Shows on television often present intricate romantic entanglements to keep audiences captivated. However, certain relationships can escalate from complex to distressingly toxic, causing frustration or dismay among viewers.
This collection of romantic pairings, fueled by deceit, control, or an unwholesome fixation, are conspicuous for all the wrong reasons. Here you’ll find 12 of the most poisonous TV show relationships, arranged from less harmful to downright catastrophic.
In this version, I tried to maintain the original meaning while making it more accessible and easier to read for a wider audience. The key changes were made in the first sentence, where I replaced “pairings” with “romantic pairings” and “driven by” with “fueled by”. Additionally, I changed the ranking phrase from “ranked from bad to utterly disastrous” to “arranged from less harmful to downright catastrophic”, to make it more consistent in terms of language usage.
‘Gossip Girl’ (2007-2012)
Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf
In a more simplified manner, we could say that the influential pair from the Upper East Side often rely on manipulation and power struggles. Chuck’s dominating actions, such as swapping Blair for a hotel deal, and Blair’s underhand tactics create a dangerous love story full of ups and downs.
The on-screen pairing of Ed Westwick and Leighton Meester sparked an undeniable connection, yet their characters’ repeated acts of deceit and emotional torment often eclipsed any semblance of love. Although fans eagerly supported them, the price they paid was significant.
‘Breaking Bad’ (2008-2013)
Walter White and Skyler White
Walter’s transformation into a drug lord corrodes his relationship with Skyler. His deceit and manipulation drive her to live in constant fear and submission, while her own actions, such as money laundering, entangle them in a harmful spiral of mutual guilt.
In a riveting display of acting, Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn shine, yet the undercurrent of deceit and power struggles in their relationship creates an oppressive atmosphere. It’s like watching a tragic accident unfold in slow motion.
‘Mad Men’ (2007-2015)
Don Draper and Betty Draper
In the realm of my personal reflections, I find myself in a tumultuous union with Betty – a marriage marked by Don’s infidelities and my icy resentment. His hidden indiscretions and my subtle, underhanded jabs have transformed our home into a fortress of mistrust and emotional detachment.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my thoughts on the captivating performances by Jon Hamm and January Jones. They masterfully embody a sophisticated yet fractured couple, where their struggles with communication and growth create an atmosphere reminiscent of a chilly conflict in every scene they share.
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009-2017)
Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert
Damon’s intense affection for Elena can sometimes slip into overbearing behavior, such as forcing her to forget crucial events or becoming aggressively violent. Elena’s struggle to decide her feelings creates the turbulent give-and-take between them.
The chemistry between Ian Somerhalder’s character and Nina Dobrev’s is intense on-screen, yet the harmful characteristics displayed by Damon, such as disregarding Elena’s decisions, cast a shadow over their relationship. This passionate bond has a sinister undertone.
‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010-2017)
Ezra Fitz and Aria Montgomery
In simpler terms, Ezra, who is a teacher, enters into a romantic relationship with his underage student Aria. This relationship is problematic due to the significant power differential between them. To make matters worse, he covertly monitors her for a book project, which gives their connection an unsettling air of deceit.
Ian Harding and Lucy Hale create a captivating romantic vibe, however, the teacher-student relationship and Ezra’s deceitful actions give off an uncomfortable feel to the storyline. Viewers winced as the series brushed aside warning signs that were apparent.
‘You’ (2018-2024)
Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn
As a seasoned film critic, I found myself utterly captivated by the twisted dynamic between Joe and Love, two characters who share an uncanny knack for manipulation, fueled by an insatiable jealousy and a chilling propensity for violence. This dark tale of love transformed into a lethal game of one-upmanship is as unsettling as it is intriguing, with both characters pushing the boundaries of obsession to heinous extremes. The body count serves as a grim reminder that their relationship is far from conventional – in fact, it’s a dance with death.
As a cinephile, I must say that Penn Badgley and Victoria Pedretti create an intense whirlwind of drama that’s hard to look away from. However, their relationship’s violent undertones and palpable mistrust paint a picture of toxicity that feels like it’s straight out of my worst nightmares.
‘Riverdale’ (2017-2023)
Archie Andrews and Veronica Lodge
The up-and-down relationship between Archie and Veronica is frequently complicated by unfaithfulness and turmoil, with their connections to Veronica’s dubious relatives and Archie’s impulsive decisions perpetuating an ongoing cycle of suspicion.
KJ Apa and Camila Mendes‘s allure is undeniable, yet the recurring romantic turmoil and lack of clear communication in their characters’ relationships can be overwhelming. At times, it seems as though they are trapped in a never-ending soap opera plot.
‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005-2014)
Ted Mosby and Robin Scherbatsky
Ted’s persistent chase of Robin, even though it’s evident she’s not keen on a committed relationship, fosters an unwholesome situation. His romanticizing her and overlooking their differences prolongs their suffering.
In the series, it’s Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders who truly embody its emotional core. However, Ted’s persistent affection and Robin’s confusing messages create a harmful dynamic in their relationship. Viewers often sighed, frustrated by the prolonged will-they-won’t-they dance.
‘The Office’ (2005-2013)
Ryan Howard and Kelly Kapoor
Ryan and Kelly’s connection is marked by immature behavior and manipulation. Their apathy from Ryan and Kelly’s overly emotional, tumultuous reactions keep them trapped in a damaging cycle of separations and reconciliations.
B.J. Novak and Mindy Kaling portray a duo that humorously displays self-centeredness and instability. Their turbulence is amusing until it becomes merely unfortunate.
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997-2003)
Buffy Summers and Spike
In the beginning, Spike’s intense affection towards Buffy takes a troubling turn as he follows and harasses her, later escalating to more sinister acts such as attempting to harm her. As their relationship develops, persistent power struggles and instances of violence remain.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character Buffy and James Marsters’ character Spike share a powerful connection, yet their problematic behaviors – Spike’s toxic actions and Buffy’s unhealthy obsession – make it challenging to support their relationship. It’s a tale of love marred by too many emotional wounds.
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)
Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow
The romantic relationship between Jon and Daenerys is destined for failure due to their contrasting allegiances and subsequent deception. As Daenerys evolves into a despot and Jon maintains his unyielding morality, they find themselves engaging in manipulative tactics that ultimately result in a sad and unfortunate conclusion.
Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington strive to convey emotion in their performance, however, their portrayal of a potentially incestuous relationship and underlying mistrust creates an intensely awkward dynamic for viewers. Many fans found the way it was developed to be highly displeasing.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-present)
Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd
Derek’s dominating nature and Meredith’s self-harming habits lead to a turbulent relationship marked by repeated splits, demands, and emotional power plays. While their affection for each other can be profound, it frequently veers towards unwholesome patterns.
Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey are undeniably memorable in their roles, but the tension between Derek’s arrogance and Meredith’s dependence often felt toxic, like an unhealthy pull-and-push dynamic. Despite this, fans couldn’t get enough of them, yet the signs of strain were evident all along.
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2025-06-12 02:15