As a long-time fan of sitcoms that take place in high-end workplaces, I must say the dynamics between characters always fascinate me. And let me tell you, the love story between Maya Gallo and Elliot DeMauro from Just Shoot Me was quite an unusual pairing, to put it mildly! They were as different as chalk and cheese – she, a neurotic romantic; he, a womanizer who often hooked up with models. It’s no wonder their relationship never seemed to fit well within the show.
Characters in our beloved sitcoms frequently develop into people we grow fond of emotionally. This bond allows us to celebrate their victories and celebrations, but it also makes us feel their sorrows and heartaches deeply. No matter how much humor a sitcom offers, the emotional investment from viewers is typically greater when it comes to the romantic relationships between main characters. At their best, these relationships bring us immense joy when they unite and embody the perfect relationships we aspire to see.
However, on the flip side, when beloved sitcom characters end up with the wrong person, these elements can become sore spots for fans. For one, they can last for weeks or even entire seasons, increasing our frustrations with every episode. If you’ve ever felt this way about a character in a sitcom, it’s probably a clear indication of just how much the show and the character mean to you.
As a tribute to all the challenging romantic entanglements we’ve witnessed in our beloved sitcoms, let me share a collection of on-screen couples whose initial pairing seemed questionable at best.
14 Ted and Zoey
How I Met Your Mother
Beyond the show’s hilarious antics and recurring humor, the captivating mystery at the heart of the popular sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” lay in our anticipation of who Ted’s eventual wife and mother of his child would be. This suspense elevated every romantic entanglement Ted found himself in, as each new relationship sparked speculation: could this woman be the one? Although many fans rooted for Robin (Cobie Smulders), there were other love interests of Ted’s that fans admired as well. Sadly, Zoey wasn’t among them – at least not for the majority of fans.
They Never Connected The Way He Did With Others
Jennifer Morrison, famously known for her role as Cameron on House, portrayed Zoey. Their relationship with Ted started off turbulently. This was due to Zoey being an activist against the demolition of Arcadian, a project Ted was chosen to redesign. Already having differing views set them at odds, but it was also because of Zoey’s married status to a captain and her tendency towards self-centeredness that prevented a deep connection between her and Ted compared to other characters he had interacted with.
13 Michael and Jan
The Office
Pioneering the mockumentary style within sitcoms, The Office has gained worldwide recognition as a cherished comedy series by audiences everywhere. Although its American adaptation was based on the original British production, it has since paved the way for a new female-led version. However, this reboot faces a significant challenge in surpassing the popularity of Steve Carell’s acclaimed portrayal. Despite the numerous comical escapades, Michael and Jan were not among the show’s memorable romantic pairings.
It Became Evident How Dysfunctional They Were
In the series, their relationship often caused turmoil, which eventually resulted in substantial character progression and numerous chaotic scenes. Following the controversial “Dinner Party” episode, it was clear that they were an unsuitable pair in various aspects. As the story unfolded, many viewers disapproved of Jan’s control over Michael and her overbearing behavior, such as when they cohabited, for instance.
12 Jerry and Elaine
Seinfeld
If we regard previous shows as being legendary, then Seinfeld certainly belongs to that esteemed group. Boasting Jerry Seinfeld’s exceptional comedic prowess, the series could be seen as an over-the-top and fictional tribute to his life as a stand-up comic. Conversely, Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) provided an intellectual counterpart, with the storyline starting by suggesting they had been in a past relationship.
Their Relationship Never Felt Possible in Reality
They were drawn to each other and frequently depicted as a well-matched pair in various scenes, suggesting their strong bond. However, viewers admired them together, the characters also demonstrated a strong sense of individuality, which eventually caused them to end their romantic relationship and return to friendship. This approach to handling their relationship was distinctive, yet some felt it lacked realism.
11 Rebecca and Robin
Cheers
For quite some time before “Sex and the City” gained popularity, “Cheers” had been holding the title of a beloved show. Today, it’s recognized as a classic sitcom and continues to be cherished by its dedicated fans. Notably, Rebecca Howe and Robin Colcord didn’t join the cast until after season five, marking them as relative newcomers in the series with already established careers.
They Never Fit Each Other Well
In the popular series, Kirstie Alley played Robin, a businessperson who appeared successful, while Roger Rees portrayed Rebecca, known for her ambition and desire for luxury. Their union, however, was frequently clouded by dramatic twists that sometimes outshone the show’s humor and generally cheerful atmosphere.
When Robin’s deceitful actions led to his arrest for white-collar offenses, Rebecca came to truly understand his character and decided to part ways – a move that pleased many spectators at the time. Regrettably, both actors portraying them have since passed away.
10 Andy and Erin
The Office
In the series ‘The Office’, another relationship that didn’t always sit well with fans was the one between Andy, played by Ed Helms, and Erin, portrayed by Ellie Kemper. While their on-screen romance sparked debates among viewers, it appeared that their relationship never fully captured hearts as intended. There were several factors contributing to this lack of appeal, suggesting that perhaps their union was not destined from the start.
They Never Aligned and Had Very Different Outlooks
From the get-go, our personalities and aspirations were like oil and water. I, being a bit immature and craving for attention, was as different as night and day from Erin’s traditional nature and her longing for stability. This fundamental difference led to frequent misunderstandings and left us struggling to find common ground in our communication. By season nine, their separation felt inevitable, almost as if it had been destined all along.
9 Jackie and Fez
That ’70s Show
Back in the day, I found myself captivated by the groundbreaking series, “That ’70s Show,” a television gem that catapulted numerous actors into the stratosphere of stardom. One such shining star was Mila Kunis, who at the time was so youthful and ambitious that she fibbed about her age to secure her spot on this iconic show.
Humorously explicit and skillfully delivered, the series was famous not only for its humor but also for the numerous relationships that characters frequently entered and exited. Kunis’ character Jackie was one of those known for these romantic entanglements. Yet, her relationship with Fez on the show often left viewers feeling ambivalent.
They Actually Did End Up Together for a While
Throughout the series, Fez, portrayed by Wilmer Valderrama, harbored feelings for Jackie. Yet, by the time he had an opportunity to pursue her, she was involved with both Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and Hyde (Danny Masterson). As he grew from these encounters, Fez remained somewhat immature and one-sided in his feelings for Jackie, and their connection never flourished into a deep or balanced relationship. However, they did become involved towards the end of the show, even though That ’90s Show later revealed that they parted ways afterwards.
8 Daphne and Donny
Frasier
For many years, “Frasier,” a well-known spinoff from “Cheers,” stood out as one of the most celebrated and watched sitcoms ever made. This show focused on Dr. Frasier Crane’s life after he left Boston to work as a radio psychiatrist in Seattle. Over the years, it gained a massive following and became a cherished program due to its exceptional performances and memorable characters. In fact, it was so popular that it was revived at one point! While Frasier’s romantic life frequently grabbed attention, his brother Dr. Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) and his love interest Daphne (Jane Leeves) often stole the show.
They Were Almost Married
Despite the strong preference among fans for Niles and Daphne to be together, their relationship was met with disdain due to Daphne’s serious relationship with Donnie. For a prolonged period, it appeared that Niles would have to let go of his feelings for Daphne and bear witness to her happiness with Donnie. However, the situation took a significant turn when Niles and Daphne acknowledge their affection for one another, resulting in a drastic shift in events.
7 Sam and Diane
Cheers
Regarding Cheers once more, it’s worth mentioning that Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), another couple from the series, were not a perfect match. Despite their popularity as a TV couple, their contrasting personalities made them an unlikely pair. Sam was known for his rugged charm but could be boorish at times, while Diane, an intellectual with a taste for sophistication, was often at odds with his simplicity.
It All Seemed Like One Big Waste in the End
Although they appeared quite different from one another, their romantic connection lasted for a considerable period, marked by periods of reconciliation followed by splits. Despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship, it began to seem as though they were somehow meant for each other over time. However, unfortunately, their story did not reach its conclusion, as the series finale saw them parting ways instead.
6 Barney and Robin
How I Met Your Mother
Among the many delightful aspects of “How I Met Your Mother,” my personal favorite has to be Barney – the charismatic ladies’ man with a knack for pushing boundaries and testing moral limits. Despite his questionable actions, he always seemed to reveal an unexpected depth of emotion when it truly mattered. However, his romantic journey with Robin, while entertaining for some viewers, was not universally accepted by all audience members.
They Proved to be a Story of Happily Never After
Firstly, Robin and Ted shared a deep history, leading many to believe they were destined for each other.
5 Will and Vince
Will & Grace
Back in its time, “Will & Grace” was a groundbreaking television series, renowned for challenging norms by featuring significant LGBT representation on mainstream TV. This highly successful and hilarious sitcom brought iconic characters to life, such as Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, and Sean Hayes, who were all admired for their roles. The show was later revived and garnered numerous Emmys and other prestigious awards during the late ’90s and early ’00s.
It Seemed Like One Big Waste of Time
Throughout the show’s run, it wasn’t just the lead duo that stole the spotlight; other characters played crucial roles, with Will’s romantic entanglement with Vince becoming one of the most impactful storylines in later seasons. Initially, their relationship seemed like a dream come true for fans, but it wasn’t long before they experienced a series of highs and lows, culminating in some deeply emotional episodes. By the end, their split was mutual yet heart-wrenching for both characters, leaving neither in a state of happiness.
4 Leonard and Priya
The Big Bang Theory
One of television’s most celebrated sitcoms, “The Big Bang Theory“, masterfully blended sharp humor, exceptional writing, science, and a unique take on nerd culture. Starring Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstader, the show sparked debate among viewers due to the portrayal of Leonard’s relationship with Priya (Aarti Mann), which many fans found less appealing compared to other romantic storylines.
She Seemed to be Replacing Penny in Too Many ways
The explanation for this situation is clear. From the very start of the series, Penny has been the center of Leonard’s romantic interests, given her immense popularity as a sitcom character. Yet, when their relationship didn’t work out and Leonard started exploring other options, it seemed incongruous that he would choose someone so different from Penny.
Priya, an exceptionally talented lawyer, had her fair share of dominating traits and unfortunately, she deceived Leonard in the end. However, it wasn’t just her infidelity that irked viewers; it was when she forbade Leonard from spending time with Penny. This restriction, which fans felt hindered the potential reconciliation between Leonard and Penny, made Priya intolerable to many viewers.
3 Mike and Caitlin
Spin City
Back in the day, one of the finest sitcoms was “Spin City,” which humorously portrayed the chaotic lives of the Mayor of New York’s staff, with Michael J. Fox playing Mike Flaherty. The show was incredibly funny and boasted a terrific ensemble cast. Unfortunately, when Mike and Caitlin (played by Heather Locklear) got together on the show, it didn’t turn out well, and looking back, perhaps it shouldn’t have happened at all.
Their Relationship Always Faced Complications
In season four, Caitlin made her appearance and had a contentious relationship with Mike due to their differing views. This frequent conflict led to ongoing work difficulties for them. Moreover, this dynamic altered the storyline of the show in significant ways, diluting its initial appeal and humor. Regrettably, Michael J. Fox’s health issues eventually necessitated his departure from the series, opening up the role for Charlie Sheen as a new character, Charlie Crawford.
2 Maya and Elliott
Just Shoot Me
In the late ’90s, yet another popular sitcom set in a sophisticated work environment was called “Just Shoot Me“. This time, the humor came from the employees at a fictitious fashion magazine.
The series boasted an impressive ensemble, spearheaded by comedians like David Spade, George Segal, and Wendie Malick. Yet, it was the development of a romance between two characters that seemed ill-advised.
Another Case of Being Two Very Different People
Among them was Maya Gallo (Laura San Giacomo), the daughter of the magazine’s wealthy and peculiar owner. Despite her somewhat neurotic and generally honorable nature, she didn’t mesh easily with the magazine’s head photographer, Elliot DeMauro (Enrico Colantoni). They had significant differences, as she was a romantic at heart while he frequently pursued relationships with the models he photographed for the magazine covers.
1 Joey and Rachel
Friends
We conclude with “Friends,” an iconic series that has proven its longevity through the years. The tragic passing of a prominent cast member, Matthew Perry, left fans worldwide heartbroken, yet the show remains in focus as new details unfold regarding the case. Despite Chandler and Monica being a beloved couple from it, along with Ross and Rachel, Rachel and Joey never managed to form that romantic duo.
Even The Cast Was Against This One
In the later stages of their relationship, when it appeared as though Ross and Rachel had permanently parted ways, things took an unexpected turn. This shift began when Rachel moved in with Joey for convenience. Over time, either due to their close bond or shared living space, Joey found himself growing affectionate towards her. However, when they decided to experiment with being a couple, it quickly became clear that this was a misstep, not only for the characters but also for the narrative of the show.
In an exclusive conversation with Digital Spy, executive producer Kevin S. Bright shared the reasons behind the cast’s opposition to a Friends reunion, as explained by Matt LeBlanc (Joey).
Initially, Matt LeBlanc expressed reluctance towards that particular plotline. He strongly objected to it, arguing that as Ross’ friend, the kind of friend Joey is wouldn’t dare steal someone else’s girlfriend.
Ultimately, the public’s response validated LeBlanc’s assessment that the duo wasn’t meant to be long-term. Luckily, they terminated their tumultuous relationship swiftly following their initial attempt, and by the final episode of the renowned series, Ross and Rachel had reconciled once more.
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2024-09-08 19:02