A debilitating, sudden-onset malady afflicting both comedic and dramatic television shows, typically at 4 to 5 years of age. Most often affects programs whose plotlines centered on the relationship of a male and female lead.

Cause(s): Consumation of relationship, ending long-standing sexual and/or romantic tension

Symptoms: Will-they-won’t-they precondition often means writer ability to form other story lines has atrophied; significant drop in ratings

Prognosis: Nearly always fatal

Also Known As: Who’s the Boss Disorder.