13 of the worst TV couples of all time

While watching television, fans usually find themselves rooting for one couple or another during the length of their favorite shows. Sometimes, even, the fans’ opinions on which couples should be together or not dictate the show’s direction (See: Glee.)

Aside from fandom wars over a favorite couple or “ship,” there are couples together on TV shows that seem either like a cheap plot device, or feel pretty gross to watch for various reasons. Here’s a list of what we think are the worst couples in TV history.

Beware: Spoilers ahead.

1. Olivia Pope and Jake Ballard (“Scandal”)

OK, OK. They were standing in the sun together or whatever. But Admiral Jake is a certified murderer, and he kept Olivia from wearing the sometimes metaphoric, sometimes real, White Hat of goodness.

He was keen on attaining power, remaining in Rowan’s good graces, and one-upping former President Fitzgerald Grant III. I understand that "Scandal"wasn’t necessarily the be-all end-all for good morals and values, and Olivia certainly has her own list of faults, but Jake is the lowest of the low in terms of a good match for her. He brought out the worst in the founder of OPA – even conspiring with her as the operators of B613, the secret agency controlling the government and sending out kills.

2. Archie and Veronica (“Riverdale”)

What do these two have in common besides enjoying making out with each other? The core of their relationship seems to be pleasing Veronica’s father, Hiram, who drives Archie away from his friends and family. There’s a huge lack of trust and communication in this high school relationship, which isn’t that unheard of, but is pretty unhealthy in the long-run. (Also, is holding onto Veronica and Betty as a couple just ridiculous at this point?)

3. Blair and Dan (“Gossip Girl”)

This couple confused me in that yes, they have a lot of shared interests – they enjoy the same books and movies. But Dan feels like the Brooklyn wannabe male version of Blair. Even viewers who don’t like Chuck agree that he matured enough by the end of the series to be a suitable partner-in-crime for Blair.