But why are audiences drawn to dysfunctional families? One reason is that they offer a reflection of our own experiences and emotions. Many of us have experienced conflict, tension, or drama within our own families, and seeing these dynamics played out on screen can be both cathartic and validating.

The best complex family relationships are not resolved like a detective novel. They are not "solved." They are endured . The ending of a great family drama is rarely a hug. Usually, it is a long, silent car ride home. Or two siblings sitting on a porch, not speaking, but not leaving.

When the family matriarch dies, she leaves her sprawling estate not to her three children, but to a stranger.

As the months passed, the Smiths faced many more challenges. They argued and made up, hurt each other and apologized. Through it all, they began to understand that their complex relationships were not weaknesses, but strengths. They learned to appreciate their differences and to communicate more effectively.

As television continues to evolve and diversify, it's likely that family drama storylines and complex family relationships will remain a staple of modern entertainment. With the rise of streaming services and online platforms, audiences have more opportunities than ever to engage with complex, nuanced family dramas.

The gold standard for sibling rivalry. The Roy children want their father’s love, but they’ve been trained to be killers. The show understands that in complex families, language is a weapon. They never say "I love you"; they say "You are a cog in the machine." The storyline is driven by the vacuum of power . When the patriarch falters, the siblings don’t unite; they cannibalize each other.