The love triangle is having a moment right now—particularly, the M-M-F love triangle, featuring two men and one woman. Of course, M-M-F love triangles aren’t new, but in 2026, they’re everywhere, and with a renewed optimism. For a minute, it seemed like the triangles we saw onscreen were less about fun, sexy “will they/won’t they” dynamics and more about the narrow choices for women and the limitations of modern men—but no more! This year’s female protagonists are fully in control and free to weigh their options (and usually they’re good ones at that).
Perhaps the prevalence of TV love triangles in 2026 is fueled by the growing popularity of sports romances (who doesn’t love some high-stakes competition?). Maybe it’s a response to women’s rights being dismantled in real time, making the fantasy of autonomy seem all the more escapist. Or it’s possible that love triangles are everywhere because we’re simply burnt out from dating apps and situationships and crave clear choices and forthright suitors.
Whatever the case, I’m here to rank the memorable TV love triangles of 2026, based on the believability of the dynamic, the desirability of the two options, and the satisfaction of the outcome. Let’s get into it, shall we?
This isn’t the fault of the show, which is excellent, or the source material, which is indeed a masterpiece. But I simply can’t get on board with the East of Eden love triangle, as viewers see too little of Cathy and Charles’s connection to understand it and just enough of Cathy and Adam’s relationship to determine that they’re terrible for each other. Sorry!!
File this one under: love triangles no one asked for. Sure, Kit and Lauren may have discovered some ~vibes~ during that tornado episode in season 1, but the budding romance still feels forced, especially considering how hard Lauren fought to be with Kit’s brother in the show’s first season. And sadly, we’ll never get a resolution, since this show got axed by Netflix after season 2.
‘My Life With the Walter Boys’: Eliot, Jackie, and Cole
Jackie may have finally resolved the love triangle between herself and the Walter brothers—but then Eliot came into the picture and complicated things once again for her and Cole. But here’s the thing: Neither “Mr. Harvard” nor bad boy Cole seem all that well suited for Jackie, so I’m not exactly rooting for either. Is it too late to get Alex back?
From the start, it’s clear that Robert will serve to break up golden couple Thom and Susan—and when a love triangle’s conclusion feels like an inevitability, it ruins the fun. It feels like the device is only used to cast suspicion on Thom, whose behavior becomes increasingly erratic as a result of the betrayal.
Season 1 ends on a cliffhanger, with Elle sharing a kiss with Dustin right in front of Miles. Drama! My problem with the whole thing: Elle and Miles have very little chemistry, so the stakes never feel all that high.
‘My Brilliant Career’: Frank, Sybylla, and Harry
Listen, I love to see a woman choose herself. But I also couldn’t help but feel for Frank, who was forced to accept that Sybylla didn’t love him, as well as Harry, who sacrificed so much only to end up alone. As a result, Sybylla’s decision (while admirable and brave!) feels more frustrating for her well-meaning suitors than satisfying.
‘Finding Her Edge’: Brayden, Adriana, and Freddie
In a surprising twist, fake-dating did not lead to a real relationship in this one, as Adriana ends up choosing her ex-partner Freddie over her new partner Brayden in the end. The choice feels forced and abrupt (especially considering the chemistry that she and Brayden share), but that said, anything could happen during season 2...
‘Not Suitable for Work’: Davis, AJ, and Josh
Despite the noble sacrifice Davis made in defending AJ (and losing his job in the process), I always wanted to see her with Josh, which is what made that final scene on New Year’s Eve all the more devastating. What’s worse: Hulu canceled the show after one season, so we’ll never get to see AJ and Josh get together.
‘The Other Bennet Sister’: Mr. Ryder, Mary, and Tom
Now THIS is how you do a period drama love triangle! Not only is it thrilling to see the overlooked Mary with not one but two suitors after her—viewers also get to watch Mary choose the love she deserves rather than the one she thinks she has to accept.
While Josh and Teagan have that enemies-to-lovers tension that challenges and pushes her, Cam offers a safer, more grounded connection. It’s the best of both worlds, and it never feels tedious, even though the first season concludes without Teagan having made a choice.
‘Off Campus’: Garrett, Hannah, and Justin
Call me a sucker, but I love the fake-dating trope, and this one is orchestrated particularly well. It may have taken Hannah a bit too long to realize her feelings for Garrett are actually real, but at least she does eventually!
‘A Different World’: Ellington, Deborah, and Shaquille
Deborah may spend the majority of the season with Shaquille, but from the jump, she and Ellington have chemistry that can’t be denied. And despite #ShaBorah’s history, Ellington’s eventual confession wins Deborah over. It’s a slow burn that’s totally believable but keeps you guessing, as a good love triangle should.
At last, a love triangle where both options are equally desirable! Both Ellis and Rory prove to be good guys who genuinely value Annie, but it’s still a satisfying (and surprising!) twist when she shares that long-awaited kiss with Ellis.
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Source: Entertainment
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