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11 Epic and Unforgettable Love Triangles in TV History
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Love triangles, ah, where do we even begin? Complicated relationships have always been the secret ingredient that keeps us glued to our screens, a concoction of emotions that leaves us torn between two equally great choices.
Think about it: from the classic dramas to the modern-day rom-coms, love triangles have been the driving force behind some of our favourite TV shows. It’s that irresistible mix of passion, longing, and uncertainty that keeps us coming back for more, episode after episode.
Whether it’s the epic love triangle between Lucas, Peyton and Brooke in One Tree Hill, or the steamy entanglement of Damon, Elena, and Stefan in The Vampire Diaries, these iconic storylines have undeniably left their mark on television history. They’ve made us laugh, cry, and scream at our screens in equal measure, reminding us that when it comes to matters of the heart, anything is possible.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable love triangles in TV history. From forbidden romances to heart-wrenching decisions, these unforgettable storylines have undoubtedly imprinted themselves on our hearts.
11 Iconic TV Love Triangles
1. The Summer I Turned Pretty: Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah
Coming in at top spot is, of course, what we’re all talking about right now. The Summer I Turned Pretty has taken us on a rollercoaster ride of teenage love and the complexities of relationships. Belly (Lola Tung), our loveable protagonist, finds herself tangled in a love triangle with two irresistible brothers. There’s Conrad, the brooding and mysterious older brother, and Jeremiah, the sweet and dependable younger brother.
Both battle for Belly’s affection, creating a captivating whirlwind of emotions.
2. Never Have I Ever: Devi, Paxton, and Ben
In the world of high school drama, the Netflix series Never Have I Ever serves up a delightful love triangle that keeps viewers on their toes. High-school sophomore Devi Vishwakumar (played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) is unapologetic about her quest for a “stone-cold hottie who can rock [her] all night long.”
This pursuit leads her to two potential love interests who form the intriguing triangle in Devi’s love story. On one side, there’s Paxton Hall-Yoshida, the dreamboat who leaves hearts aflutter with his charm and good looks. On the other side, there’s Ben Gross, Devi’s academic nemesis and a complicated yet captivating option.
3. The Vampire Diaries: Elena, Stefan, and Damon
Sink your teeth into one of the most spellbinding love triangles in TV history: Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and the Salvatore brothers, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Elena, a high school student with a knack for attracting supernatural suitors, finds herself caught between the charmingly virtuous Stefan and the dangerously irresistible Damon.
As fangs clash, this epic love triangle takes us on a supernatural journey, where heart-wrenching choices are just another day in Mystic Falls.
4. Jane the Virgin: Jane, Michael, and Rafael
When it comes to love triangles, Jane the Virgin delivers an unforgettable one. At the start of the series, Jane (Gina Rodriguez) is happily committed to Michael (Brett Dier), her kind and supportive boyfriend. But her life takes a wild turn when she ends up pregnant with the child of Rafael (Justin Baldoni), the charismatic co-owner of the Marbella hotel.
As Jane and Rafael navigate co-parenting and their growing connection, a love triangle forms, leaving fans divided between Team Rafael and Team Michael.
5. One Tree Hill: Lucas, Brooke, and Peyton
One Tree Hill always delivered its fair share of relationship drama. It wasn’t uncommon for love triangles to warp into quadrangles. But at its core, fans were invested in whether Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) would choose Brooke (Sophia Bush) or Peyton (Hilarie Burton).
From their star-crossed interactions in Episode 1, it was clear that Lucas and Peyton had a deep connection. However, Brooke’s fiery personality and undeniable chemistry with Lucas added another layer of complexity to the love triangle.
6. Bridgerton: Anthony, Kate, and Edwina
In the second season of Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), finds himself entangled in trouble. Caught between the Sharma sisters, Kate (Simone Ashley) and Edwina (Charithra Chandran), Anthony’s initial intentions become muddled. Despite his interest in Kate, Anthony ends up complicating matters by pursuing a relationship with Edwina instead.
As the season unfolds, the love triangle deepens, creating a web of emotions, secrets, and unexpected twists that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
7. Younger: Liza, Josh, and Charles
Another satisfying love triangle unfolds in Younger. Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) , the 40-something woman pretending to be a 20-something in the cutthroat world of publishing, finds herself caught between two enticing choices. She is torn between her younger alter-ego lifestyle with Josh (Nico Tortorella) and her boss in the publishing industry, Charles (Peter Hermann).
8. The Bold Type: Adena, Kat, and Coco
The Bold Type never shies away from bringing the drama. And the love triangle involving Adena (Nikohl Boosheri) , Kat (Aisha Dee), and Coco (Nora Guerch) is no exception. Adena finds herself at a crossroads, torn between two women, Kat and Coco.
9. Sex and the City: Carrie, Mr. Big, and Aidan
From the beginning, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) proclaimed that she was looking for her “Big” Love, and she sure seemed to find it, then lose it, then find it again with Chris Noth’s Mr. Big. But while Big did some major emotional warfare on Carrie’s heart, furniture maker-turned bar owner Aidan (John Corbett) seemed to be a more stable option. However, when it comes to Carrie, stability often takes a backseat to the allure of a pair of shiny stilettos.
10. Euphoria: Rue, Jules, and Elliot
Another complex love triangle emerges in Season 2 of Euphoria, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already captivating narrative. Rue (Zendaya) finds a rare ray of sunshine and hope when Jules (Hunter Schafer) returns to town. Their reunion at a New Year’s party sparks the rekindling of their connection, despite their turbulent past and Jules’ uncertainty about commitment. However, in the second episode, a love triangle takes shape with unexpected speed, and the consequences could prove to be deadly.
Enter Elliot, the new boy in school. Rue encounters him before reuniting with Jules during a drug-fuelled spree. As the series unfolds, the intricate web of intersecting and complex relationships in “Euphoria” becomes evident.
11. Gilmore Girls: Rory, Dean, and Jess
For a town as small as Stars Hollow, Rory (Alexis Bledel) had her fair share of love interests. Each represented a different part of her identity. Dean (Jared Padalecki) was her sweet first love, Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) the soulful bad boy, and Logan (Matt Czuchry) the charming Yale classmate.
Want more “The Summer I Turned Pretty” content? Check out the articles below:
- Everything to Know About Season 2 of “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
- Who Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah End Up With in the Summer I Turned Pretty Book Series
- “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Was Filmed in This East Coast Beach City
- Is Cousins Beach From “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Real? Here’s the Deal
- 15 Shows to Watch If You Love “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
- “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season Two Is Coming – Here’s What Happens in the Second Book
