Top 10 One Sided Loves in TV
Don't even bother shipping these people together. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 One Sided Loves in TV. For this list, we're taking a look at television's most memorable unrequited love stories where one character does not reciprocate another's affections.
Special thanks to our users Todd Ferguson for submitting the idea using our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: Catelyn Stark & Petyr Baelish
“Game of Thrones” (2011-)
Being “Game of Thrones,” you can expect this one-sided romance to play out like a Shakespearean tragedy. Petyr Baelish desires nothing more than to show Catelyn Stark his littlefinger. The problem is she’s married to Ned Stark. That’s nothing a little backstabbing, manipulation, and murder can’t solve, but Cat understandably only despises Baelish even more afterwards. Their relationship odds are further weakened when Cat’s given a traditional George R.R. Martin sendoff. The good news for Littlefinger is that she left behind a teenage daughter… Poor Sansa.
#9: Louie & Pamela
“Louie” (2010-)
Louie doesn’t exactly have the whole package: he’s divorced, overweight, and balding. Yet, his shortcomings really make you want to see him get the girl as he professes his love for Pamela. Looking for nothing more than fun and friendship, Pamela constantly turns Louie down until she finally upgrades him to casual lover. Even then, though, she wants their relationship to be a la carte. In many respects, both of these forty-something-year-olds are insecure teenagers. If Pamela can ever totally open up to Louie, maybe they can both grow up.
#8: Buffy Summers & Xander Harris
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
Every guy on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” wants the title character as a girlfriend. Being the Scooby gang’s equivalent to Shaggy, Xander is the underdog in this pursuit. He never stands much of a chance with her because…well, have you seen Angel!? While initially jealous, Xander does eventually get over his crush on the Buffster and moves on to other romantic ventures. Xander still remains a loyal ally to Buffy and is always there to provide her physical and emotional support. Although the love is unrequited, the friendship is completely mutual.
#7: Steve Urkel & Laura Winslow
“Family Matters” (1989-98)
Steve Urkel is a nerdy, obnoxious, and destructive pest. Unfortunately for Laura, he’s eternally devoted to her. Throughout several seasons on “Family Matters,” Steve tries everything to win Laura’s heart, persistently asking her out, concocting love potions, and trying to impress her with his accordion. It isn’t until the show’s final season that Laura reluctantly realizes she has feelings for Steve, who’s been the most caring and dedicated love interest in her life. If the series continued, we would have seen their relationship blossom into marriage with a baby Urkel on the way.
#6: Turanga Leela & Philip J. Fry
“Futurama” (1999-2003; 2009-13)
Fry might be an idiotic slacker. When it comes to earning Leela’s affection, however, he’ll go to the end of the universe. Even when Fry fails miserably, at least he tries his best. While Leela cares deeply for Fry, she has trouble seeing past his childish persona. Once “Futurama” was revived, Fry and Leela did officially enter a romantic relationship. Of course that relationship was on-again/off-again as to retain the status quo. Leela may be disinclined to accept it, but fans know that she and Fry are destined for one another.
#5: Melissa Shart & Phillip Tandy ‘Phil’ Miller
“The Last Man on Earth” (2015-)
Being the last man on earth, Phil Miller settles for the last woman on earth, the insufferable Carol. The newly married Phil literally has the worst luck in the world, though, as the smart, elegant, and radiant Melissa comes to Tucson. To make matters worse, it turns out there’s a second man on earth who shares an immediate connection with Melissa. It’s hard to say whether we should feel bad for Phil’s bad timing or despise his shallow manipulations to get Melissa into bed. Either way, we’re uncomfortably laughing.
#4: Rachel Green & Gunther
“Friends” (1994-2004)
Over the course of “Friends,” we don’t learn a ton about the sunny-haired Gunther. What we know for sure about this coffee shop manager is that he’s smitten with Rachel. Nobody recognizes his true feelings, but Gunther will do whatever Rachel asksin the hopes that she’ll one day be his. Gunther’s affection for her thus becomes his funniest running gag. It isn’t until the final episode that Gunter lays everything on the table. Rachel lets him down gently, but she does reciprocate Ross’s declaration of love later on.
#3: Princess Bubblegum & Finn the Human
“Adventure Time” (2010-)
While Finn’s always there for Princess Bubblegum, she resists giving him the happy ending he desires. Preoccupied with science and governmental duties, PB has no time for romance. Although Finn is her hero, she feels that he’s just too young and immature to grasp what love is. Their relationship gets even more complicated once Finn finally moves on and Peebles sends him mixed singles. With Finn becoming older and wiser with every passing season of “Adventure Time,” though, perhaps oneday PB will see him as more than a friend.
#2: Lisa Simpson & Milhouse Van Houten
“The Simpsons” (1989-)
Moe is obviously never going to score with Marge Simpson, but Milhouse’s seemingly hopeless infatuation with Lisa is another story. Occasionally, Lisa expresses deeper emotions for Milhouse, but she primarily believes he’s too dorky and dumpy to even be like a big brother. At best, he’s a big sister. Although they do end up together in the future, Lisa’s unsatisfying marriage to Milhouse is just one example of how disappointing her life turns out. While not the ideal mate for Lisa, everything at least seems to be coming up Milhouse.
Before we try to win over our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Salvatore ‘Sal’ Romano & Lee Garner, Jr.
“Mad Men” (2007-15)
- Lana Kane & Cyril Figgis
“Archer” (2010-)
- Dr. Alana Bloom & Will Graham
“Hannibal” (2013-15)
- “Hannibal” (2013-15)
Sony Pictures Television
- Tina Ruth Belcher & Jimmy Pesto, Jr.
“Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)
- Meg Griffin & Neil Goldman
“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)
#1: The Waitress & Charlie Kelly
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
Charlie is a creepy stalker that ceaselessly chases after a waitress despite not even knowing her name. While we don’t blame the waitress for getting a restraining order, Charlie’s adoration is sincere in his own screwed up way. She’d at least be better off with him than Dennis or Frank. Given her surprisingly dark insecurities, the waitress can also take comfort in knowing somebody loves her. While they may never become an item, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” co-stars Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis did fall in love off-screen.
Do you agree with our list? What small screen one-sided love stories do you single folks identify with? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.