20 TV Series That Glorified Abusive Relationships for “Drama”

Television dramas frequently rely on intense conflict to keep audiences engaged and ensure high ratings. Writers often pair characters together in volatile situations that blur the line between passion and abuse. These relationships are frequently stylized with romantic music and grand gestures that mask the underlying toxicity. Viewers are encouraged to root for couples who manipulate and hurt each other in the name of love. The following series featured relationships that prioritized dramatic tension over healthy dynamics.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

The turbulent relationship between Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf served as the central romance of the series despite its deeply problematic nature. Chuck traded Blair to his uncle for a hotel in a plot point that shocked many viewers. The show framed their manipulative schemes and emotional warfare as ultimate signs of passion. Fans frequently rooted for them to stay together regardless of the psychological torment they inflicted on one another.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert shared a supernatural romance that often blurred the lines of consent and safety. Damon frequently lashed out violently when rejected and killed people close to Elena during his temper tantrums. The narrative framed his controlling behavior as protective and presented his redemption arc as contingent on her love. Viewers were encouraged to look past his centuries of murder because of their intense chemistry.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Carrie Bradshaw spent years chasing Mr. Big despite his constant emotional unavailability and refusal to commit. The series finale rewarded Carrie for her persistence by having her end up with the man who repeatedly broke her heart. His dismissal of her feelings and tendency to string her along were treated as hurdles to a fairy tale ending. Many critics later reevaluated this dynamic as a prime example of a toxic cycle disguised as romance.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

Aria Montgomery and Ezra Fitz began their relationship when she was a high school student and he was her teacher. The show romanticized the illicit nature of their bond and focused on the drama of keeping it secret rather than the power imbalance. It was later revealed that Ezra knew her age and stalked her friends for a book he was writing. This predatory context was largely swept aside to preserve the couple as a romantic endgame.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant engaged in a high stakes affair defined by power struggles and betrayal. Fitz often exercised his presidential power to control Olivia while claiming he did everything for her. The show stylized their screaming matches and manipulation as evidence of an undeniable love. Audiences tuned in weekly to see if they would overcome the political fallout despite the damage they caused each other.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Spike and Buffy Summers engaged in a violent and volatile sexual relationship during the later seasons of the show. Their connection was built on self loathing and physical altercations that destroyed buildings around them. The narrative explored the darkness of their bond but often presented Spike’s obsession as a form of devotion. A controversial scene in the sixth season highlighted the extreme danger inherent in their lack of boundaries.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd faced constant turmoil that the show presented as the ultimate medical drama romance. Derek frequently put his career above hers and dismissed her professional validation during their arguments. His tendency to punish her with silence or emotional withdrawal created a tense environment that was framed as passionate conflict. The phrase pick me choose me love me became iconic despite the desperation it represented.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Barney Stinson and Robin Scherbatsky engaged in a relationship filled with manipulation and lies. Barney famously enacted an elaborate play involving deception just to propose to her. The series presented his sociopathic tendencies as quirks that Robin could tame or accept. Their divorce in the finale highlighted the unsustainability of a foundation built on tricks rather than trust.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton started a romance that involved him arranging for her to be beaten so he could feed her his healing blood. This initial deceit set the tone for a relationship marred by supernatural control and obsession. The show glamorized the danger Bill posed to Sookie as part of the allure of dating a vampire. Viewers were asked to sympathize with Bill despite his history of manipulation.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Jess Mariano and Rory Gilmore shared a relationship that many fans adored for their intellectual connection. Jess often treated Rory with indifference and fled town without saying goodbye when things got difficult. He pressured her physically at a party in a scene that remains difficult for many to watch. The show framed his bad boy persona as a challenge for Rory rather than a warning sign.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

Ryan Atwood and Marissa Cooper defined early 2000s teen drama with their chaotic and codependent relationship. Ryan constantly had to save Marissa from dangerous situations while she struggled with substance abuse and depression. Their cycle of breaking up and making up prevented either character from finding stability. The writers used their dysfunction to drive the plot until her tragic exit from the series.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

Effy Stonem and James Cook engaged in a destructive relationship fueled by drugs and emotional evasion. The show depicted their connection as raw and gritty realism but often glamorized the self destruction involved. Cook used violence to solve problems while Effy manipulated those around her to avoid feeling pain. Their dynamic suggested that true love requires shared trauma and chaos.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Cookie and Lucious Lyon maintained a power struggle that dominated the music industry and their family dynamic. Lucious constantly pitted his sons against each other and emotionally abused Cookie despite her loyalty. The series presented their ruthless behavior as necessary for building a dynasty. Their toxic loyalty to one another was framed as the only thing strong enough to hold the company together.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

Fiona Gallagher and Jimmy Lishman shared a chaotic bond defined by his pathological lying and criminal lifestyle. Jimmy repeatedly deceived Fiona about his medical career and his marriage to another woman. The show portrayed his eventual return attempts as romantic gestures rather than the actions of a compulsive liar. Fans were drawn to their chemistry even as his presence constantly endangered the Gallagher family.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones investigated murders together while navigating a relationship filled with dark family secrets. Jughead often prioritized his writing and investigations over Betty’s emotional well being. The show stylized their trauma bonding as a modern noir romance. High stakes and constant danger masked the lack of healthy communication between the two teenagers.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

Jackson Whittemore and Lydia Martin were the popular power couple that thrived on superficiality and verbal abuse. Jackson treated Lydia like an accessory and constantly belittled her intelligence. The series eventually revealed Lydia’s hidden depths but the initial relationship was purely toxic. Their dynamic was used to establish high school hierarchy tropes at the expense of mutual respect.

‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011–2018)

Rumplestiltskin and Belle reimagined the classic fairy tale with a darker twist involving addiction to magic. Rumple repeatedly chose power over Belle and lied to her about his magical dealings. The show framed Belle’s repeated forgiveness as a sign of her strength and hope. This dynamic trapped Belle in a cycle of disappointment that the narrative insisted was true love.

‘House’ (2004–2012)

Gregory House and Lisa Cuddy engaged in a professional and personal struggle that crossed many boundaries. House constantly undermined her authority as Dean of Medicine and manipulated her emotions. His addiction and abrasive personality were treated as hurdles Cuddy had to manage. The eventual crash of a car into her living room cemented the abusive nature of his obsession.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

Emily Thorne and Daniel Grayson built a relationship entirely on the foundation of her desire to destroy his family. Emily manipulated Daniel’s feelings and trust to further her vengeance plot against the Graysons. The show presented her deception as a necessary evil in her quest for justice. Daniel suffered greatly as a pawn in a game he did not know he was playing.

‘One Tree Hill’ (2003–2012)

Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer spent years betraying friends and partners to be together. Their relationship often involved emotional cheating and a lack of regard for the people they hurt. The show romanticized their brooding nature and framed their betrayal of others as destiny. Destiny became the excuse for all the emotional wreckage they left in their wake.

Tell us which TV couple you think set the worst example for healthy relationships in the comments.