5 Couples in TV Shows That Should Have Stayed Together

When we binge-watch series and connect with characters, it’s natural to hope that the couples we ship will end up together. When those couples finally become reality, it often feels like an explosion of happiness for those of us who rooted so hard. Sadly, not all couples manage to stay together by the end of the show, and the bitterness of their separation is truly unforgettable.

Shipping refers to supporting two characters to become a couple. With failed ships in mind, we created this list of five couples who should have stayed together. Let’s endure the heartbreak together:

Sid and Cassie - Skins (2007-2008)

Sid and Cassie are fan-favorite characters from the British show Skins, which is praised for its raw depiction of teenage struggles and joys. Sid, shy and unsure of himself, and Cassie, quirky and delicate, make an unlikely but irresistibly charming pair. Both grappling with their vulnerabilities, they meet amidst the chaos of their emotions and messy lives, introduced to each other at a party by mutual friends.

Together, Sid and Cassie share touching and heartfelt moments, creating a bond that few couples can match. Their emotional intricacies were complementary, allowing them to face personal challenges with empathy and care.

The beauty of their relationship lies in the fragile balance between youthful passion and emotional vulnerability. Unfortunately, life’s unpredictable circumstances ultimately pulled them apart, leaving fans with an enduring sense of longing.

Their story concluded with a bittersweet heartache that stuck for years. Cassie moved to New York, and Sid set off to find her, but for a long time, we didn’t know how things ended. It wasn’t until the seventh season, in a special episode centered on Cassie, that subtle hints about their ultimate fate were revealed to viewers.

Otis and Ruby - Sex Education (2019-2021)

In Sex Education, Otis is known for his awkward, endearing personality, while Ruby is the sought-after, popular girl who seems out of reach. The "opposites attract" dynamic makes this couple an unexpected delight, adding freshness to the series and capturing viewers' hearts, evoking that special "I didn’t know I needed this until I saw it" feeling.

Their relationship develops in surprising ways, revealing vulnerability beneath Ruby’s polished exterior. Behind her seemingly superficial attitude lies a deeply sensitive side with a yearning for genuine affection. With Otis, Ruby showcases her authentic self, while Otis grows emotionally as he learns to navigate a meaningful and complex relationship. Their chemistry and unexpectedly deep bond make them a standout pairing.

When Otis and Ruby broke up, it left fans stunned, with a lingering sense of missed potential. Their story felt unfinished, as though there was so much more room for growth in their relationship. However, the normal turbulence and uncertainties of adolescence cut their time together short, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Willow and Tara - Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1999-2002)

Willow and Tara were one of television's most groundbreaking couples in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Their relationship provided much-needed visibility and depth to LGBTQIA+ stories during a time when such representation was rare.

The relationship between Willow and Tara was built on tenderness, affection, and an emotionally supportive partnership. They uplifted and empowered each other, creating a love grounded in mutual respect and acceptance that fueled both of their personal growth journeys. The beauty of their romance stemmed from the simplicity and sincerity of their moments together, as they overcame both supernatural conflicts and personal emotional hurdles.

Tara’s tragic death left fans devastated. It is impossible not to wish for an alternate ending where the couple remained together, showing that LGBTQIA+ characters in popular stories deserve happy endings just as much as anyone else.

Maggie and Glenn - The Walking Dead (2011-2016)

In The Walking Dead, Maggie and Glenn stand out as one of the most cherished couples on television. Their love story, set against the backdrop of the zombie apocalypse, offered a rare glimmer of hope and humanity in a world overwhelmed by chaos and destruction.

Their relationship was defined by deep emotional intensity and their unwavering support for one another. Maggie and Glenn not only shared love but also embodied vital values such as resilience, unity, and companionship, standing together against every danger they faced.

Glenn’s brutal death sent shockwaves through the fandom, leaving Maggie—pregnant with their child—and viewers with a heartbreaking, irreparable void. Fans can’t help but imagine an alternate reality where Glenn lived to see his child’s birth, and their family thrived, growing old together in defiance of the harsh, broken world around them.

Nana and Hachi - Nana (2006-2007)

In the poignant and nostalgic world of the anime Nana, the connection between Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu (affectionately called "Hachi") transcends easy categorization, becoming a symbol of profound emotional intimacy. While they were never explicitly portrayed as a romantic couple, their relationship is often perceived as an unspoken love story.

Throughout the series, Nana and Hachi reveal an inseparable connection, enriched by their contrasting personalities. Nana’s strong-willed ambition and determination balance Hachi’s gentle innocence and open-hearted affection. Their mutual support goes beyond words, creating a rare and almost otherworldly bond.

Nana remains unfinished, as the series has been on hiatus for nearly two decades, with rumors swirling about a potential continuation in 2026. Until its last released chapter, Nana and Hachi are estranged, separated by the challenges of adulthood and life’s difficult choices, leaving a persistent ache in the hearts of fans.

Though it comes from a different era, Nana continues to resonate genuinely and deeply with modern audiences. While there is no closure for their story, fans are left dreaming of a world where Nana and Hachi reunite, understand each other’s feelings more clearly, and fully express the love and affection that their bond represents.

Many couples didn’t end up together, whether due to life’s unpredictabilities or unspoken feelings. However, the chemistry, affection, and unforgettable moments they shared leave a lasting impression. Living on in the hearts of fans is, without a doubt, a fitting legacy for these couples who couldn’t achieve happiness within the boundaries of fiction.

We’ve shed many tears here… how about you? Tell us: which ship didn’t end up together but still holds a special place in your heart?