10 TV Shows That Were Spoiled By Romantic Couples

Even before the show went on its downhill slog in quality and likeability, there was the problem of Leonard and Penny, which has only gotten worse. It was so predictable to begin with. A pretty girl befriends a bunch of nerdy scientists after moving across the hall from two of them - well obviously one of them has to almost immediately fall in love with her.

Years went on of them breaking up and making up. Leonard's self-confidence did seem to grow, which would be a good thing, except that it grew too much. Over time it became clear that he viewed himself as better than Penny and pretty much everyone else on the show.

He became self-centered and seemed to have little if any problem with insulting the woman he supposedly loves, just because she didn't happen to be a genius when it came to science like the others. It was also painfully obvious that the two had just about nothing in common aside from their circle of friends.

And then there was Leonard's piece de resistance - he cheated on her. He also didn't confess to Penny about this until right before getting married. When a couple this unhealthy is supposed to be what keeps a show grounded, it doesn't have much going for it.