15 Once Iconic TV Couples That Are Extremely Toxic in 2025
You may remember these couples as examples of healthy relationships, but we'll help you recall that these unions were definitely not made in heaven.
Throughout TV history, there have been many couples that seemed like examples of love and passion. However, as time passes, attitudes change, and what was once admired now raises questions.
Manipulation, control, and a lack of healthy boundaries – when you revisit these relationships in 2025, you realize how toxic they were.
1. 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (2000-2024) – Larry & Cheryl
After many years of marriage, one would think that Cheryl would have grown accustomed to Larry's peculiar manner of expressing love. In his view, love is an odd thing: he doesn't care for his sick wife, makes no vows of fidelity, and doesn't display his feelings.
Moreover, Larry hates social events and the rules of etiquette. This is not at all suitable for a young woman who loves communicating with people. Their marriage was based more on habit than love and respect.
2. 'How I Met Your Mother' (2005-2014) – Ted & Robin
The relationship between Ted and Robin was doomed from the beginning. On their first date, Ted told Robin he loved her, which she rightfully considered a red flag.
At the end of the first season, Robin invited Ted over knowing he was in a long-distance relationship, hoping to win him over. Ted gave in, cheating on his girlfriend and lying to Robin, claiming that he had broken up with her.
3. 'Emily in Paris' (2020-...) – Emily & Gabriel
From the very beginning, Emily and Gabriel's relationship has been based on lies, emotional outbursts, and games. Gabriel is an egocentric man who only cares about himself and his own comfort.
Emily is no better – she flits from one relationship to the next, trying to maintain her romantic relationship with the chef and her friendship with his ex.
4. 'The Vampire Diaries' (2009-2017) – Elena & Damon
The relationship between Elena and Damon on The Vampire Diaries was definitely toxic with all the aspects of an unhealthy relationship – manipulation, abuse, and a lack of boundaries.
Damon was often controlling, threatening Elena's loved ones, and acting selfishly. Though there was passion between them, their connection was based on destruction rather than mutual respect and trust.
5. 'American Horror Story' (2011-...) – James March & The Countess
In a healthy relationship, lovers usually help each other become better people. With this couple, however, it's the opposite. When they're together, they bring out the worst in each other.
Although James was crazy about The Countess from the beginning, she only married him for his wealth and power.
6. 'Sex and the City' (1998-2004) – Mr. Big & Carrie
The reddest of all red flags is Mr. Big and Carrie. It's impossible to count all the times these two treated each other badly. Just remember the canceled wedding where Carrie hits Big with a bouquet of flowers in the middle of the street.
This couple is easily one of the most destructive in TV history. The extent to which they made each other miserable over the years defies common sense.
7. 'Euphoria' (2019-...) – Maddy & Nate
In Euphoria, Maddy and Nate first make each other's lives hell, and then, as if nothing had happened, they play at unearthly love. Maddy always forgives Nate, even though he abuses and humiliates her.
Nate is a classic example of a guy that all girls are afraid to be in a relationship with. Their relationship is an example of how unrealistic it is to try to change someone, especially if they were raised by a tyrant father.
8. 'Winx Club' (2004-2019) – Bloom & Sky
These two were on and off so often over the course of the seasons that they earned the title of the show's most unstable couple. Bloom and Sky were constantly jealous of each other and couldn't go a minute without being together, which is a serious sign of codependency.
9. 'One Tree Hill' (2003-2012) – Brooke & Lucas
Brooke and Lucas were one of the most toxic couples of the 2000s. They constantly insulted and compared each other, and Lucas was in love with Brooke's best friend, Peyton. Moreover, he cheated on Brooke with Peyton on more than one occasion.
10. 'Gossip Girl' (2007-2012) – Blair & Chuck
Chuck and Blair are the quintessential example of a toxic relationship. They are two spoiled, vicious, and childish people whose passionate squabbles millions of viewers watched for six seasons.
They constantly played with each other's emotions, competing for more power and control in the relationship.
11. 'Game of Thrones' (2011-2019) – Daenerys & Drogo
A relationship that begins as a business arrangement is unhealthy from the start. Daenerys did not marry of her own free will – she had to accept the circumstances.
Perhaps she truly was Drogo's moon, sun and stars and was able to love him sincerely, but this relationship still looks more like a beautiful illustration of Stockholm syndrome.
12. 'Riverdale' (2017-2023) – Archie & Veronica
In Riverdale, every couple had their problems. They got together, broke up, and exchanged partners. One such couple is Archie and Veronica, who are definitely not worth following as an example.
They focus more on a physical connection than on conversations and spiritual unity. Even worse, Archie kissed Betty while dating Veronica.
13. 'Friends' (1994-2004) – Ross & Rachel
Ross is a spoiled, childish man. Rachel is a traumatized woman who was taught from childhood that her life's purpose is to have a successful marriage.
This iconic couple from an equally iconic series is not an example of a healthy relationship. They were always jealous of each other, unable to communicate, and prone to jumping to conclusions based on self-doubt.
14. 'Grey's Anatomy' (2005-...) – Preston & Cristina
From the start, Cristina and Preston's romance was far from perfect. He was the head of surgery, and she started out as an intern. The imbalance of power between them was apparent from the beginning, and it only became more evident as their relationship progressed.
The two ambitious professionals were constantly competing with each other, often sacrificing the well-being of their relationship in the process. In the end, Preston even dumped Cristina, leaving her alone at the altar.
15. 'Gilmore Girls' (2000-2007) – Rory & Dean
Even though Rory told Dean years after graduation that he was the best guy she had ever been with, their relationship was not perfect at all.
Dean broke up with Rory because she wasn't ready to say "I love you" in return; Rory cheated on Dean with Jess and spent a long time hiding her crush on another guy instead of being honest and ending the relationship.
