Top 10 On-Screen Pairings That Sparked Fan Backlash And Debate

Not every on-screen romance translates seamlessly from script to screen. Some couples feel jarringly out of place, clashing with years of carefully built character arcs, while others rely too much on forced humor to sell the chemistry. The outcome is usually fierce debates among fans—and occasionally, full-blown viral backlash. So, let’s revisit those on-screen romances that sparked the most intense criticism.

Miranda And Che From “And Just Like That”

Che and Miranda from “And Just Like That” sparked significant backlash. Their forced connection felt jarring to many viewers, and the storyline received over 5,600 downvotes on Ranker. Che’s comedic presence often overshadowed emotional depth, leading to cringeworthy scenes. The widespread disappointment even fueled viral tweets condemning the pairing.

Jackie And Fez From “That ’70s Show”

Jackie and Fez’s relationship in the final season of “That ’70s Show” remains a point of contention for many fans. Their romantic involvement contradicted years of established dynamics, where Jackie frequently ridiculed Fez. This sudden shift felt forced and was widely perceived as a last-ditch effort to revitalize the show.

Jacob And Renesmee From “Twilight”

This pairing made plenty of fans cringe. Jacob’s imprinting on Renesmee, a newborn, struck many as deeply unsettling. With over 9,000 downvotes on “Ranker”, the duo quickly climbed the ranks of pop culture’s “worst ships” lists. Even author Stephenie Meyer wasn’t spared, facing backlash for introducing such a controversial twist.

Michael Scott And Jan Levinson From “The Office”

Few on-screen couples have achieved the level of awkwardness displayed by Michael and Jan in “The Office”. Their relationship was a train wreck of bad decisions and uncomfortable moments. The actors fully leaned into the cringe that was sometimes almost too excruciating to watch. For many viewers, their eventual breakup felt less like heartbreak and more like a much-needed sigh of relief.

Joey And Rachel From “Friends”

Late in “Friends,” this unexpected romance sparked controversy. The storyline felt contrived and detracted from the core Ross and Rachel narrative. Many considered it a low point for the series—a “jump the shark” moment. Even the actors have publicly acknowledged the widespread fan disapproval of this romantic pairing.

Miss Piggy And Kermit From “The Muppets”

Miss Piggy’s aggressive affection and Kermit’s passive acceptance made for a bizarrely compelling “Muppets” romance. Their constant breakups and reconciliations, including a headline-grabbing 2015 split, fascinated the public. However, this dysfunctional duo proved that sometimes, bad romance is good entertainment.

Howard The Duck And Beverly Switzler From “Howard The Duck”

“Howard the Duck” gave audiences a romance for the ages—if by ages, we mean confused and uncomfortable. Lea Thompson’s Beverly Switzler and Howard’s interspecies flirtation baffled viewers. Almost 40 years later, this bizarre pairing still lands on cringe lists and prompts endless “What were they thinking?” discussions.

Ted And Robin From “How I Met Your Mother”

The “How I Met Your Mother” finale sparked outrage, largely due to Ted and Robin’s reunion. Their on-and-off relationship had already tested viewers’ patience. And bringing them back together after years of character development felt forced and illogical. This generated thousands of angry comments across social media platforms and cemented their status as a poorly received TV couple.

Cam And Mitchell From “Modern Family”

Despite their groundbreaking representation, Cam and Mitchell’s relationship often came across as strained. The show frequently emphasized their arguments over genuine moments of affection, which led many to question the strength of their bond. Both critics and fans pointed out a noticeable lack of chemistry, making their award-winning status feel somewhat ironic in hindsight.

Rey And Kylo Ren From “Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker”

The surprise kiss between Rey and Kylo Ren ignited heavy debate in the fandom, with many viewers calling the romance forced and ill-advised. Even the film’s editor, Maryann Brandon, said the kiss was hotly debated and nearly cut. Daisy Ridley later acknowledged the backlash, while co-star John Boyega publicly criticized the coupling.