TV shows adapted from books are known for deviating from the original storyline.
Sometimes, the changes are small, but other times, they are significant. Shows will change characters, plots, settings, and even relationships to suit their vision.
In fact, there are a lot of couples in books that do not end up together in their respective TV adaptations. Sometimes, these couples date on the show, but they break up. Other times, their romances were never even given a chance.
We gathered a list of our favorite book couples that sadly did not make it on screen!
Bellamy Blake and Clarke Griffin – The 100
Perhaps the most unsurprising couple on this list is Bellamy Blake and Clarke Griffin. When Clarke fatally shot Bellamy, the show ruined one of the best-developed relationships on television. Bellamy and Clarke were enemies, but they built a stable relationship based on trust, friendship, and loyalty. Despite the few bumps they endured, it was clear how much they loved each other. Thankfully, we still have the books, where Bellamy and Clarke are engaged and happily living together.
Elena Gilbert and Stefan Salvatore – The Vampire Diaries
While they did have an epic love on The Vampire Diaries, Elena and Stefan did not end up together on the show as they did in the books. In the novels, there was still a love triangle between Damon, Elena, and Stefan, and Elena did have feelings for Damon at some point. However, it was never a difficult choice for Elena at the end of the day — Stefan was her true love.
Nate Archibald and Serena van der Woodsen – Gossip Girl
The focal point of the Gossip Girl books was the love triangle between Blair, Nate, and Serena. To be fair, neither Serena and Nate nor Blair and Nate ended up together. But Serena was never interested in Dan despite his crush on her because she only had eyes for Nate. Dan ended up with Vanessa at the end of the books.
Blair Waldorf and Nate Archibald – Gossip Girl
The same goes for Blair and Nate. They did not end up together, but their relationship (along with Serena and Nate’s) was the focus of the Gossip Girl books. Chuck was always a villain, but the books mentioned he dated Blair for a year during college. Despite that brief relationship, Blair’s true love was always Nate.
Aria Montgomery and Noel Kahn – Pretty Little Liars
Ah, the epitome of what could have been. Aria and Noel had so much potential, and they shared such a sweet romance at the beginning of Pretty Little Liars. Unfortunately, once Noel found out about her relationship with Ezra, it went downhill from there. Besides, even if they miraculously turned things around, Noel died on Pretty Little Liars Season 7 Episode 10. They had the best romance in the books, and they are arguably one of the best YA fiction couples ever.
Jocelyn Fray and Luke Garroway – Shadowhunters
Jocelyn and Luke could have never ended up together despite being in love because Jocelyn died on Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 4. At the end of the show, Luke was with Maryse Lightwood. In the books, Jocelyn never died, and she and Luke are happily married.
Spencer Hastings and Wren Kingston – Pretty Little Liars
Considering how different the show and the books are, it’s no wonder this list has many Pretty Little Liars relationships. Spencer and Wren did have a will-they-won’t-they romance, but she ultimately ended up with Toby. Wren dated Spencer’s secret twin, Alex, who eventually killed him. In the novels, Spencer and Wren dated at the beginning of the book series, but they broke up. In the last book, Wren walked back into Spencer’s life, and they ended up together. We loved their relationship on the show, and it is a shame that the writers did not explore them more.
Eretria and Wil Ohmsford – The Shannara Chronicles
The Shannara Chronicles only lasted for two seasons, but Amberle, Wil, and Eretria had a strong bond despite being a love triangle. However, on The Shannara Chronicles Season 2, Eretria had a girlfriend, and Wil developed feelings for Mareth. The love triangle was not as prominent in the books, and Wil and Eretria eventually married and had children.
Archie Andrews and Betty Cooper – Riverdale
Riverdale is far from over, but all signs point to Betty & Jughead and Archie & Veronica. Barchie fans have been waiting patiently, but it is hard to say that anything more will happen other than a childhood crush and a few kisses. Meanwhile, the original Archie Comics centered around the iconic Betty/Archie/Veronica love triangle. Nobody ended up together, but Archie loved both girls. If he could, he would choose to be with both of them. You could argue that Archie’s true love was always Betty, and deep down, he only liked Veronica for her money and lifestyle.
Hanna Marin and Mike Montgomery – Pretty Little Liars
Hanna and Mike are not totally out of left field. In a flashback, we discover that they hooked up before Ali disappeared. However, Hanna ended up with Caleb, eloping together and becoming pregnant. Mike found his epic love with Mona. In the books, what started as a bet ended up being the most adorable relationship, and we wish we could have seen that play out on screen.
Maria DeLuca and Michael Guerin – Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico is not over, but Alex and Michael are the fan-favorite. The show portrays Malex as the couple meant to be together rather than Miluca. However, Maria and Michael are each other’s love interest in the books and on the original Roswell. We still hope that they will work things out, but it is unlikely they will end up together.
