Let’s establish some parameters for this discussion: We’re not talking about full-on incest.
There will be no discussion ofGame of Thrones.
But it feels like somewhere along the way, society decided that “almost-incest” is okay.
Shannon Lucio and Ben McKenzie on ‘The O.C.'.WB/Everett
It’s not technically incest, but is it … sexy?
No, it’s not.
I’ve narrowed this down into four categories, the first one being the aforementioned incest twist.
Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart on ‘Riverdale’.The CW
TakeThe O.C., for example, one of my favorite shows.
In season 2, Ryan (Ben McKenzie) starts dating Lindsay (Shannon Lucio).
And here’s the kicker: The two don’t immediately stop dating!
What is fun about that game?
Will-they-won’t-they is one thing, and we all love it.
Will-they-won’t-they-be-related is something else entirely, and it needs to stop.
The slightly less offensive “we were raised together” form of almost-incest.
In no way are they related!
But also, are they not kind of siblings?!
As a result, Barry and Iris lived in the same house.
They experienced the same traditions.
And what is a sibling if not someone you grew up with?
Last but not least, we have category four: The parents are also dating.
This is a massive trend, particularly in teen shows.
Imagine your parents yelling “go to your room” and suddenly you’re alone with your boyfriend.
Imagine those awkward family dinners!
So yo, I’m begging you, let’s stop with all this borderline incest stuff.
Those parents don’t need to date if their kids are dating!
Introduce a new character!
There are plenty of characters in a fictional world … almost-incest is nevereversexy.
Read more from EW’s celebration ofTV’s best romances of all time.
