I try to live by the philosophy “let people enjoy things.” But when it comes to "The Summer I Turned Pretty," there are only so many times my friends can push me toward a love triangle starring a girl named Belly before I crack. Isabel Conklin could’ve gone by Iz, Bel, Izzy, Bella — literally anything less cringe — and she chose Belly? Hard pass.
I grew up in the vampire love triangle era, so I can’t judge too hard. Still, if Bella Swan had been Belly Swan, I’d have bailed before Kristen Stewart’s first lip bite. I tried, for my friends and for Taylor Swift, but three episodes and a bottle of wine couldn’t sell me.
So while I somehow know everything about Isabel’s messy season 3 love life, this Prime Video teen drama just doesn’t scratch that nostalgic itch. For washed-up millennials chasing peak aughts drama, here are five better love triangle binges while the Bonrad vs. Jelly ship wars rage on.
'The Vampire Diaries'
It’s a tragedy on par with Bonnie Bennett’s treatment that "The Vampire Diaries" always gets lumped in with "Twilight." As a recovering Twihard, there’s no comparison between the CW show’s intricate mythology and lines like, “You better hold on tight, spider monkey.”
Yes, both feature vampire love triangles, but that’s where the similarities end. "TVD" delivers layered characters, rich backstories and a fascinating supernatural world. Elena Gilbert is a far better protagonist than fandom gives her credit for. She’s lost everyone she loves yet still leads with compassion. Stefan (Paul Wesley) is drawn to her because she resembles his ex, Katherine, and soon he and his brother, Damon (Ian Somerhalder), repeat their century-old rivalry.
Watch on HBO Max
'Never Have I Ever'
Most modern love triangle shows don’t match their ‘90s counterparts. "Never Have I Ever" is the exception. The 2020 Netflix hit follows Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) navigating grief after her father’s death, while obsessing over Paxton (Darren Barnet) and sparring with Ben (Jaren Lewison).
Devi’s antics — like her relentless pursuit of Paxton to lose her V-card — induce brutal secondhand embarrassment, yet the tropes work. What sets the series apart is its thoughtful therapy arc, rare for teen TV.
Watch on Netflix
'Gilmore Girls'
Every fall, the internet revives the “la la la” ("Gilmore Girls") vs. “hoa hoa hoa” ("Twilight") debate. My real answer? Complicated. The easy answer? "Gilmore Girls."
Yes, it’s a mother-daughter show. But it’s also fueled by love triangles and ship wars. Rory (Alexis Bledel) first dates Dean (Jared Padalecki), the supposed All-American boyfriend who’s really just a red flag. Enter Jess (Milo Ventimiglia), the brooding bad boy, followed later by wealthy heir Logan (Matt Czuchry). Meanwhile, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) cements herself as half of TV’s most iconic mother-daughter duo.
All three of Rory’s guys suck at different times (she might be the worst of all), but fans still return to Stars Hollow every fall.
Watch on Netflix
'The O.C.'
No teen drama screamed 2003 louder than "The O.C." Across four seasons, Ryan (Ben McKenzie) and Marissa (Mischa Barton) perfected the on-again/off-again cycle, while Seth (Adam Brody) and Summer (Rachel Bilson) gave us the ultimate nerd-meets-popular-girl romance.
Love triangles abound in the show, but what sets "The O.C." apart is its loyalty to friendships. No messy betrayals, no bestie swapping — just chaos from side characters like Oliver. The storytelling could be abrupt, but Josh Schwartz captured the exact vibe of being a teen in the early aughts, privileged or not.
Watch on HBO Max
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Teen vampire shows are love triangle gold. In "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) falls for Angel (David Boreanaz), the vampire with a soul ... until he loses it. Cue Shakespearean angst.
But the show didn’t count on Spike (James Marsters). Introduced in season 2, the bleach-blonde antihero became Buffy’s twisted but enduring love interest. Angel tried to destroy her without a soul; Spike fought to earn one for her. Nearly 30 years later, fans still argue which vampire was better, which is proof of the show’s staying power.
Watch on Disney Plus
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