6 Unbelievable Betrayals Sitcom Characters Were Forgiven For

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Please be advised that this article contains sensitive content dealing with miscarriage, the loss of a child, and problematic relationships.

Sitcoms usually focus on lighthearted moments, so it feels odd when a character is easily forgiven for a serious wrongdoing, particularly if they don’t seem sorry. Many funny sitcom characters have hurt others, but it’s often in a minor or comical way, and everyone gets over it quickly. Sometimes, though, the betrayal is bigger and harder to accept.

We’re often shocked by betrayals on TV, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere. It’s even more surprising when characters quickly forgive terrible actions. Sometimes these betrayals are never addressed again, and other times, characters – and even viewers – act like nothing happened. In reality, these characters should have faced more serious consequences for what they did.

6
Kim’s Miscarriage Lie

‘Scrubs’


NBC

The relationship between J.D. and Kim in Scrubs is quite chaotic, making Kim’s actions particularly upsetting. They begin dating, and Kim becomes pregnant, but then she moves to Tacoma for work. J.D. travels to see her for a sonogram, only to learn she’s had a miscarriage. Surprisingly, sixteen episodes later, J.D. runs into Kim at a seminar and finds out she’s still pregnant.

J.D. is understandably hurt initially, but it’s surprising how quickly he seems to move past the fact that the mother of his child lied to him about a serious situation. Even after their baby is born, the story shifts its focus to other characters and relationships. While the upcoming Scrubs reboot might explore J.D. and Kim’s co-parenting dynamic, it’s doubtful this deception will ever be addressed again.

5
Eric Abandoning Donna Before Their Wedding

‘That ’70s Show’


Fox

Despite Donna revealing she wasn’t quite ready for marriage herself in the last episode of That ’70s Show Season 6, it’s still shocking that Eric calls off their wedding. He spent years pressuring Donna about commitment, even ending their relationship once because she didn’t want to wear a promise ring. Yet, she still accepted his proposal because of her love for him. Fortunately, Eric returns, and Donna appears to handle the situation well.

The story briefly hints that Donna will finally confront Eric about calling off their engagement, but this never happens. In fact, Kitty and Bob’s responses to the situation are the most realistic of all the characters’. While Donna wasn’t eager to get married right away, Eric’s behavior – embarrassing her and then suddenly leaving, especially when he goes all the way to Africa – feels like a real betrayal.

4
Andy’s High School Girlfriend

‘The Office’

Andy Bernard does a lot of questionable things on The Office, and he’s usually called out for them. However, he surprisingly avoids serious consequences for dating a high school student. When Andy sees Jamie at school, he panics and awkwardly questions her, instead of immediately realizing how inappropriate the situation is and removing himself. While not a typical betrayal, his actions are a breach of trust, as Jamie is underage.

Even if Andy didn’t know her true age, he should have realized something was off when she and her friends acted so immaturely. As an adult, he was responsible for making sure their relationship was appropriate. The extended version of the episode actually makes things worse, showing Andy trying to convince himself she was mature enough. It’s strange that no one ever mentions this behavior later, or reacts to it after the documentary comes out.

3
The Chang Dynasty

‘Community’


NBC

As a huge Community fan, I always loved how wild the show could get, and Ben Chang’s turn as a dictator is a perfect example! From the very beginning, Chang was clearly trouble, but Season 3 is where things really escalated. He went from a security guard to basically running the whole school! It was insane watching him build this little army – seriously, child soldiers! – and then use them to get rid of the study group and even kidnap Dean Pelton. It was over-the-top, but totally fitting for that character.

Once Chang’s reign of terror ends, he vanishes, then reappears calling himself Kevin and claiming to have amnesia – a condition he dubs “Changnesia.” Though it takes time, the study group gradually moves past Chang’s awful behavior, and by the final season of Community, everyone has largely forgotten what he did. Chang eventually confesses his amnesia was a lie, but because he’s known for being unpredictable and eccentric, everyone simply accepts him and life goes on as if nothing ever happened.

2
Leonard’s Cheating

‘The Big Bang Theory’


CBS

A surprising moment in The Big Bang Theory happens when Leonard suddenly confesses to Penny that he cheated on her. This confession comes completely out of the blue, and he chooses a particularly bad time to tell her – while they’re on their way to their wedding! Leonard hopes to start their marriage with a clean slate and doesn’t want to carry the secret into their future together.

It’s really confusing why Leonard would cheat on Penny. Throughout much of The Big Bang Theory, especially the earlier seasons, he’s constantly worried about other men showing interest in her – even before they were officially a couple. So his own infidelity feels hypocritical. Given Penny’s personality, it’s also surprising she’s able to forgive him so easily and move forward. While it’s ultimately her choice, it seems odd she doesn’t react with more anger or protest before accepting his apology.

1
The Barnabus Reynolds Fraud

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’


FX

Despite the characters on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia rarely seeking redemption, one particular deception is especially memorable. In the episode “Sweet Dee Gets Audited,” after Dee is found by the IRS, the gang fakes a funeral for her baby, Barnabas, who she carried as a surrogate for Carmen and her husband. While Dee goes to great lengths to avoid tax fraud charges, it’s odd that the show doesn’t address the consequences of this event in later episodes.

The IRS auditor finally discovers the scheme when the coffin tips over, revealing rocks instead of a body. While It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia usually features self-contained episodes, the show often references previous events. The reappearance of Carmen, a fan-favorite recurring character, is a good example of this. It’s strange that Dee isn’t punished – or even mentioned as facing consequences – for her actions, especially considering how important her surrogacy storyline is. It seems Dee must have gotten away with it through sheer luck.

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2025-12-13 05:04