After nearly 30 years together, Marge and Homer Simpson are splitting up.
You could be sad about this, or you could ask: "The Simpsons" is still on the air?! Shouldn't those two have split long ago? Seriously, Lisa Simpson, as the smartest of the Simpson crew, should have convinced her mother that she could do better. That talk, and this split, is overdue.
During the Simpsons' marriage, countless TV couples have parted ways. As Marge and Homer's legal separation nears, here are 12 TV breakups — from the funny and light to the more serious — that have stuck with us longer than some of the relationships lasted.
1. Jess and Nick, "New Girl"
They don't have anything in common except for the fact that they love each other? Um, isn't that the most important thing? Here's hoping that this one won't stick, a la Ross and Rachel in "Friends."
2. Jerry and Marlene, "Seinfeld"
Nearly every episode of "Seinfeld" involved a breakup. "They're real and they're spectacular!" is a classic, of course. But my personal favorite is when a woman breaks up with Jerry after watching his act. She is not impressed: "I can't be with someone if I don't respect what they do." You and me both, sister.
3. Robin and Barney, "How I Met Your Mother"
Love or hate the series finale, this was the breakup that finally made it possible for Robin and Ted to end up together.
4. Ross and Rachel, "Friends"
How many times did Ross and Rachel break up? Seriously, how many times? It's hard to tell. Near the beginning of their relationship, Ross tells Rachel: "You going to have to understand that you're with a guy who's not going to stop planning his future with you. Because he knows we're going to end up together. And if that scares you, tough." That set the tone for one of the most iconic on-again, off-again relationships in sitcom history.
5. Carrie and Berger, "Sex and the City"
There were bigger breakups on the show, of course, but the Post-It note has outlived the show. There was a time when email breakups seemed so crass they could be synonymous with the Post-It split. Now that text-message breakups are common, what is the new Post-It — a SnapChat see-ya?
6. Felicity and Ben, "Felicity"
The most lasting scene from this breakup isn't the actual parting of ways, but Felicity's drastic haircut that follows. "When I walked into the hair-cutting place, I was taking a leap," the Keri Russell voice-over goes. "But I wasn't doing it for some guy, or because of some list. I was doing it for me." Cheers to Felicity, for being solo-ish in style rather than wallowing. Little did we know this would foreshadow Russell's current big role — as Elizabeth Jennings in "The Americans" — where there's a new hairdo almost every episode, although for much weightier reasons than "some guy."
7. Cory and Topanga, "Boy Meets World"
Not that we're a fan of relationship games, but Cory failed this one. Big time. Similar to Felicity's split, there's a lot of growing up in this one. Even though these childhood sweethearts eventually make it, this one stung.
8. Luke and Lorelai, "Gilmore Girls"
In a role reversal for a show that's all about the banter, Luke is the wordy one here. He goes on for more than two minutes — saying he's how he's finally ready to marry Lorelai Gilmore and listing off places they can go to get hitched: Maryland, Vermont, Maine, Atlantic City, Las Vegas. When Lorelai is finally able to get four words in edgewise — "I slept with Christopher" — it levels a relationship that took years to build. Sleeping with the father of your only child will do that.
9. Cristina Yang and Preston Burke, "Grey's Anatomy"
Leaving without saying a word? So much for being a doctor of the heart, Burke. In a single breath, Yang's "he's gone" devastation melts quickly into relief. "I'm free" is as pure Yang as that choker and wedding dress are not.
10. Buffy and Angel, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Buffy: "I want my life to be with you."
Angel: "I don't."
Way harsh. These star-crossed lovers didn't last, but the vampire obsession lives on. As Buffy and Angel warned us, vampire-human relationship never work out.
11. Tyrion and Shae, "Game of Thrones"
Next time you're breaking up with someone — even if it's to save your lover's life — say anything but this: "You're a whore. ... I can't be in love with a whore. " Tyrion goes on to kill her several episodes later. So a lot of good that did them.
12. Ryan and Marissa, "The O.C."
After Ryan and Marissa's breakup, conducted on a flip-phone (so 2006!), Marissa goes into a tailspin and starts drinking and doing cocaine. Season three ends with Marissa dying in Ryan's arms after a car crash, reminding us that death is the ultimate breakup.
The Washington Post
Sat Jun 13 2015
After nearly 30 years together, Marge and Homer Simpson are splitting up.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.