Top 10 TV Love Triangles

With her husband apparently a victim of the zombie apocalypse, Lori Grimes looks to his partner and best friend Shane Walsh for comfort and to protect her and her son Carl. When Rick miraculously shows up, Lori naturally returns to her husband’s side, but things are never quite the same between the Sheriff’s deputy and his pal as the two engage in a power struggle within their group of survivors. Complicating matters more, Lori falls pregnant and is unsure who the father is. It’s Rick who eventually ends up with Lori following Shane’s exit, but that doesn’t last long because “The Walking Dead” doesn’t do happy endings.

Lawyer at Stern, Lockhart & Gardner and wife to Peter, Alicia finds herself in a difficult spot when her husband cheats on her, and nearly destroys their marriage. Will Gardner, a business associate and old friend of Alicia’s, lusts for her, but she fights off her attraction to him… Until she finally succumbs to a kiss. Sexual chemistry abounds, and Will and Alicia seem like a perfect pair; but she still loves her husband and remains faithful to Peter, keeping up with her public image as “The Good Wife.”

Centuries old vampire brothers Damon and Stefan both fall for Elena, who bears a striking resemblance to a woman from their past. Elena initially dates Stefan because she assumed Damon was a killer – because, quite frankly, he made every effort to uphold that reputation. But, over time, she befriends Damon and her feelings for him change. Elena shares intimate moments with both brothers, but after becoming a vampire herself, she seems to have it all figured out and chooses Damon… who doesn’t want to be with her at that point in time. Back and forth is the name of the game, and we’re excited to see where this love story goes.

Sexy doctors always make for a good love triangle. In “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dr. McDreamy – aka Derek Shepherd – sleeps with intern Meredith Grey the day before he’s set to start at Seattle Grace. Things get interesting when Addison, Derek’s wife who cheated on him, shows up, intending to fix their marriage. Although he does indeed stick by his wife, his feelings for Meredith remain. Unable to resist, he sleeps with Meredith again, forcing his wife to divorce him – which works out okay, considering Addison chose to once again hook up with the same guy with whom she initially cheated on her husband.

As if they weren’t fierce enough rivals, Lucas Scott is in love with his half-brother’s girlfriend Peyton. Lucas and Peyton are unable to hide their mutual attraction for each other, but when she shuns him because of her fear of commitment, he starts dating her bestie Brooke. Cue the inevitable affair between Lucas and Peyton, which results in chaos, Brooke’s pregnancy scare and the eventual breakup of her and her man. A few more back and forth breakups later, and Lucas realizes he’s in love with Peyton and the two end up together with the A-Okay from Brooke herself.

What could be worse than your boyfriend cheating on you while you’re on vacation? Him cheating on you with your best friend, of course! Brenda’s trip to Paris drove her boyfriend Dylan to get close and ultimately hook up with her bud Kelly. The worst part about this love triangle is the adulterous pair probably coulda kept it a secret, but their consciences got to them and they spilled the beans. Needless to say, she didn’t take it so well. While Brenda and Dylan try to work things out a few seasons later, he finally ends up with Kelly.

Sookie Stackhouse’s life is turned upside down when Bill Compton introduces her to the vampire world. But his sweetness and charm are matched by fellow vampire Eric Northman’s brooding bad-boy traits. While Sookie and Bill are mostly together for the first few seasons, Eric and Sookie have their share of sexy interludes. Things get complicated when Bill slowly becomes corrupt with power and Eric falls for Sookie. She eventually loves both men, despite Bill betraying her and Eric being a ruthless vampire. But even though she doesn’t wind up with her true love, Sookie is able to find happiness in the end.

Unlike many other entries on our list, Buffy Summer’s relationships with these two vamps never overlap. Still, fans take sides to this day: it’s either Team Angel or Team Spike. Angel and Buffy could never be together because the act would make Angel lose his soul. Heartbreaking, yes, but once he leaves, Spike’s role in the slayer’s life changes. This former bad-boy and Buffy have undeniable chemistry, and engage in a perhaps unexpected relationship. But in the end, Buffy is too much of an independent soul, and she ends up with neither man.

When you experience a traumatic event – like surviving a plane crash, for example – you’re bound to form close bonds with the people around you. Such is the case for this trio. Upon crashing on the mysterious island, Jack and Kate had an instant connection as she treated his wounds. Of course, who can blame her for also being attracted to the charismatic bad-boy Sawyer? While both couples had their share of steamy moments, Sawyer eventually fell in love with another woman, leaving Jack and Kate to continue their love story into the great beyond. At least the show tied up one loose end.

Before we reveal our number one TV love triangle, here are some honorable mentions:
- Big, Carrie & Aidan
“Sex and the City” (1998-2004)
- Chuck, Blair & Dan
“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
- Ben, Felicity & Noel
“Felicity” (1998-2002)
- Ted, Robin & Barney
“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
- Rachel, Ross & Emily
“Friends” (1994-2004)
- Rachel, Finn & Quinn
“Glee” (2009-)

Joey Potter has loved her childhood friend Dawson Leery forever. Turns out, the feeling’s mutual, and the two acknowledge their attraction just in time for Pacey Witter to mess things up. Pacey and Joey get closer and end up falling in love; however in honor of their mutual friend, they conduct their relationship in secret. This being a typical teen show, Dawson finds out, but realizes he can’t stand in the way of their loveand gives them his blessing. Although all aspects of this love triangle were rocky, and Joey ends up giving Dawson another shot, she ultimately chooses the lovable Pacey.

Do you agree with our list? Which TV love triangle caught your attention most? For more awesome top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.