Most Polarizing TV, Movie Couples: From 'Summer I Turned Pretty' to 'The Bear'

From The Bear's Carmy and Claire to The Summer I Turned Pretty's Belly and Jeremiah, TV and movie fans have lots of opinions about which couples left the right impression. Gordon's character was introduced as a love interest for Carmy, which became a divisive narrative choice for critics who questioned whether Claire was fully explored as her own person. Others, meanwhile, argued that Carmy should have been paired off with Sydney, who is played by Gordon's real-life best friend Ayo Edebiri. Gordon, who has been linked to White since 2024, addressed fan backlash before season 4 premiered. “I’m always ‘the friend,’” she told Vanity Fair in June 2025. “I’ve never played the romantic person. I was like, ‘Whoa, this is going to be a different experience.’” Gordon noted that White’s role “is a character that people feel so protective over, and it’s been kind of controversial to bring a romantic element into the show. That’s been at times annoying, fascinating and interesting — just to be a part of something that people have opinions on.” Scroll down for more polarizing couples through TV and movie history:

Season 2 of The Bear tried to let Carmy (White) have a love life but his romance with Claire (Molly Gordon) seemed to do more harm than good. Not many were thrilled by the couple and then to make things worse, the show refused to give up on them which resulted in way too much focus on Carmy and Claire than necessary — and that continued into the next two seasons.

Fans were introduced to Kylo Ren and Rey as enemies in The Force Awakens — which is why the pair's kiss in The Last Jedi took so many people by surprise. Even though some viewers were expecting Rey and Finn to get together based on their initial introduction — other viewers felt like Kylo Ren and Rey's combative energy hinted at something more romantic.

The 100 left behind an infamous legacy, including the love triangle at the center of the CW show. Clarke (Eliza Taylor) and Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey) fans were proud of the representation that the couple were able to offer LGBTQIA+ viewers. Meanwhile,  Bellamy (Bob Morley) and Clarke shippers were hoping to see an organic enemies to lovers story unfold on screen.

Unfortunately, neither side got their wish after Lexa and Bellamy were both killed off by bullets in separate seasons.

Blair's (Leighton Meester) romance with Chuck (Ed Westwick) came off as abusive and toxic for many fans. However, Dan (Penn Badgley) and Blair's progression from friends to lovers didn't read as authentic for every viewer. 

Team Ross or Team Joey is a conversation that has continued even after Friends wrapped up its time at NBC. Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Ross (David Schwimmer) were each other's lobsters — but Joey (Matt LeBlanc) offered Rachel a connection based off years of friendship.

The age-old incest question took Game of Thrones fans by storm when Jon (Kit Harington) got together with his aunt, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke). Family members sleeping together isn't as taboo within the universe created by George R. R. Martin — but not everyone is on board.

Even though Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Ginny's (Bonnie Wright) romance was a sweet addition in the books, not every fan felt satisfied by the delivery in the films.  

The Grease couple is considered a classic movie couple — but their love story didn't age well for everyone. Some viewers have questioned the decision to have Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) go through a makeover in order to appeal to Danny (John Travolta).