Pierce, and during the first few seasons of the show the couple battled against both human and supernatural threats. However, she also can’t seem to fight her attraction to Stefan’s trouble-making older brother Damon.
Three’s a Crowd
Stefan and Damon were constantly battling it out for Elena’s affections, and after she is turned into a vampire Stefan realizes her vampirism has only increased her desire for Damon. A defeated and heartsick Stefan finally lets Elena go after acknowledging her undeniable love for his brother, and is seemingly exhausted from the constant competition and uncertainty of their relationship.
Stefan makes the painful decision for Elena, freeing her up to pursue her feelings for Damon and leaving the selfless younger Salvatore emotionally crushed. Stream on Max
11 Winnie & Kevin (The Wonder Years)
One of the small screen’s most unforgettable will-they/won’t-they couples is without-a-doubt Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper from the ’80s classic hit The Wonder Years, whose wholesome and deeply meaningful relationship becomes the main focal point of the series throughout its sensational six seasons.
Set in late 1960s suburbia, audiences became heavily invested in the charming love story between the young adolescents as they experienced life and love’s many growing pains.
A Disheartening Time Jump
While the adorable duo shared a life-shaping romance full of many highs and lows, viewers were shocked when Kevin and Winnie didn’t in fact ride off into the sunset during the final season. Fans were so certain that the couple would be endgame, as they watched the characters grow and mature over the show’s run and strengthen the compelling bond they shared.
Yet this wasn’t the case, as the two-part finale and time jump revealed Kevin and Winnie had eventually gone their separate ways and had their own respective lives. Winnie ultimately becomes “the one that got away” for Kevin and the bittersweet ending highlights the realities of a childhood romance. Stream on Hulu
10 Tara & Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
The trailblazing love and connection between Sunnydale witches Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay was truly one for the history books, and their transcending relationship in Buffy the Vampire Slayer helped them become one of the first lesbian couples featured on U.S. television.
The blossoming of their sweet romance was a joy for fans to see, as they first met at a Wicca group when attending college and swiftly found themselves spending all their time together while honing their craft.
A Love Story for the Ages
Trouble starts brewing for the young couple when Willow’s power becomes more and more dominant, and the headstrong heroine even uses her magical gifts to bring Buffy back from the dead. When Tara discovers that Willow has been using spells to manipulate her, she sorrowfully ends their relationship because of her lies and deceit.
Though Willow and Tara end up reconciling later on, devoted viewers know all too well that tragedy lay ahead for the pair, as Tara is killed after being struck by a stray bullet when Buffy is shot by Warren. The unfathomable loss causes the devastated character to spiral and go on a rampage, becoming Dark Willow.Stream on Hulu
9 Jackie & Hyde (That ’70s Show)
Another memorable case of opposites attracting was when the aloof and trouble-making Steven Hyde and sassy and spoiled Jackie Burkhart shocked not only their fellow Point Place pals but the whole world by getting together in the sitcom That ’70s Show.
Though Jackie harbored an innocent crush on Hyde earlier in the series, it wasn’t until Kelso jilted the bold brunette and ran off to California that the unsuspecting couple made a love connection. Despite initially claiming it was purely physical, a romance between the mismatched pair ultimately formed.
Failure to Fully Commit
Fans were initially thrown for a loop when their romantic dalliance was first revealed, yet they quickly loved the unlikely duo and their neverending banter and quips.
The couple grew immensely during their relationship, as Jackie shed some of her materialistic and vain attitudes and Hyde was able to become more in touch with his emotions, and together they challenged one another for the better. However, when Hyde was unable to commit to a definite future with Jackie with marriage being an option, she left for a career in Chicago and a series of miscommunications led to their permanent split. Stream on Peacock
8 Olivia & Fitz (Scandal)
Carrying on an illicit affair with the married President of the United States is bound to wear on both guilty parties, and the turbulent relationship between Washington D.C. crisis manager Olivia Pope and POTUS Fitzgerald Grant III in Scandal was riddled with passion and controversy.
The fearless Olivia began her romance with Fitz while helping him run his presidential campaign and the two fell in love, carrying out the secret affair before ending it when he was eventually elected. Of course, the couple couldn’t stay away from one another for long.
A Dysfunctional & All-Consuming Affair
The deeply flawed and complex couple’s love was put through the ringer during the drama’s run, with deadly affairs, assassination attempts, and challenging suitors throwing major hurdles into their romance. In an explosive season five episode, the two decide to finally break off their damaging affair for good and audiences were stunned when Olivia ended up having a secret abortion prior to their verbal showdown.
Even with their glaring issues and seemingly endless drama, Olivia and Fitz may have gotten a second chance, as the open-ended series finale hinted at a possible reunion and fresh start between the two (and perhaps even their dream life in Vermont). Stream on Hulu
7 Phoebe & Cole (Charmed)
Breaking up is hard to do, and having to vanquish your longtime love and send him to hell makes it that much harder. Unfortunately for the kind and spirited witch Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed, ending her relationship with the half-demon Cole Turner was just the tip of the magical iceberg.
Despite initially being on vastly different ends of the battle between good and evil, the improbable couple defied naysayers and proved that their love could truly transcend anything thrown their way (at least for a little while).
Taking a Walk on the Dark Side
Phoebe shocked devoted viewers when she embraced both Cole and her own dark side, choosing to join her husband and become the queen of The Underworld and walk away from The Power of Three. The decision naturally weighs on the conflicted character as she realizes how ruthless and dangerous Cole is while also deeply missing her beloved sisters.
When she is forced to choose between her love for Cole and her bond with Piper and Paige, the devastated Phoebe returns to the good side and ends up vanquishing her stunned husband, resulting in a tear-jerking moment that crushed the hearts of fans everywhere and destroyed their love story. Stream on Prime Video
6 Santana & Brittany (Glee)
When the headstrong Santana Lopez and compassionate Brittany Pierce first began their inspiring relationship in musical dramedy Glee, fans couldn’t get enough of the seemingly mismatched pair.
Known for her sardonic attitude and fierce independence, Santana struggled with the realization that she was a lesbian and fellow cheerleader and friend Brittany helped the young woman embrace her true identity. Together, the couple became the show’s most meaningful and buzzed about relationship and left a lasting impact on television.
Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?
After Santana sets off for college and Brittany must stay behind to repeat her senior year, the determined couple tries to make a long-distance relationship work but the lack of interaction proves to be too much for the couple.
In the fourth season, Santana returns home for a visit and can’t deny that her dynamic with Brittany has shifted and that they are at two very different stages in life. She movingly serenades her girlfriend with the Taylor Swift song “Mine” and tells her she can’t juggle the pressures of a long-distance while attending college, and the two decide to go on a break. The split is not permanent, as they end up getting married in the final season. Stream on Disney+
5 Monica & Richard (Friends)
Before Monica and Chandler gave audiences the refreshing romance they didn’t know they needed, the ultimate perfectionist and savvy chef had a deeply meaningful relationship with family friend Richard Burke in the television juggernaut Friends.
Despite their 21-year age difference, Monica and Richard fell hard and fast for each other and they developed a mature and sweet dynamic that had fans rooting for the duo. Alas, their compatibility suffers a major setback when the discussion of children is brought up and forces them to address their future.
Two Conflicting Futures
Monica wanted nothing more than to start a family of her own one day, yet Richard already raised children (who are now adults with their own kids), and felt as though that chapter of his life was done.
Realizing they can’t ignore this glaring fact and development, the couple share a tender last dance while at Barry and Mindy’s wedding, with both Monica and Richard realizing this marks the end of their relationship. Though they both were very much still in love with one another, the pair had two different futures in mind and simply weren’t compatible, so they tearfully walked away from each other. Stream on Max
4 Carrie & Aidan (Sex and the City)
Even after 25 years since its sensational debut, diehard fans of Sex and the City still debate who was the better match for introspective New York columnist Carrie Bradshaw: businessman Mr. Big or furniture designer Aidan Shaw.
While viewers knew that Big was a bad habit Carrie just couldn’t shake, they still held onto hope that the leading lady would pick the romantic suitor who actually treated her right and gave her respect. The two men vied for the affections of Carrie over the show’s six seasons, but Aidan did not come out triumphant in the end.
Second Time’s the Charm?
After first meeting the handsome designer in season three, Carrie is immediately smitten and is surprised at how patient and understanding he is of her, and she is finally given the taste of a traditional and stable relationship. However, a chance meeting with her former flame Big (who is now married) leads to the two having an affair that causes a heartbroken Aidan to end things with Carrie when she confesses to him.
Seeing Aidan so hurt and blindsided was difficult for fans to watch, as was their subsequent second break-up when they reunited and even got engaged, but that too ended on a somber note. Stream on Max
3 Lily & Marshall (How I Met Your Mother)
College sweethearts Marshall Eriksen and Lily Aldrin are one of television’s most endearing and quirky couples, with their earnest romance spanning years and numerous highs-and-lows.
In the pilot episode of How I Met Your Mother, Marshall pops the question to Lily and the giddy couple begin to look forward to the future and what their married life might look like. Unfortunately, these open discussions led to the pair having to face some serious questions about their conflicting opinions on holy matrimony.
An Important Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout the season, the couple expresses their sadness over no longer being able to look forward to new relationship milestones, and they end up disagreeing over where they would raise a family if they decided to have children. When Marshall learns that Lily applied for an art scholarship in California (without consulting him), she decides they should take a break so she can pursue her dreams.
An emotionally-wrecked Marshall is left to deal with the ending of both his romance and engagement, but unsurprisingly after taking time to find themselves, the couple reunite and get their happy ending after all. Stream on Hulu
2 Alexis & Ted (Schitt’s Creek)
Even mature and well-intentioned break-ups can pack a serious punch, a hard fact proven by the separation of Alexis Rose and Ted Mullens in the celebrated sitcom Schitt’s Creek.
When spoiled socialite Alexis meets the sweet and compassionate veterinarian Ted after relocating to the small titular town, sparks immediately fly between the two; although the flighty character has a hard time fully committing and entertains other romantic prospects including fellow resident Mutt Schitt.
A Difficult & Mature Decision
After taking some time to focus on herself and continue her education, Alexis and Ted rekindle their relationship and end up strengthening their bond with one another. Alexis grows immensely while being with Ted, yet she is reluctant to leave her family and career aspirations to accompany him to the Galápagos Islands for a job opportunity.
While the young lovers try to make a long-distance relationship work, Alexis realizes their careers are taking them in separate directions in life and she makes the extremely difficult decision to split up in the final season, a bittersweet moment for audiences Stream on Hulu
1 Ross & Rachel (Friends)
Arguably one of the small screen’s most iconic (and downright frustrating) will-they/won’t-they couples of all time, Ross and Rachel kept devoted fans of Friends wondering their fate until the very last episode of the juggernaut series.
Viewers watched as the lovestruck Ross pined for the seemingly oblivious Rachel for the entire debut season, only for the former runaway bride to finally realize she too was in love with him as well. After sharing an unforgettable, romantic first kiss in the rain, the couple kicked off their reign as TV’s most buzzed-about pairing.
Failure to Communicate
The honeymoon phase for the duo proved to be short-lived, as Ross’ jealousy and insecurity over Rachel’s new job and her professional connection with coworker Mark left the paleontologist green with envy.
As Rachel became more and more dedicated and swept up in her job at Bloomingdales and feeling like Ross was not supportive, she famously recommended they “take a break” from their relationship. This led to a heartbroken Ross going out and sleeping with another woman later that same night, leading to the couple’s devastating break-up after Rachel discovered his infidelity. Stream on Max
