AceShowbiz - The strength of a show's various couples is a major appeal, even for series not primarily focused on romance. Palpable chemistry elevates an ensemble cast and deepens audience investment. Conversely, a weakly realized coupling can significantly detract. Viewers love rooting for a pairing, but get frustrated when characters they don't think belong together form a relationship.

In fairness to creative talent, many of Television's Most Regrettable Romantic Pairings were never intended to last. Some were introduced for fresh narrative directions or conflict. Regardless of motivations, these romances left viewers hoping for a quick break-up. Here are a few television pairings that still make us cringe during every rewatch.

One of Seinfeld's most infamous pairings involved perennial sad-sack George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and Susan Ross (Heidi Swedberg). The show, known for its failed relationships played for comedic value, saw George find true love with Susan, leading to their engagement. Tragedy struck when George unknowingly bought cheap wedding invitation envelopes with toxic glue. In one of TV's most shocking deaths, Susan died from licking too many envelopes while preparing to mail invitations.

Alexander alluded to Swedberg not quite fitting in with the main cast, leading co-creator Larry David to kill the character off in what became one of the series' darkest episodes. Alexander later apologized for his comments. Most fans agree that George's brief engagement was an odd direction, with poor Susan Ross deserving better.

Every possible pairing on Friends among the main cast was explored. While many were contained to a one-off smooch, one coupling that had legs was between Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc). Starting in the ninth season finale, their relationship continued into the final season, with Joey eventually securing the blessing of Rachel's on-again/off-again beau Ross Geller (David Schwimmer).

After multiple failed attempts to be intimate, Rachel and Joey decided their deep friendship was more valuable than any forced romantic entanglement. This highlighted fundamental issues with their pairing. For many viewers, the Rachel and Joey romance felt contrived, disrupting established character dynamics and ultimately delaying the inevitable reunion of Rachel and Ross. It remains a prime example of a storyline that left an impression of awkwardness.