10 Worst End-Game Couples In Sitcom History

Few things spark as much debate among fans as who ends up with whom in a TV show, and many sitcoms have learned this the hard way. No matter the type of sitcom – whether it’s a workplace comedy, a show about friends, or a family-centered one – romantic storylines can be very unpredictable. When they work, they really work, boosting the show’s popularity and attracting new viewers, like with Jake and Amy on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Nick and Jess on New Girl, and Jim and Pam on The Office. But they’re also a big risk.

Creating romantic storylines for TV shows that last for many seasons is tricky. While characters can date several people over time to see who they connect with, only one relationship can ultimately lead to a happy ending. Choosing the right couple is a critical decision, because even great shows can be remembered negatively if the final pairing doesn’t resonate with viewers. What makes a couple ‘wrong’ though, really depends on the show itself.

Jackie & Fez

That ’70s Show (1998–2006)

Sitcoms often pair up characters who wouldn’t normally be together, just because they’re both part of the main group. That ’70s Show is a prime example of this, particularly with the character Jackie (Mila Kunis). Over the show’s eight seasons, Jackie dates three of the four main male characters, and ultimately ends up with Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) in a finale that many fans found unsatisfying.

Jackie and Fez were never a convincing couple, largely because of their established relationship on the show. Fez spent years secretly in love with Jackie, and it was clear to viewers that she didn’t feel the same way. When Jackie suddenly returned his feelings, it felt forced and unbelievable, not like a natural progression of the story. Their pairing was quickly abandoned in the sequel series, That ’90s Show, and many fans dislike revisiting the final season of the original show because of this unexpected and unpopular romantic storyline.

Ryan & Kelly

The Office (2005–2013)

Many consider The Office to be one of the greatest American sitcoms ever made, but even this groundbreaking show stumbled when it came to one of its main romances. B.J. Novak and Mindy Kaling were crucial to the show’s success – they were writers, directors, producers, and actors (playing Ryan and Kelly). Their characters had a brief initial connection, then fell into a messy, on-again-off-again relationship marked by negativity and unhealthy behaviors.

The show consistently highlighted how unhealthy Ryan and Kelly’s relationship was, occasionally offering glimpses of how much better they could be with other people. However, they always found their way back to each other. While it briefly seemed Kelly might find happiness with someone else, the show ultimately chose to pair these two toxic individuals together. Though many viewers enjoy disliking their chaotic connection, it’s clear they ended up in a perpetually unhappy situation.

Carrie & Mr. Big

Sex and the City (1998–2004)

From the very beginning of Sex and the City in 1998, it was clear that Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big were meant to be together. However, their relationship quickly became complicated and unhealthy, marked by uncertainty and infidelity. Carrie saw Mr. Big as an ideal, someone she constantly chased after, but once they became a couple, he didn’t quite match the image she had created in her mind.

Despite its imperfections, Sex and the City deserves credit for honestly portraying the challenges women face – from everyday disappointments like someone stealing a baby name to the heartache of watching a friend chase an unattainable love. While Carrie and Big’s complicated relationship felt genuine, their eventual marriage didn’t seem like a happy ending for either of them.

JD & Elliot

Scrubs (2001–2010)

Romances often thrive on conflict – think enemies falling in love or characters who seem completely different being drawn together. But the TV show Scrubs did something different. J.D. (Zach Braff) and Elliot (Sarah Chalke) were presented from the start as a potential couple, yet as the show went on, their relationship became less and less satisfying to watch.

For most of the original series, J.D. and Elliot weren’t actually a couple, which made their quick shift to a seemingly happy marriage in season 8 feel very strange. They just never felt like a convincing romantic match, and their eventual marriage with children seemed forced, like the writers were rushing to tie things up. Luckily, the Scrubs reboot has already corrected this by undoing their marriage, but there’s still a chance the show could surprise us with another unexpected and unearned romantic storyline.

Haley & Dylan

Modern Family (2009–2020)

Many TV shows start with a seemingly perfect couple who remain devoted throughout the series, giving viewers a stable relationship to root for. However, Haley (Sarah Hyland) and Dylan (Reid Ewing) on Modern Family had a much more complicated romance. Introduced as a couple in the very first episode, their relationship didn’t even last a full season before they broke up in dramatic fashion.

Haley Dunphy’s Notable Love Interests Throughout Modern Family
Name	First Appearance
Dylan Marshall	Season 1, Episode 1
Andy Bailey	Season 5, Episode 6
Rainer Shine	Season 8, Episode 4
Arvin Fennerman	Season 9, Episode 13

Throughout the 11 seasons of the show, Haley has several romances, with her relationship with Andy becoming a fan favorite. Although Haley says Andy was her first love, the show ultimately has her marry Dylan and have twins with him. While some believe Haley and Dylan were a good match because they were both flawed, Andy helped Haley grow and become her best self. Ending with Dylan felt like a step back from the careful character development Haley had experienced.

Fred & Ethel

I Love Lucy (1951–1957)

While I Love Lucy is considered a groundbreaking and beloved sitcom, a closer look reveals a surprising contrast in the relationships of its characters. The marriage of Lucy and Ricky, though not without its issues, appears much stronger when compared to the often-contentious relationship between Fred and Ethel.

While I Love Lucy definitely reflects the 1950s, you don’t have to view it through a modern lens to see that Fred and Ethel’s relationship was troubled. Their arguments were often used for comedic effect, but their marriage frequently seemed more hostile than playful. It’s difficult to believe they were ever truly happy together, even if the show asks us to pretend they are.

April & Andy

Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

While many consider Parks and Recreation to be one of the best sitcoms of the 2010s, the relationship between April and Andy has always been a bit controversial. Although a lot of fans adore them, it’s hard to overlook the issues with their connection. Despite their memorable and funny scenes—and the classic pairing of a cynical character with an optimistic one—the significant age difference between them remains a problem.

When April and Andy first appear, April is 19 and Andy is 28—meaning they begin their relationship when April turns 21 and Andy turns 29. It’s awkward to watch because Andy acts much younger than his age. Throughout most of the series, they unfortunately bring out the worst in each other, and it’s hard to ignore the significant age gap, as April was only just becoming an adult when she married someone nearly ten years older.

Leonard & Penny

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

Whether you loved it or not, The Big Bang Theory was everywhere when it was most popular. A key reason for the show’s quick success – the character of Penny (Kaley Cuoco) – eventually became a bit of a problem. The show initially relied on the humor created by the difference between the nerdy main characters and their attractive neighbor. However, this setup naturally led to a romantic storyline, which changed the dynamic.

Even now, fans still argue about whether Penny and Sheldon should have ended up together on The Big Bang Theory. However, many were surprised when Penny ultimately paired up with Leonard. Despite their frequent arguments and different lifestyles, Leonard and Penny just didn’t seem like a believable, long-term couple.

Ted & Robin

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

As a big TV fan, it’s always disappointing when a show you love doesn’t quite deliver in the end, but the finale of How I Met Your Mother was especially tough to watch. For almost ten years, we followed Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) as he told the story of how he eventually met his kids’ mother. It was a long, winding journey filled with dates and, of course, that on-again, off-again connection with Robin (Cobie Smulders) that kept us all guessing.

As the show neared its end, it seemed like Ted and Robin’s will-they-won’t-they dynamic was finally resolved – Robin had married Barney, and Ted had met the woman he’d eventually marry. However, the very last episode surprisingly sidelined Ted’s story and brought Ted and Robin back together romantically, which disappointed many viewers.

Ross & Rachel

Friends (1994–2004)

It’s no surprise that Friends, one of the most popular sitcoms ever, featured many memorable relationships. The show’s six main characters dated a variety of people, including each other. However, the most talked-about couple is also the most divisive. From the beginning, it was obvious that Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) were meant to be together, but their romance quickly turned frustrating for viewers, going from charming to agonizing.

If Ross and Rachel hadn’t broken up so often, their final reunion might have felt truly satisfying. But after ten seasons of misunderstandings, clashing personalities, and a lot of heartache, they both needed to move on. While some fans see Ross and Rachel as the ultimate romantic pairing, they’re also the most frustrating couple in sitcom history—and it’s hard to imagine another TV couple topping their exasperating dynamic anytime soon.

2026-05-19 06:42