Besties on the Small Screen
Romance gets all the glory, but let’s be honest—TV friendships are the real love stories. From late-night cheesecake to bromances that defy logic, these duos (and squads) gave us the laughs, tears, and all-for-one loyalty that kept us glued to the screen.
So, go and grab your bestie and some popcorn—it’s time to relive the TV friendships that defined our binge-watching lives.
"Happy Days" (Richie and Fonzie)
Talk about an odd couple—Richie Cunningham and the Fonz couldn’t have been more different. Richie was the sweet, all-American boy, while Fonzie was the leather-jacketed rebel who made jukeboxes bow to his will. And yet together, they built one of TV’s most truly beloved friendships. Ayyy!
"Friends" (Joey and Chandler)
Forget Ross and Rachel—the real love story was Joey and Chandler. Recliners, foosball, chicks, ducks—these two invented the sitcom bromance. Whether they were giving terrible dating advice or hugging it out after moving boxes, they showed us that sometimes your roommate is your soulmate.
"Laverne & Shirley" (Laverne and Shirley)
These two weren’t just roommates—they were a comedy powerhouse. Laverne and Shirley’s blue-collar antics, endless schemes, and unwavering loyalty made them one of TV’s most iconic duos. Through jobs, dating disasters, and milk-and-Pepsi breaks, they proved that friendship can make even life’s biggest messes fun.
ABC, Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (Mary and Rhoda)
Mary and Rhoda were the ultimate single-gal besties of the 70s. Mary’s optimism and Rhoda’s sharp sarcasm balanced each other perfectly, giving the show heart and humor. Whether they were navigating careers, dating disasters, or just chatting in Mary’s apartment, their friendship felt real, modern, and way ahead of its time.
CBS, The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
"Friends" (Rachel and Monica)
When Rachel ran out on her wedding and Monica took her in, we all knew this friendship was the real deal. They laughed, cried, and occasionally fought like sisters—because that’s what they basically were. From prom flashbacks to apartment showdowns, Rachel and Monica proved that best friends can survive literally anything… even losing an apartment in trivia.
"Parks and Recreation" (Leslie and Ann)
Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins? Iconic. Legendary. Waffle-fueled. Leslie’s over-the-top compliments met Ann’s grounded calm, and the result was pure magic. No friendship has ever made us want to call our bestie mid-episode just to say “you’re a beautiful tropical fish.”
NBC, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
"Cheers" (Norm and Cliff)
Every bar needs a Norm, and every Norm needs a Cliff. These two were inseparable drinking buddies whose banter at the end of the bar became a staple of *Cheers*. Norm brought the dry one-liners, Cliff the random trivia no one asked for—and together they gave us some of the show’s best laughs.
"Magnum, P.I." (Magnum and Higgins)
Magnum and Higgins were the ultimate frenemies-turned-friends. Magnum was laid-back, charming, and scrappy, while Higgins was uptight, proper, and constantly annoyed. But beneath the constant bickering was a bond built on respect and trust, and their reluctant friendship gave *Magnum, P.I.* its heart.
"Parks and Recreation" (Ron and Leslie)
Total opposites—government-hating Ron Swanson and government-loving Leslie Knope—shouldn’t have been friends. But that’s what made them so good. Their bond was proof that respect matters more than politics, and honestly, Ron walking Leslie down the aisle was one of the most underrated “aww” moments in sitcom history.
NBC, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
"Scrubs" (J.D. and Turk)
“Guy love” wasn’t just a joke—it was a way of life. J.D. and Turk’s friendship was goofy, weird, and ridiculously sweet. From air band performances to deep hospital talks, these two were basically soulmates in scrubs. Admit it—you wanted a Turk to your J.D.
"The Office" (Jim and Pam)
Sure, Jim and Pam ended up married, but don’t forget—they started as best friends. Inside jokes, sneaky pranks on Dwight, and long stares across the reception desk made us fall for them. Their friendship was the blueprint for turning “just friends” into something epic.
"The Office" (Michael and Dwight)
On paper, their relationship was boss vs. employee. In reality, it was one of TV’s weirdest, funniest friendships. Michael drove Dwight nuts, Dwight drove Michael nuts—but when Michael left, Dwight cried like a baby. That’s not just friendship, that’s family (Scranton-style).
"The Golden Girls" (Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia)
If, after watching The Golden Girls, you’ve never wanted to eat cheesecake at midnight and tell stories of things that happened back in Sicily...you’re lying. Their friendship was sass, heart, and soul, proving that age doesn’t matter when it comes to laughter and loyalty.
NBC, The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Jake and Boyle)
Boyle’s devotion to Jake was… a little much. But it was also endlessly funny and kind of beautiful. Jake could count on Boyle for blind loyalty, food recs, and way too much enthusiasm. Their bond was proof that sometimes the “over-eager sidekick” is actually the best friend you need.
Fox/NBC, Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Rosa and Amy)
These two started out as total opposites—Amy the overachiever, Rosa the tough loner. But you over time, they built a true friendship based on mutual respect and the occasional girl’s night. Watching Amy crack Rosa’s tough shell was one of the show’s best long games.
NBC, Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)
"Seinfeld" (Jerry and George)
Toxic? Absolutely. Hilarious? Always. Jerry and George were two guys who brought out the worst in each other—and we loved it. Their bickering about nothing somehow became the most relatable friendship on TV. Admit it—you’ve had at least one “George” in your life.
"Seinfeld" (Elaine and Jerry)
Exes staying friends is rare, but Elaine and Jerry nailed it. Their banter, their awkward moments, their loyalty—it worked. They were proof that friendship doesn’t always die after romance, and sometimes, the best version of love is just hanging out, talking nonsense.
"Gilmore Girls" (Rory and Lane)
Rory and Lane were the small-town besties we all wanted. Sneaking around strict parents, sharing secrets at record stores, and supporting each other through heartbreaks—they were basically Stars Hollow’s beating heart. Their friendship was sweet, messy, and oh-so-relatable.
The CW, Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
"Gilmore Girls" (Lorelai and Sookie)
Forget romance—Lorelai and Sookie were the true couple goals of Gilmore Girls. Building an inn, raising kids, and balancing sarcasm with sugar highs—they had the kind of adult friendship that reminded us growing up doesn’t mean growing apart.
The CW, Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
"How I Met Your Mother" (Ted and Marshall)
College roommates turned lifelong bros—Ted and Marshall’s friendship was the bedrock of the show. They supported each other through breakups, careers, and Lily. Their handshake alone deserved its own spinoff. They proved that your college buddy can be your forever buddy.
CBS, How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
"How I Met Your Mother" (Robin and Lily)
Robin and Lily were a slow-burn friendship that became one of the sweetest parts of the series. From “woo girl” nights to pep talks, they balanced each other perfectly. Lily softened Robin’s edges, Robin gave Lily her edge. Perfect trade.
CBS, How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
"Grey’s Anatomy" (Meredith and Cristina)
“You’re my person.” Enough said. Meredith and Cristina were brutally honest, fiercely loyal, and completely inseparable. They danced through surgeries, heartbreak, and disasters, making theirs one of the strongest female friendships in TV history.
ABC, Grey’s Anatomy (2005–Present)
"Grey’s Anatomy" (Meredith and Alex)
This one snuck up on fans. Meredith and Alex started as frenemies, but turned into a rock-solid friendship. Sarcasm, honesty, and loyalty defined them. They weren’t flashy—but they were real.
ABC, Grey’s Anatomy (2005–Present)
"Will & Grace" (Will and Grace)
Will and Grace showed us that best friends can absolutely be soulmates. Their bond was messy, hilarious, and heartwarming. Even when romance got in the way, their love for each other never budged. Iconic.
NBC, Will & Grace (1998–2006, 2017–2020)
"Sex and the City" (Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha)
Brunch. Cosmopolitans. Life advice. The Sex and the City foursome redefined female friendship on TV. They laughed, fought, and stuck together through everything. Friendship was the real love story, and honestly? It made us want to book brunch immediately.
HBO, Sex and the City (1998–2004)
"New Girl" (Jess and Cece)
Lifelong besties Jess and Cece were chaotic in all the right ways. From awkward weddings to late-night heart-to-hearts, they reminded us that your childhood best friend knows you better than anyone. They were pure “ride or die.”
"New Girl" (Schmidt and Nick)
The human disaster (Nick) and the control freak (Schmidt) somehow balanced each other. Sure, they clashed constantly, but their speeches at each other’s weddings proved they were best bros for life. Plus, their loft arguments? Pure comedy gold.
"That ’70s Show" (Donna and Jackie)
From frenemies to true besties, Donna and Jackie’s friendship grew up with them. Donna’s grounded calm balanced Jackie’s over-the-top dramatics. They were proof that sometimes your least likely friend becomes your most loyal one.
"That ’70s Show" (Eric and Hyde)
Basement hangouts, sarcasm, and plenty questionable advice—Eric and Hyde were teenage friendship personified. They teased each other nonstop, but never let anyone else mess with their crew. That was some classic best-buddy energy.
Fox, That ’70s Show (1998–2006)
"Community" (Troy and Abed)
Two words: “Troy and Abed in the moooorning!” This quirky duo gave us blanket forts, imaginary talk shows, and a friendship built on weirdness. They were proof that finding your person means finding someone who loves your nonsense.
"Community" (The Study Group)
Beyond Troy and Abed, the whole study group was a chaotic mess that somehow worked. They fought, schemed, and always came back to the table. Dysfunctional, yes. Lovable, absolutely.
"Stranger Things" (Dustin and Steve)
An unlikely duo became the show’s best surprise. Steve went from high school jerk to protective big brother, while Dustin provided heart and humor. Monster fights + hair tips = friendship goals.
Netflix, Stranger Things (2016–Present)
"Stranger Things" (Eleven and Mike)
Their connection started with Eggos and walkie-talkies—and turned into a bond that carried the whole series. While romance grew, at its core, their relationship was about unshakable trust between friends.
Netflix, Stranger Things (2016–Present)
"Cheers" (Sam and Carla)
Sam and Carla’s friendship was pure barroom gold. Sarcasm, brutal honesty, and endless loyalty made their banter unforgettable. They roasted each other constantly, but would drop everything to help.
"Frasier" (Frasier and Niles)
Brothers, rivals, best friends—Frasier and Niles were all three at once. Their shared quirks and competitive streaks gave us sophisticated comedy with a warm heart. Underneath the snobbery, it was all love.
"Supernatural" (Sam and Dean Winchester)
Yes, they’re brothers—but their bond was more than family duty. Sam and Dean were ride-or-die best friends in the truest sense, sacrificing everything for each other over 15 seasons. That’s friendship (and monster-hunting) on another level.
The CW, Supernatural (2005–2020)
"The X-Files" (Mulder and Scully)
Trust no one? Not true—Mulder and Scully trusted each other completely. Their partnership blurred the line between colleagues and friends, creating a bond that defined the show. They believed in each other when no one else did.
"The Facts of Life" (Blair and Jo)
It was the Bronx tomboy versus the spoiled prep queen. But over time, they took the good and they took the bad and eventually their rivalry melted into genuine friendship—full of snarky comments and surprising loyalty. Those are the real facts of life.
NBC, The Facts of Life (1979–1988)
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