Heartbreaking TV Plot Twists: 13 Couples We Loved That Didn't Make It

Ross and Rachel's 'will they-won't they-of course they will' story arc is one of the most famous TV couplings ever. It was a plot that ran through the entire series of Friends and helped hold the show together for so long.

But some couples weren't so lucky. Here are 13 who we hoped would find true love together, but who just weren't meant to be:

1. Jaime and Brienne ('Game of Thrones')

The chemistry between these two was clear from the moment Brienne of Tarth was tasked by Catelyn Stark with returning Jaime Lannister home. Unlike most of his family, Jaime wasn't entirely selfish and cruel. And when he got together with Brienne, we hoped it would be the saving of him. But no, his twin sister's bed was too much to give up and he returned to his incestuous affair with Cersei. Disappointing, but a sword dodged for Brienne.

2. Mulder and Scully ('The X-Files')

X-Files wasn't a show that needed romance. But, despite the actor's disdain for one another, there was definitely a spark between the two characters. Perhaps the clamour for them to get together was an indication of the way TV was going at the time, as it would have added nothing to the series. And in the end, we didn't get it anyway.

3. Stefan and Elena ('The Vampire Diaries')

This one really looked on the cards at one point – especially when Elena clearly had the hots for Stefan. And yet it was his brother who she ended up with. Bit weird!

4. Caroline and Klaus ('The Vampire Diaries')

This show loved uncoupling. Ok, so we never really expected this pair to last – even after their moment in the woods – but it didn't stop us from hoping for a more genuine connection between them.

5. Sam and Diane ('Cheers')

Pretty much the opposite of the Ross and Rachel storyline. Diane and Sam's relationship was more 'will they-won't they-of course they will- what the hell'. With hindsight, maybe it was the best ending as it delivered a superb double twist to the show's finale.

6. April and Jackson ('Grey's Anatomy')

A hook-up between April and Jackson was a matter of when not if in the eyes of most fans. So, it was a real shock when the former attending trauma surgeon was written out of the series. Of course, she found love in the end – marrying Matthew – but we know where her heart really lies.

7. Buffy and Angel ('Buffy the Vampire Slayer')

See above for just how obvious it was that these two were getting together. But sadly, their relationship was cursed by…well, that curse.

8. Ryan and Marissa ('The O.C.')

Now, this was a real will they-won't they. Fans were constantly divided on whether they would – and whether they should. Until Marissa died and it felt like something that should have happened was now lost forever.

9. Jess and Rory ('Gilmore Girls')

It's an age-old story. Two characters in a shoe appear to be on the cusp of getting together. Then the actors start dating in real life and fans take it as a sign the characters are destined to find love. As if that would have any bearing on the show! Needless to say, in this instance, it didn't work out for the couple on or off-screen.

10. Dawson and Joey ('Dawson's Creek')

How much did Dawson regret trying to push Joey and Pacey together when she eventually ditched him and opted for his best mate? Thankfully, the final scene suggests that things are well between the trio and everybody is happy.

11. Brooke and Lucas ('One Tree Hill')

At one time, it seemed everybody wanted the on-off relationship between Brooke and Lucas to be permanently on. But it wasn't to be and, instead, Lucas found love with Peyton.

12. Nate and Serena ('Gossip Girl')

It seems that almost the entire fanbase of Gossip Girl wanted to see Blake Lively's character end up with Nate. There was certainly a spark of passion between the two. But maybe it wasn't enough to sustain a genuine relationship. And Serena ended up with Dan.

13. Angela and Shawn ('Boy Meets World')

Another couple that looked like they were made for each other. It was a relationship that had a lot of false starts, but always seemed to be heading in one direction – the couple eventually settling down together permanently. Alas, in the spin-off series Girl Meets World, Angela made an appearance in which we discovered she was married.

Of course, there are plenty more TV couples that didn't make it despite the hopes of large swathes of the audience. But doesn't that just help make it even sweeter when a longed-for TV romance (however obvious it might seem) actually comes to fruition?