Top 10 Cartoon Couples Who Did NOT Live Happily Ever After

“Big Mouth” (2017-25)
Opposites attract - but that doesn’t mean they always work out. Matthew and Jay had a bit of a bumpy start - literally - when Jay gave Matthew a ride in his pants car. However, the boys eventually made up and ended the show’s fifth season happily together. Fans seemed to be on board for the pair’s future, but the relationship came to an abrupt end afterwards. Matthew felt guilty for “changing” Jay as a person, and broke things off despite lingering feelings. “Big Mouth” is full of messy relationships, in part because of its characters’ young ages. Andrew’s relationship with Missy was similarly complicated, and undeniably changed him for the worse.

“The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)
At first, it seemed as if the writers were setting up Mako and Korra to be "The Legend of Korra"’s central relationship. But, as time went on, it became clear that their plan for the pair was far more interesting than a simple fairytale romance. As a police officer, Mako’s sense of duty to Republic City often caused him to butt heads with the headstrong Avatar, and their differences eventually led to a betrayal. The ensuing argument was the catalyst for their breakup, which was made worse by Mako’s decision to lie about their status after Korra suffered partial memory loss. They remained friends throughout the series but, by the show’s finale, any hope of them rekindling what they once had was gone.

“Regular Show” (2010-17)
Things can get pretty crazy in the world of “Regular Show,” but one of the few constants is Mordecai’s feelings for Margaret. The boyish blue jay’s crush on the waitress is established as early as the third episode, and slowly evolves throughout the seasons. So when the pair finally got together, fans imagined that they would, well, stay together. Unfortunately, life gets in the way. While Margaret admits that she can see their relationship blossoming, she ultimately chooses her career over her beau, moving out of town to attend her dream school. Later on, Mordecai tries his best to make things work with a different girl, but his lingering feelings for Margaret become the catalyst for yet another heartbreak.

“Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” (2010-13)
While Fred and Daphne being together is a “Scooby-Doo” staple, Shaggy and Velma have never really had consistent love interests. “Mystery Incorporated” decided to play with this fact by pairing the two together. From the start, it’s clear that they don’t really work, and their relationship is causing more problems than joy. While the writers’ choice to go there at all may initially be confusing, it makes more sense when you consider their intention for Velma to be a lesbian. With this in mind, one can guess she’s experiencing compulsory heterosexuality, and trying to make things work with the only available boy in her life because she thinks she has to.

“Invincible” (2021-)
In “Invincible”s shocking first season finale, Mark learns that his father, Nolan, wasn’t sent to Earth to protect it, but to conquer it - by any means necessary. It’s a heart-wrenching betrayal for the young superhero, and an even bigger shock for his human mother, Debbie. The couple had lived together for two decades, during which Debbie had always been remarkably understanding of Nolan’s superhero duties. She set aside her own life to raise their son practically on her own, and did so out of love. So it’s crushing to realize that the connection between them, which she believed to be real, was apparently just a means to an end for the Viltrumite.

“Inside Job” (2021-22)
It’s always uniquely heartbreaking when two people who still love each other are torn apart by timing and circumstance. Growing up as the daughter of Cognito Inc.’s co-founder, Reagan always had trouble connecting to those around her. So when she felt a spark with Illuminati member Ron Staedtler, she didn’t want to let go. Unfortunately, Ron wanted to leave his life of secrecy behind, while she was eager to take on a higher position within Cognito. Desperate to make things work, she ran through several scenarios in which she and Ron stayed together…only to find one or both of them unhappy in every one. She finally accepts that they are better apart, and omits their relationship when restoring his memories for his new life.

“Daria” (1997-2002) & “Is It College Yet?” (2002)
When Tom made his first appearance on “Daria,” he shook the foundations of not only Daria and Jane’s friendship, but the entire format of the show. What was once a largely episodic comedy now had an overarching plot and more consistently serious tone. After causing such a big shake up, it would make sense for Daria and Tom to be endgame. But, in the show’s finale film, she breaks things off with her first actual boyfriend. The cracks in their relationship had always been present, but parting ways for college proved to be the final nail in their coffin. It’s a moment that’s as bittersweet as it is realistic. Sometimes those high school romances just don’t work out.

“Teen Titans” (2003-06)
For Beast Boy, meeting Terra was love at first sight. But for her, things were a bit more complicated. The young superhero was alone and living in a cave when she first met the Teen Titans, and her inability to control her powers was a major insecurity. She was desperate for validation from any source, and Beast Boy was eager to provide. Unfortunately, needing unconditional support, even in the face of betrayal, isn’t a solid foundation for a healthy relationship. Plus, Terra’s allegiance to Slade came at the cost of Beast Boy and his friends’ safety. She would eventually make it up to them. But by the time the duo was able to reunite, it was too late. She no longer remembered their time together.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Sokka’s quip that his first girlfriend “turned into the moon” may be funny now, but watching his relationship with Yue play out on our screens was anything but. By the time Sokka met the princess of the Northern Water Tribe, she had already been betrothed to another, but that didn’t stop him from falling head over heels in love with her. Yue seemed to return these feelings, yet her allegiance to her tribe ultimately trumped any personal desires, frustrating Sokka. Eventually, Yue’s rigid sense of duty would lead to her tragic death, as she sacrificed her own life for the Moon Spirit’s. Now a spirit herself, she gave Sokka one last parting kiss before disappearing. That’s rough, buddy.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Moral Orel” Gives up on Trying to Save Its Central Nuclear Family

Serena Proved Her Own Immaturity by Dumping Wyatt with a Text

You Can’t Always Teach an Old Dog New Tricks – In This Case, How to Listen to His Partner’s Wishes

Finn Learns That Honesty Is Always the Best Policy

Just Because Characters Look Like They’d Be Perfect Together Doesn’t Mean They Will Be

“Harley Quinn” (2019-)
Throughout countless adaptations, Harley Quinn has regularly been tied to her partner in crime, The Joker. Although many now recognize their dynamic as an abusive one, fans still assumed that the infamous pair would be at the center of her solo show, aptly named “Harley Quinn.” Early trailers for the series seemed to support this idea, hinting at an Ivy and Harley relationship while also making sure the Joker got his time to shine. So some were shocked when the antagonists parted ways in the premiere episode. He remains in the story overall, sure, but the bold decision freed Harley up to be her own woman. We’ve loved seeing her form new bonds, platonic and romantic alike, on her own terms.