The Goldbergs may be coming to an end when its current season wraps, but AJ Michalka believes Lainey and Barry will have a future together regardless. AJ Michalka’s Lainey and Troy Gentile’s Barry were at the heart of one of the show’s most gripping relationships, even getting engaged before they ultimately broke up. Of course, Michalka left the show in season 6 to star in her own Lainey-centric spinoff, Schooled. Outside of a few guest spots, Lainey has since been scarce on The Goldbergs, despite the fact that Schooled ended in 2020 after two seasons.
Michalka’s own music career may be a factor, as the actress and singer has been busy recording and performing over the last few years. She did make one appearance in The Goldbergs season 10, however, and showcased the strength of her character's bonds with the Goldbergs family. While reflecting on the relationship between Barry and Lainey in an interview with Screen Rant, Michalka revealed her belief that the two are destined to reunite, whether or not it happens during the course of the show (not to mention that the pair rekindle a relationship in Schooled, which takes place in The Goldbergs’ future). Here’s what she had to say:
I do think it's one of those kismet relationships where you grow apart, maybe in your 20s, you get a little older and go date other people. That's kind of what they both done. Then I do think they'll find themselves most likely back together, whether that's on air or something we all just want to dream up.
I actually think that's where the people behind the scenes of The Goldbergs have always wanted things to go. But we also need time to separate and grow and date other people.
What Makes Barry & Lainey The Goldbergs' Foundational Pairing
AJ Michalka’s belief is not surprising, considering how important the relationship between Barry and Lainey is to The Goldbergs. Lainey was an integral part of The Goldbergs for the majority of the show, and the breaking off of her relationship to Barry was one of the more emotional moments of season 6. Their relationship even carries over to Lainey’s spinoff during an arc in which Barry appears on Schooled.
The relationship between Barry and Lainey has also been an impactful one for viewers of the show, as the ‘odd couple’-like nature of the pairing has resonated with many who see themselves in similar situations. In addition to the reliability of their personalities, the fact that the pair were high school sweethearts who soon had to face the realities of pursuing their own careers and lives surely hit close to home for large numbers of viewers. AJ Michalka has seen firsthand the impact the story of Barry and Lainey has had, as she also revealed in her interview:
I really feel like Barry and Lainey are this bizarre pairing that is not only a hilarious one for TV, but also really relatable for some people. I've had people come up to me and be like, "I'm a Lainey, and I'm married to a Barry. It makes no sense, but this is my life." I find it really funny and entertaining. And I think it's an interesting duo, especially on major network television, so I hope that they can end up together.
New episodes of The Goldbergs air on Wednesdays on ABC.