20 TV Series That Glorified Abusive Relationships for “Drama”

TV dramas often use strong conflict to grab viewers and boost ratings. Writers commonly create couples facing difficult, explosive situations, sometimes making it hard to tell the difference between intense love and harmful behavior. These relationships are often presented as romantic, with dramatic music and big displays of affection, which can hide how unhealthy they really are. This can lead viewers to support couples who are manipulative or hurtful, all in the name of love. The shows discussed below showcase relationships where creating drama was more important than portraying healthy connections.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

I was totally hooked on Chuck and Blair’s relationship on the show, even though it was seriously messed up. I remember being shocked when Chuck actually traded Blair to his uncle for a hotel – it was unbelievable! The show always made their scheming and fighting look like intense love, and honestly, a lot of us fans kept hoping they’d end up together, even though they really hurt each other. It was complicated, but so addictive to watch.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

The relationship between Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert was a passionate but problematic romance. Damon often reacted with violence when Elena didn’t respond as he wished, and he sometimes harmed her loved ones when angry. The story often excused his controlling actions as being motivated by protection, and suggested he could only change if she loved him. Despite his long history of violence, viewers were led to focus on their strong connection and overlook his harmful behavior.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Carrie Bradshaw spent years trying to win over Mr. Big, even though he consistently kept his distance and avoided commitment. The show ultimately gave her what she wanted, pairing her with the man who had repeatedly hurt her. The series portrayed his dismissive behavior and tendency to lead her on as simply obstacles to overcome in order to achieve a happy ending. However, many viewers and critics now recognize this relationship as a harmful pattern presented as a romantic ideal.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

I always found Aria and Ezra’s relationship on the show so troubling. It started when she was just a student and he was her teacher, and while they played up the excitement of keeping it a secret, it never felt right to me. Learning that Ezra knew how young she was and had even been watching her friends for his book… that was just awful. It really bothered me how the show seemed to ignore all of that and still pushed them as the couple we were supposed to root for. It felt like they glossed over some seriously problematic behavior to get the ending they wanted.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant had a passionate but tumultuous affair, marked by power imbalances and deceit. Fitz frequently used his position as president to control Olivia, justifying his actions as being for her benefit. The show presented their intense arguments and manipulative behavior as proof of a deep, undeniable connection. Viewers were captivated each week, wondering if they could navigate the political consequences of their relationship despite the hurt they inflicted on each other.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

During the later seasons of the show, Spike and Buffy Summers had a turbulent and often violent relationship. It was rooted in their mutual self-hatred and frequently involved physical fights that caused significant damage. The story delved into the troubling aspects of their connection, sometimes portraying Spike’s intense focus on Buffy as a misguided form of love. A particularly shocking scene in season six demonstrated just how dangerous their lack of healthy boundaries was.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd’s relationship on the show was presented as a dramatic medical romance, but it was often filled with conflict. Derek often prioritized his own career and didn’t always acknowledge Meredith’s professional accomplishments during disagreements. He would sometimes respond to conflict by withdrawing emotionally, which the show portrayed as intense passion. Even though it highlighted a desperate need for reassurance, their iconic line, ‘Pick me, choose me, love me,’ became well-known.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Barney and Robin’s relationship was marked by dishonesty and manipulation. Barney went to extreme lengths, using a complex scheme of lies, even to propose. The show often portrayed his problematic behavior as harmless quirks that Robin believed she could handle. Ultimately, their divorce in the final episode underscored that a relationship built on deceit couldn’t last.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton’s relationship began with Bill deceiving Sookie – he had her attacked so he could heal her with his blood. This dishonesty established a pattern of control and obsession that defined their connection. The show often presented the danger Bill posed to Sookie as a romantic element, asking viewers to feel drawn to him even knowing he was manipulative.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Jess Mariano and Rory Gilmore had a relationship that many viewers loved because they connected on an intellectual level. However, Jess often seemed distant and avoided dealing with problems directly, even leaving town abruptly without saying goodbye. There was also a concerning moment where he pressured Rory physically at a party, a scene that remains upsetting for many. The show often portrayed Jess’s rebellious side as something for Rory to overcome, rather than as a potential red flag.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

Ryan Atwood and Marissa Cooper became the iconic couple of early 2000s teen dramas, largely due to their turbulent and unhealthy relationship. Ryan frequently found himself rescuing Marissa from trouble, as she battled addiction and depression. Their constant breakups and reconciliations kept both characters from finding lasting happiness. The show’s writers relied on this drama to move the story forward, until Marissa’s heartbreaking departure.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

Effy Stonem and James Cook had a troubled relationship marked by drug use and a tendency to avoid dealing with their feelings. While the show aimed for a realistic and unflinching portrayal of their connection, it sometimes unintentionally made their self-destructive behavior seem appealing. Cook often resorted to violence, and Effy manipulated others to protect herself from emotional pain. Their relationship implied that some people believe shared hardship and turmoil are necessary for a deep connection.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Cookie and Lucious Lyon were locked in a constant battle for control, impacting both their family and the music world. Lucious frequently created conflict between his sons and, despite Cookie’s unwavering devotion, treated her poorly. The show often portrayed their harsh actions as essential for establishing a lasting legacy, and their complicated, often unhealthy bond was presented as the only force capable of keeping the company stable.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

Fiona Gallagher and Jimmy Lishman had a turbulent relationship built on a foundation of lies and Jimmy’s involvement in crime. He consistently misled Fiona, pretending to be a doctor and hiding the fact that he was married. The show often framed his attempts to reconnect with her as romantic, despite his history of dishonesty. Despite the danger he posed to Fiona and her family, many viewers were captivated by their connection.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Betty and Jughead teamed up to solve murders, but their relationship was complicated by hidden family issues. Jughead frequently focused more on his work and investigations than on Betty’s feelings. The show presented their intense connection as a dramatic, old-fashioned romance, and the constant danger they faced often overshadowed their struggles to communicate effectively.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

Jackson Whittemore and Lydia Martin seemed like the perfect couple, but their relationship was actually built on appearances and hurtful words. Jackson often treated Lydia as if she were just something to show off and frequently put her down. While the show later showed Lydia’s intelligence and complexity, their early connection was clearly unhealthy. Their story reinforced typical high school stereotypes, but at the cost of treating each other with respect.

‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011–2018)

The show ‘Once Upon a Time’ offered a new take on the Rumplestiltskin and Belle story, exploring themes of magic and addiction. Rumplestiltskin consistently prioritized power over Belle, deceiving her about his use of magic. While the show portrayed Belle’s willingness to forgive him as a display of strength and optimism, this ultimately kept her stuck in a pattern of heartbreak that the story presented as a loving relationship.

‘House’ (2004–2012)

Gregory House and Lisa Cuddy had a complicated relationship, mixing work and personal feelings in unhealthy ways. House repeatedly challenged Cuddy’s position as Dean of Medicine and played with her emotions. Cuddy often found herself dealing with his addiction and difficult personality. The culmination of his behavior – including a dramatic incident where a car crashed into her home – revealed the controlling and damaging nature of his obsession with her.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

Emily Thorne and Daniel Grayson’s relationship was built on a lie: Emily was determined to ruin his family and used her connection with him to get revenge. The show portrayed her dishonesty as justifiable in her pursuit of what she believed was justice. Daniel was unknowingly used as a tool in Emily’s plan and suffered greatly because of it.

‘One Tree Hill’ (2003–2012)

Lucas and Peyton’s relationship was built on years of hurting others, with both frequently crossing boundaries and being unfaithful. The show often presented their problematic behavior as romantic and excused their actions by claiming it was simply meant to be. This idea of ‘destiny’ was used to justify the emotional pain they caused to those around them.

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

2025-11-27 22:46