It Doesn't Happen Often, But These Were The Rare Moments When Sitcom Couples Gave Audiences A Look At Real Relationship Issues

At this point, I'm more invested in TV relationships than real ones...

Sitcoms — they're half laughs and half super serious heavy topics (with a laugh track). Even the biggest sitcom hater can admit that sitcom couples are put through the wringer, much like most real-life couples.

NBC / Via giphy.com

Yes, even the most beloved couples can go through rough patches and obstacles, and we love watching them figure it out together. These were some of the episodes, storylines, and plot points in particular that had us tearing up for our favorite on-screen ships:

1. Monica and Chandler discover they can't conceive.

NBC

Witnessing Monica and Chandler's relationship develop was one of the biggest and most endearing plot points of Friends, and their excitement for the future together made for some incredibly funny scenes. But after several months of unsuccessfully trying for a baby, it's revealed to them that they're unlikely to conceive children. While they do go on to adopt twins through a surrogate, Monica's heartbreak at losing the chance to carry a baby is so realistic, devastating, and painful to watch.

2. Amy and Jake debate having children.

NBC

Fun, devoted, loyal, and the epitome of the "friends-to-lovers" trope, Amy and Jake from B99 are a great example of a healthy, loving, and supportive relationship. Yet, in a great display of realism for the show, the two failed to discuss their views on children before tying the knot. In a brutally honest episode, they both debate their perspectives and share their viewpoints, with the concern of what happens if a resolution can't be achieved hanging heavy over their heads.

3. Amy leaves Jonah for California.

NBC

At the very start of Superstore, Amy is one of Cloud 9's longest-serving employees — trapped in a low-paying, demanding job with little ambition or drive. Throughout the show, however, she slowly begins to expands her horizons through her divorce and growing relationship with Jonah. Towards the end of the series, Amy is offered a high-paying corporate position in California and although Jonah initially plans to come with her, she decides the commitment is too much to handle. She goes on to California without him, leaving him behind in their old store.

4. Leslie and Ben fight for their jobs in court.

NBC

Leslie and Ben are one of the most iconic power couples in sitcom history, with incredible political careers and a true dedication to their work in government. But their workplace conduct is put on trial when their relationship is revealed, and their careers are threatened. In a tense story arc, the details of their relationship are revealed in front of a judge, and their struggle to convince the court creates an emotional and heartbreaking scenario for the two to face.

5. Pam and Jim go to therapy.

NBC

Even the most idyllic relationship can go through rough patches, as evidenced by the breakdown of Jim and Pam's relationship towards the end of The Office's final run. With Jim's focus on his new company in Philadelphia, Pam is left looking after their two young children alone, a move which causes intense friction between the pair. When it feels like their issues can't be resolved through talking alone, the couple decides to attend therapy together — a tough decision for such a loving and fun duo to make.

6. Holly is relocated out of Scranton.

NBC

With the arrival of Holly Flax in Scranton, long-time viewers finally had hope that Michael Scott had found his perfect match. Funny, dorky, goofy, and kind, she understood Michael and embraced him for who he was. But once corporate got wind of their relationship, Holly was relocated to Nashua to work for their Dunder Mifflin branch — and decided to end her relationship with Michael. Through a heartbreaking, tearful, and emotional drive (with Daryl as the driver), they separated instead of starting a long-distance commitment, something Holly didn't think they could survive.

7. Lily leaves Marshall for art school.

CBS

Lily and Marshall have such a strong bond in the first season of How I Met Your Mother that it seemed like nothing could break them apart. However, as Lily begins to get cold feet for their upcoming wedding, she decides to pursue a place in an art school in San Francisco and change her life completely. When Marshall finds out she applied behind his back, the two have a dramatic showdown in which Lily packs up and leaves him for good. The emotional consequences are severe and it takes Marshall a long time to recover, with wounds that still linger, even years after their eventual reconciliation.

8. And Luke breaks up with Lorelai.

NBC

From the very first episode of Gilmore Girls, it was clear that Luke and Lorelai are made for each other. He brings her coffee, she brightens his day, and their personalities are perfectly compatible. Although it takes them almost five seasons to get together, their relationship is one of fun, love, and commitment right from the start. However, when Lorelai's complicated relationship with Rory's dad gets messy and her parent's meddling takes its toll, Luke decides the relationship is too much for him to handle. He breaks up with her in a heartbreaking twist that leaves both the audience and Lorelai shattered.

What do you think? What's a moment from a sitcom that ripped your heart out and stomped on it? Let me know in the comments!