10 Great Shows That Were Ruined by One Bad Romance Arc

Some TV shows hook you with compelling stories, rich characters, and perfect pacing, only to stumble when a poorly executed romance takes center stage. A bad love story can overshadow everything else, frustrating fans and throwing off the show’s balance.

I’ve picked out 10 series where one romantic arc veered so far off course it nearly wrecked the entire show. From forced pairings to toxic dynamics, these love stories didn’t just miss the mark—they left fans questioning what happened to the show they loved. Let’s break down these romantic missteps and why they hurt so much.

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-present) – Izzie and George

The friendship between Izzie and George was a highlight, full of warmth and support. Throwing them into a romantic fling in season four felt like a betrayal of their bond, turning a heartfelt connection into awkward, unconvincing drama.

It clashed with their established dynamic, and the lack of chemistry made it painful to watch. Fans were relieved when it ended quickly, but the arc left a sour mark on their otherwise great story.

That ’70s Show (1998-2006) – Jackie and Fez

Jackie and Fez’s friendship was quirky and fun, but their sudden romance in the final season felt like a desperate grab for drama. With no real buildup, their pairing came off as forced and mismatched, clashing with their earlier dynamic.

It alienated fans who loved Jackie’s growth and Fez’s goofy charm. The romance felt like a last-minute shock rather than a natural story, tainting the show’s nostalgic vibe.

The Legend of Korra (2012-2014) – Korra and Mako

The pilot sets up Korra as a bold, independent hero, but her rushed romance with Mako in season one felt flat and unearned. Their love triangle with Asami leaned on tired tropes, making Korra seem jealous and petty instead of strong.

It overshadowed the show’s epic action and world-building, frustrating fans who wanted more focus on Korra’s journey. Later seasons improved, but the early romance left a lingering dent.

Friends (1994-2004) – Rachel and Joey

Ross and Rachel’s on-again, off-again saga defined Friends, so tossing Rachel into a romance with Joey in season nine felt wildly out of place. Their “friends with benefits” vibe lacked depth and made both characters seem shallow.

It disrupted the group’s dynamic and annoyed fans who saw no real chemistry. The show quickly backtracked, but the arc felt like a cheap stunt that hurt its heartfelt core.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) – Ted and Robin

Ted’s endless pining for Robin carried the show’s early charm, but the finale’s decision to revert him to chasing her after years of growth felt like a slap in the face. It undid his arc and sidelined the mother’s story.

Fans felt cheated after investing in Ted’s journey, as the focus on this toxic, repetitive romance overshadowed the show’s emotional payoff. It left a bitter taste for many.

Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017) – Aria and Ezra

Aria and Ezra’s teacher-student romance started as a bold, forbidden love story, but revelations about Ezra’s shady motives in later seasons soured it. His pursuit of Aria for research felt manipulative and creepy, undermining their chemistry.

It turned a fan-favorite couple into a problematic mess, making it hard to root for them. The show’s mystery vibe got lost in the fallout, frustrating loyal viewers.

Glee (2009-2015) – Blaine and Karofsky

Blaine and Kurt were a beloved pair, so pairing Blaine with Karofsky, Kurt’s former bully, in season six felt like a cruel twist. The relationship had no buildup and clashed with Karofsky’s past actions, making it feel forced and wrong.

It alienated fans who cherished Glee’s emotional core, and the arc’s lack of resolution only added to the disappointment. The show never fully recovered from this misstep.

Riverdale (2017-2023) – Archie and Veronica

Archie and Veronica’s steamy romance started strong, but by season three, it became a repetitive cycle of hookups and breakups. Their physical chemistry couldn’t mask the lack of emotional depth, turning Archie into a one-note character.

It dragged down the show’s wild mystery plots, as their drama felt like filler. Fans grew tired of the constant back-and-forth, wishing their story had more substance.

Community (2009-2015) – Britta and Troy

Troy and Abed’s epic friendship was Community’s heart, but the brief Britta-Troy romance in season four felt like a forced detour. It lacked the spark of their platonic bond and made both characters less likable, with no real payoff.

The show’s quirky humor suffered as the romance took focus from the group dynamic. Fans were glad when it fizzled, but it weakened an already shaky season.

Scandal (2012-2018) – Olivia and Fitz

Olivia and Fitz’s fiery affair drove Scandal’s early drama, but by later seasons, their obsessive, toxic relationship went too far. Fitz starting a war for Olivia and her election fraud for him felt over-the-top and out of character.

It overshadowed the show’s sharp political intrigue, making their romance feel like a soap opera. Fans grew exhausted, wishing the focus stayed on Olivia’s strength.

Which of these romantic arcs frustrated you the most, or is there another TV love story that threw a show off track? Share your thoughts in the comments!