As the well-known saying goes: "two is company, three is a crowd". That may be true in some instances, but when it comes to on-screen TV show relationships, three or more people can provide some delicious drama, plenty of pining, and prolong a love story's life span to last multiple episodes and even seasons. While some shows might opt to bring a beloved couple together and keep it together, others have chosen to make their journey last a little bit longer, keeping the viewers invested and, sometimes, annoyed.
Every genre has had its own iconic love triangles, like Olivia, Fitz & Jake in Scandal; Joey, wonderful world of best sitcoms has also brought audiences many exciting throuples to root for. Whichever team fans end up ing, the amount of emotion and frustration that builds up in a way that makes the shows that much more exciting.
15 Janine, Gregory & Maurice
Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)
Abbott Elementary
- Release Date
- December 7, 2021
- Network
- ABC
- Showrunner
- Quinta Brunson
Cast
Quinta BrunsonJanine Teagues
Tyler James WilliamsGregory Eddie
WHERE TO WATCH
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
- Writers
- Quinta Brunson
- Creator(s)
- Quinta Brunson
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Seasons
- 4
- Story By
- Quinta Brunson
When Abbott Elementary premiered, it filled in the void of a must-see sitcom with heart, humor, and romance. Quinta Brunson's award-winning comedy show has many features that make viewers tune in each season. As the audience is introduced to the ambitious and ever-positive teacher and her co-workers at Abbott Elementary School, they are also made aware of a sweet connection between Janine and substitute teacher, Gregory. While it seems to set this up as the central romance of the show, it is revealed that Miss Teagues has a long-term, live-in boyfriend.
Every Abbott Elementary Couple, Ranked Worst To Best
From Janine and Gregory to Jacob and Zach to Melissa and Gary, Abbott Elementary has plenty of couples for viewers to root for (or maybe against).
The trouble is, Maurice is the complete opposite of the well-organized and brainy educator. He is chaotic, lazy, and what is worse, doesn't treat her well at all. It took two seasons for Janine and Maurice to break up, and even longer for her to get together with Mr. Eddie. In that time, the duo shared many lingering looks, lots of bonding moments, and plenty of moments of denial. As the show is still going on, it is unclear what Janine & Gregory's future holds, but here's hoping there will be more nerdy romance to see.
14 Jake, Amy & Teddy
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
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Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Release Date
- 2013 - 2021-00-00
- Network
- FOX, NBC
- Showrunner
- Michael Schur, Dan Goor
WHERE TO WATCH
From the creative minds of Dan Goor and Michael Schur comes Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a police comedy series set in the NYPD's fictional 99th precinct. Headed by the comedically serious Captain Raymond Holt and protagonist Jake Peralta, the detectives of the 99 deal with burglaries, drug deals, and oddities in New York City, occasionally steering into real-world issues surrounding police perception and social concerns in the 2010s and earlier. Each detective has their own unique personality that makes them stand out, creating endearing dynamics that helped the show thrive for eight seasons.
- Writers
- Michael Schur, Dan Goor
- Seasons
- 8
- Story By
- Michael Schur
This beloved show features some of the most popular sitcom characters of all time, including a few relationships between the core cast. But, the power couple of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is definitely Amy Santiago and Jake Peralta. Their chemistry was teased early on, but a few obstacles were thrown their way in order not to rush this union. As the two officers tried to avoid a workplace romance, they had to overcome Jake's prolonged undercover mission, Amy's hesitation, and a fellow detective, Teddy Wells.
From the bomb threat on their wedding day, to his multiple proposals at the worst possible times, Teddy has managed to be an important part of the Santiago & Peralta love story.
Amy & Teddy reconnected after a brief off-screen romance, and date throughout season 2, before she ultimately broke up with him, over an unhealthy obsession with Pilsners. Though he only appears in a handful of episodes, his appearances are paced perfectly, and he manages to create conflict even when Jake and Amy are very much together. From the bomb threat on their wedding day, to his multiple proposals at the worst possible times, Teddy has managed to be an important part of the Santiago & Peralta love story.
13 Will, Lisa & Jackie
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Release Date
- 1990 - 1996-00-00
Cast
James Avery
WHERE TO WATCH
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air follows Will Smith (Will Smith) after he gets himself sent away from the mean streets of his native West Philadelphia to the affluent Bel Air neighborhood. Living with his wealthy Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian, Will befriends his cousins and adjusts to a life that's the polar opposite of everything he's accustomed to. Even with a butler and an expensive education, Will finds that growing up isn't easy, regardless of circumstance.
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Seasons
- 6
Will's character on the show was very much of a flirt and a young attractive man trying to experience life, but there were a few significant relationships that defined The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. The most notable ones for the show's titular character were the ones between him and serious LA girlfriend Lisa, and hometown sweetheart, Jackie. He had undergone such a transformation while living his new fancy life, it was interesting to throw someone from his past in the mix.
Jackie's role was mostly to stir things up between the long-time couple, causing some friction and giving audiences some insight into what he was like before moving to Bel-Air. Casting Tyra Banks was a very good move, as her intimidating good looks and history with Will served as quite a threat. Her time on the show was not the longest, but she managed to make an impact and give viewers a little scare.
12 Eleanor, Chidi, & Simone
The Good Place (2016-2020)
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The Good Place
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2020-00-00
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Michael Schur
Cast
William Jackson Harper
WHERE TO WATCH
Eleanor Shellstrop finds in The Good Place, both the name of the fantasy comedy series from creator Michael Schur and a fictionalized heaven where those who have done good in life will end up. However, Eleanor discovers that the life she was believed to have led was a lie, as it seems The Good Place got the wrong "Eleanor Shellstrop." When it's revealed that three others are there under the same false pretenses, they concoct a plan to truly become "Good" to earn their place there - while hiding the truth.
- Writers
- Michael Schur, Andrew Law, Daniel Schofield
- Seasons
- 4
Finding the love of one's life after they've died seems unlikely, yet that is exactly what happens in The Good Place. Eleanor Shellstrop and Chidi Anagonye were paired up as "soulmates" in the afterlife, and he is the first person she confesses her secret to. They manage to form a sweet friendship despite being completely different people, and it is later revealed that the only reason they were put together was to torture each other for eternity. But, the two managed to bring out the best in each other, and romance blossomed.
The Good Place: Eleanor & Chidi’s Relationship Timeline Explained
Chidi and Eleanor's relationship spanned thousands of Jeremy Bearimys in The Good Place, with each season bringing new twists for the soul mates.
After multiple resets and attempts to get to the actual good place, they had many close calls that had viewers yearning for their happily ever after. One of the tests they had to face was being sent back to Earth with their memories completely wiped. This is where Simone came in, and became Chidi's new romantic interest, who matches him so much more personality-wise. She is brought back again later to throw a spanner in the works, but nothing can keep the original soulmates apart, and they finally get the forever they both wanted.
11 Devi, Paxton & Ben
Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)
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Never Have I Ever
- Release Date
- 2020 - 2023-00-00
- Showrunner
- Lang Fisher
- Directors
- Lang Fisher
Cast
Darren Barnet
Poorna Jagannathan
WHERE TO WATCH
Never Have I Ever is a coming-of-age comedy about the complicated life of a modern-day first-generation Indian American teenage girl. The series stars newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi, an overachieving high school sophomore with a short fuse that gets her into difficult situations. Devi continues to deal with the everyday pressures of high school and drama at home while navigating new romantic relationships.
- Writers
- Lang Fisher, Mindy Kaling
- Seasons
- 4
- Story By
- lang fisher
Mindy Kaling's coming-of-age story sees Devi navigate therapy, high school, an overbearing family, and romance. She is a great central character because she is flawed and indecisive, while also being incredibly likable and charming. Paxton is the first to be set up as a romantic interest as Devi's smoldering longtime crush. Ben is her best friend, but she seems unaware of the underlying feelings between them for quite a while.
Though Paxton and Devi share one of the most romantic moments of the show as they kiss while "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals plays in the background, their romance was not endgame. The show actually did a very good job of wrapping up their story before letting Devi explore a future with Ben, who was a much better match for her at that stage of her life.
10 Dawn, Tim & Lee
The Office (UK) (2001-2003)
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The Office is a British mockumentary sitcom that aired from 2001 to 2003, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. It chronicles the daily lives of the employees at Wernham Hogg, a fictional paper company in Slough. Ricky Gervais stars as the bumbling and often inappropriate office manager, David Brent, whose antics provide a humorous yet poignant look at office culture and interpersonal relationships.
- Creator(s)
- Stephen Merchant
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Seasons
- 2
Ricky Gervais' original version of the paper company mockumentary saw a film crew visit Wernham Hogg of Slough. While the focus on David Brent's antics managed to steal the show every time, the relationship between Dawn and Tim was always a welcome respite between the layers of cringe provided by the tiresome boss. The subtlety of the trivial moments they share makes this feel like one of the most relatable and realistic workplace romances. The third party in this love story is Lee, whom Dawn has been engaged to for years.
DID YOU KNOW: The British version of The Office only has 12 episodes in its main run and two holiday specials, but that is plenty of time for audiences to fall in love with the idea of Tim and Dawn.
Lee is not likable at all, and the fact that he is in the picture up until the very last minute feels like a gut punch to the viewers, and there is even a moment when it seems like she will never leave him. Thankfully, the Christmas spirit takes over, and she ultimately chooses Tim.
9 Zack, Kelly & Slater
Saved By The Bell (1989-1993)
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Saved By the Bell
- Release Date
- 1989 - 1992-00-00
- Network
- NBC
- Directors
- Don Barnhart
Cast
Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
Mario Lopez
WHERE TO WATCH
An iconic sitcom of the early 90s, Saved By The Bell follows six students (Zack Morris, Kelly Kapowski, A.C. Slater, Jessie Spano, Samuel "Screech" Powers, Lisa Turtle) and their years at Bayside High School in Palisades, California.
- Writers
- Dustin Diamond
- Seasons
- 4
- Story By
- dustin diamond
Some viewers might have forgotten that before the iconic couples, which were Zack & Kelly and Jessie & Slater, the two boys were both competing for Miss Kapowski's affection. The early season saw the two try to outdo each other in order to win her over, often resorting to very questionable tactics that would not be acceptable today. Some of their hair-brained schemes involved Zack spreading a rumor that Slater had a terminal illness, and spying on Kelly so he could use what he learned to edge out his rival.
Despite the questionable tactics, it was clear that it was Zack & Kelly who were destined to be together, especially when sparks flew between A.C. & Jessie. But, the bickering between the guys was a great way of establishing the show, and gave young viewers something to root for. Though a few more parties came between the two lovebirds, they ultimately proved that they were meant to be together.
8 Daphne, Niles & Mel
Frasier (1993-2004)
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Frasier
- Release Date
- 1993 - 2004-00-00
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Christopher Lloyd, Chris Harris, Joe Cristalli
WHERE TO WATCH
Fraiser is a comedy-drama sitcom that stars Kelsey Grammer as a psychiatrist who takes up the role of a radio show host in Seattle after his life in Boston is upheaved. A spin-off of the series Cheers, Fraiser follows the titular character adjusting to the single life while caring for his father (a retired police officer,) his brother, and other eccentric co-workers.
- Directors
- David Lee, Kelsey Grammer, James Burrows, Pamela Fryman
- Writers
- David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Seasons
- 11
- Story By
- David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee, Glen Charles, Les Charles
Niles' obsession with Daphne was one of the main plot points of the show, and it took the two a very long time to even seem like a possibility. While Dr. Crane's feelings were one-sided for six full seasons, Daphne finally wised up in season 7. Even though she had a fiancé, a word to Niles would, no doubt, be music to his ears. There were a few teases before, where viewers thought that there might be some hope, but it was not until Frasier accidentally blurted out the truth about Niles' feelings that Daphne finally saw the light.
This One Quote Perfectly Explains How Frasier & Niles Are Different & Why
Niles and Frasier Crane are brothers with the same sensibility, but a David Hyde Pierce interview explains why his character is a little different.
Unfortunately, by this point, he had secretly married Mel in an attempt to move on with his life and try and stifle his unrequited love once and for all. The audience felt like a rug had been ripped out from under them, and even though they both decided to elope, her presence was a thorn in their side for a little while longer as she held their happiness to ransom. But, ultimately, nothing could keep Niles and Daphne apart.
7 Nick, Jess & Sam
New Girl (2011-2018)
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New Girl
- Release Date
- 2011 - 2018-00-00
- Network
- FOX
- Showrunner
- Elizabeth Meriwether
Cast
Max Greenfield
WHERE TO WATCH
Zooey Deschanel stars as Jess in New Girl, a comedy series that follows a group of twentysomething roommates in their day-to-day lives. When Jess decides to leave her boyfriend of seven years after discovering he's been unfaithful, she finds a craigslist ad and becomes the roommate of three men around her age who desperately need to rent a room in their loft. Occasionally ed by Jess' best friend, the group builds a quirky, dysfunctional family dynamic as they enjoy life in Los Angeles.
- Writers
- Elizabeth Meriwether
- Seasons
- 7
- Creator
- Elizabeth Meriwether
The writers had to keep Nick and Jess apart for many episodes because the on-screen chemistry between Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson was too strong. And, having the couple get together while simultaneously living in the same loft could have been too complicated if introduced too soon. This was a wise choice, as it gave the characters time to develop, and have viewers connect with them more.
Though there had been moments of electricity between the two, they both explored different relationships in the early seasons. Jess's most notable paramour was Dr. Sam, who went from a casual relationship to a committed boyfriend when he realized how much he missed her. But, then Nick and Jess shared a kiss that changed everything. Though she was technically still with Sam, the roommates could not deny their feelings any longer, and though the pediatrician was perhaps a wiser option, it was Nick who won her heart.
6 Keeley, Roy & Jamie
From Ted Lasso (2020-2023)
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Ted Lasso
- Release Date
- August 14, 2020
- Showrunner
- Bill Lawrence
- Writers
- Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence
Cast
Ted Lasso
Rebecca Welton
WHERE TO WATCH
Ted Lasso is an American football coach who moves to England, hired to manage a struggling soccer team, despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them that he's fit for the job.
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Seasons
- 3
While soccer, or more accurately "football", was at the center of the story, romance crept its way in as well. Ted Lasso starts with the bubbly Keeley dating star player, Jamie Tartt, but she develops a more substantial rapport with veteran player, Roy Kane. The lighthearted show keeps the emotional moments feeling much breezier than some other sitcoms, but the viewers certainly get invested in what happens to the three characters.
Roy & Keeley get a whole season of bliss before being torn apart before the third installment of the show. Jamie managed to go through some much-needed character development, and his surprising friendship with Roy was one of the highlights of the show.
What adds fuel to the fire is that Roy and Jamie happen to hate each other, which brings a lot of comedic moments and tension to the three relationships. Roy & Keeley get a whole season of bliss before being torn apart before the third installment of the show. Jamie managed to go through some much-needed character development, and his surprising friendship with Roy was one of the highlights of the show. Though there was no official resolution to the triangle, hopefully the newly announced season 4 will give viewers some answers.
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