10 TV Shows That Repeated the Same Storyline Multiple Times
When a TV show runs for a long time, it’s not unusual for certain story arcs to recur throughout the series. This is different from procedural shows that follow a consistent formula in every episode, which makes them accessible to a broad audience and allows viewers to dive into the action at any point. However, in serialized shows, it’s often frustrating when they revisit the same character dynamics and plotlines season after season. While dropping a significant storyline can be disappointing, rehashing the same one repeatedly can be equally exasperating.
It’s understandable that TV series aim to maintain consistency in quality and tone, and revisiting previous plot points can be an easy way to achieve this. Some shows might feature controversial storylines that split the audience, while others rely heavily on familiar tropes, leading viewers to notice the repetition. When a character continually makes the same mistakes, or when each season revolves around a similar central conflict, it can become tiresome and negatively impact the show’s reception.
10. Supernatural (2005–2020)
Sam and Dean’s Endless Cycle of Sacrifice
The dynamic between Sam and Dean Winchester in Supernatural is a core aspect of the show, but it rarely evolved throughout the series. In the early seasons, the brothers gradually built trust and healed from their family trauma, but their actions remained deeply influenced by their parents’ legacy. Their tendency to sacrifice everything for each other often led to one of them going too far, with the other forced to pull them back from the brink.
This cycle became predictable: one brother would succumb to personal demons or try to save the world at all costs, only for the other to rescue him. Whether it was Dean with the Mark of Cain or Sam’s struggle with demon blood, the pattern was consistent. After a brief period of peace, the cycle would begin again, with one brother descending into darkness and the other scrambling to save him.
9. The Walking Dead Franchise
Endless Kidnappings and Abductions
The Walking Dead franchise, which began with the popular comic book series and expanded into a successful TV series, often portrayed the Walkers (zombies) as the main threat. However, it was the other human survivors who frequently posed the greatest danger. Whenever the core group encountered a rival faction, violence, bloodshed, and abductions were sure to follow.
In each installment of the franchise, characters are kidnapped, leaving their friends to mount a rescue mission. This recurring plot point is central to the narrative, from Maggie and Negan’s search for Hershel in Dead City to Carol and Michonne’s respective quests in the spinoffs. This predictability detracts from the suspense, as viewers can often guess what will happen next.
8. The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)
Elena’s Perpetual Damsel in Distress
The love triangle between Elena, Damon, and Stefan was the driving force behind much of The Vampire Diaries’ drama. Both vampire brothers were constantly sacrificing everything to ensure Elena’s safety, a theme that grew repetitive as the series progressed. Elena’s importance to the plot made her the focal point of every major villain’s scheme, often revolving around her doppelgänger blood.
In addition to Elena’s repeated rescue arcs, the show frequently used the trope of characters returning from the dead. Whether it was Jeremy and Alaric with their Gilbert rings or Damon and Bonnie finding a way back from the Other Side, The Vampire Diaries relied heavily on this plot device. The creation of a cure for vampirism further highlighted the show’s tendency to revisit familiar storylines.
7. Grey’s Anatomy (2005–Present)
Secrets, Lies, and Forbidden Romances
Grey’s Anatomy has become infamous for its recurring themes of monumental secrets and ill-fated romantic entanglements. The season 1 finale revealed Derek’s secret wife, a plot twist that was far from the last time a character kept a past relationship hidden. This theme continued with Owen’s connection to Teddy and Richard’s affair with Ellis Grey, which resurfaced multiple times.
Additionally, the doctors frequently engage in inappropriate relationships with patients, leading to numerous complications. For example, Izzie’s relationship with Denny jeopardizes the hospital, and Lexie’s intern class performs surgeries on each other in season 5. These repeated plotlines make it surprising that the hospital remains operational despite the constant ethical breaches.
6. Glee (2009–2015)
Love Triangles, Betrayals, and Solo Competitions
Glee was a show filled with drama, much of which stemmed from romance and competition. The series repeatedly introduced love triangles, creating obstacles that kept characters apart and drove the plot. This theme extended to the fierce battles over who would perform solos at major competitions, such as Sectionals, Regionals, and Nationals.
The threat of the Glee club being disbanded was another recurring storyline, with the group’s success hinging on their performances. Each character’s desire to be the star led to constant conflicts, making the show’s drama feel repetitive as the seasons went on.
5. Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Familiar Patterns of Betrayal and Consequence
Every episode of Gossip Girl involved the anonymous website stirring up drama among the characters, but beyond that, the show often revisited the same dynamics and story arcs. Blair Waldorf, for instance, repeatedly made vindictive decisions that eventually backfired, whether it was her failed attempt to get into Yale or her disastrous marriage to Louis.
Other characters followed similar patterns, with Serena making poor choices in relationships and Dan making destructive decisions to fit in with his wealthy peers. These recurring storylines made the characters’ actions predictable, reducing the impact of the drama.
4. Suits (2011–2019)
Last-Minute Loopholes and Close Calls
In Suits, the partnership between Mike and Harvey was central to the show, with the two often finding last-minute loopholes to win cases. This formula became a staple of the series, with each conflict ultimately resolved by Mike’s brilliant mind and Harvey’s creativity.
The tension surrounding Mike’s secret—that he wasn’t a licensed lawyer—was a recurring theme until it came to a head in season 5. Each season saw Mike nearly exposed, only to be saved at the last moment. When Mike finally went on trial, the show was forced to evolve, providing a refreshing change from its usual formula.
3. Shameless (2011–2021)
Gallagher Family’s Cycle of Destruction
Shameless focused on the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family, with each member often repeating the same mistakes. While Frank was the initial antagonist, the rest of the family also struggled with self-destructive tendencies. For example, Fiona repeatedly sabotaged her relationships, while Lip continually threw away academic and career opportunities.
As the series progressed, these recurring issues became more predictable, with the family’s actions always leading to the brink of disaster, whether it was losing custody of the kids, losing their home, or facing legal trouble. By the end of the series, the repetitive nature of these conflicts diminished their emotional impact.
2. Once Upon A Time (2011–2018)
Recurring Savior Storylines
Once Upon A Time frequently featured world-ending threats, with the central conflict often revolving around the character of Emma Swan. Much of the show focused on Emma’s quest to establish a family and her relationship with her son, Henry. However, these storylines often involved Emma making sacrifices or being transported to another realm, only to fight her way back to Henry.
The theme of saving or finding Henry became a central plot point in almost every season, with other characters also tied to this mission. While the show’s exploration of family was meaningful, the repeated use of this storyline made the narrative feel overly familiar by the series’ end.
1. One Tree Hill (2003–2012)
Endless Love Triangles and Marital Struggles
One Tree Hill was known for its dramatic storylines, particularly in its early seasons. The love triangle between Brooke, Lucas, and Peyton was a defining feature, with Lucas repeatedly trying to be with other women, only to realize his true feelings for Peyton at the last minute. This pattern played out multiple times, making it clear from the start that Lucas and Peyton were destined to be together.
Similarly, Nathan and Haley’s relationship was plagued by recurring marital problems, often driven by their differing ambitions. These repetitive conflicts made the show’s drama predictable, reducing the emotional stakes as the series progressed.
