10 Most volatile couples we see across TV shows

Love on screen is very rarely a happy fairytale ending or romantic gesture. Often unforgettable TV couples are those who drag each other to the edge: constant breaking up and getting back together just to be followed by the thrill of some good old-fashioned toxic power struggle or all-out betrayal.

From sitcom couples whose dramatic fights shaped all pop culture debates to crime-world romances laced with danger, these relationships kept viewers emotionally invested. Chuck and Blair were fiery, while Jax and Tara were as doomed as they come. Some couples thrived on passion and chaos, like Chuck and Blair in Gossip Girl, while others were doomed from the start, such as Jax and Tara in Sons of Anarchy. In some cases, their love was intertwined with ambition, manipulation, and even survival, as seen with Walter and Skyler in Breaking Bad.

New types of romances that add delayed chaos to the existing emotional web will also come up in the future, but those tempestuous couples will stay as classic. Whether extreme love-hate relationships or complete unpredictability, this affirms that the messiest of relationships make for the best television.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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1. Ross and Rachel (Friends)

Controversial, Ross and Rachel topped the bill of TV couples who sparked fiery debates. Their tumultuous romance fell under the spell of on-again-off-again breakups, lack of communication, and an unprecedented reunion. Their argument "We were on a break," has gone on to become one of the most contested moments in sitcom history, and their stormy relationship did not stop there; there were elements of jealousy, rash impulse decisions, as well as an unexpected wedding in Vegas to keep fans guessing.

Ironically, the revelation during the Friends reunion special in 2021 that Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer had real-life crushes on each other only spiced things up further in terms of on-screen chemistry.

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2. Chuck and Blair (Gossip Girl)

Chuck and Blair's romance was anything but typical. Power struggles, manipulation, and dramatic gestures fueled their relationship, turning them into one of television's most exciting, albeit toxic, couples. Trading each other like a hotel, dramatic break-ups, and fervent reunions kept Gossip Girl viewers hooked. Unlike so many explosive television couples, they did end up together, after years of hurt. With the new chaotic romances being brought to life by the Gossip Girl reboot, Chuck and Blair's legacy as the greatest high-stakes love affair remains unshaken in the universe of scandalous television relationships.

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3. Frank and Claire Underwood (House of Cards)

The true nature of Frank and Claire Underwood was the marriage between calculated cruelty and calculated ambition. Their love had always been secondary to the power that lay between them; the betrayal and political maneuverings that kept them joined together would do the same. While they showed a united front in public, it was often with the sole intention of thwarting their spouse behind closed doors in private. The end of the show, suddenly brought about by Kevin Spacey's firing, saw Claire taking sole control and marking one of the most ruthless-ever transitions of power on television.

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4. Jax and Tara (Sons of Anarchy)

Months earlier, Jax and Tara's relationship was a ticking time bomb. At first a reasonably classic "bad boy loves good girl" scenario, their romance degenerated into crime and chaos as Tara was drawn deeper into SAMCRO's criminal world. Lies, violence, and betrayal broke them apart despite their love. After being ruthlessly murdered by Jax's mother, Gemma, Tara's death stands as one of the most heart-wrenching and shocking moments in TV history.

Fans still argue whether Jax and Tara would have escaped their fated doom. Even a decade after the show Sons of Anarchy wound up, the tale of their doomed love still stands as one of the saddest stories in television history.

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5. Tony and Carmela Soprano (The Sopranos)

Tony and Carmela's marriage is defined by infidelity, manipulation, and private arrangements without discussion. For all she cared, Carmela could keep her husband's affairs going because they had a family and riches; power kept him tied to her. Most explosive fights were kicked off by Carmela's moral dilemmas and self-justifying mafia dealings from Tony. With a prequel turning on the flame of interest, The Many Saints of Newark, fans keep going with analysis of this complicated marriage. In the end, Carmela chooses to remain married to him, proving that love, greed, and power often exist simultaneously.

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6. Damon and Elena (The Vampire Diaries)

Damon and Elena's love was based on passion, risk, and supernatural mayhem. Unlike her stable and secure relationship with Stefan, Elena and Damon's love was hot, volatile, and sometimes toxic. Their strong chemistry engaged The Vampire Diaries viewers even though their relationship was often on the brink of obsession. Though they did finally have their good ending, their way there was littered with betrayals, close calls, and emotional drama. The recent Vampire Diaries popularity on streaming sites has re-fueled the debate as to whether Damon was a better selection than Stefan. Either way, their romance is one of TV's most passionate.

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7. Carrie and Brody (Homeland)

Carrie and Brody's love was founded on lies, spying, and conflicting loyalties. Being a CIA agent and a former POW who became a suspect terrorist, their love was not meant to be. Even if they had that emotional bond, trust was always a problem, which resulted in betrayal and heartbreak. Brody's demise in Season 3 broke the hearts of the fans, and Carrie was left forever traumatized. Even years following the demise of Homeland, their romance remains one of the most emotionally charged couples in spy-thriller history. As interest in political dramas continues to grow, their tale is a reminder that love and trickery tend to walk hand in hand.

8. Tommy and Grace (Peaky Blinders)

Tommy and Grace's romance was intense but doomed. From the beginning, their love was founded on lies, for she had infiltrated his gang as a spy. Even with their undeniable passion, tragedy always seemed to follow. Grace's death marked a turning point for Tommy, propelling him further into his violent ways. With Peaky Blinders to return with a film, fans are looking forward to more revelation about how Grace influenced the destiny of Tommy. Their romance was a foreign tender spot in the cold world of Tommy, which makes her death even more tragic and their romance one of the most explosive period drama ever.

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9. BoJack and Princess Carolyn (BoJack Horseman)

While not a classical couple, the relationship between BoJack and Princess Carolyn was an emotional minefield. As friend, agent, and occasional s*x partner, Princess Carolyn repeatedly sought to repair BoJack, even at her own expense. Their dynamic illustrated the poisonous cycle of dependency, self-destruction, and unrequited love. While volatile as they were, there was always a care at their core. With BoJack Horseman again being considered one of the greatest animated series ever, their romance is a sad reflection of how others cling to hope even though deep in their hearts, they realize it's futile.

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10. Walter and Skyler White (Breaking Bad)

Walter and Skyler's marriage evolved from a standard suburban marriage to a battle of power through lies and survival. As Walter's criminal empire expanded, Skyler shifted from a naive wife to an unwilling participant. The couple had one of the most dramatic relationships in television history, climaxing in moments of manipulation, terror, and silent dominance battles. With Breaking Bad still being picked apart by fans and Better Call Saul filling out the universe, their toxic marriage is still a masterclass in storytelling. Unlike most TV couples, theirs wasn't romantic—it was about power, control, and what happens when ambition gets the better of you.