There’s no doubt that one of the greatest components to making a TV show likable and relatable is the chemistry of the characters whether that’s through friendships or relationships.
Although let’s be honest, not every friendship portrayed on TV is truly successful. But when it is, it has the potential of becoming a cultural phenomenon, when audiences begin calling each other the peanut butter to their jelly (except substitute ingredients with character names).
Here’s our list of the 15 best friendships on TV that do just that and make us all yearn for that mischief, love, and laughter everyone needs in a best friend. Don’t forget to comment down below any of your favorite TV friendships!
1. Abbi and Ilana (Broad City)
Abbi and Ilana on Broad City. Photo Courtesy of Comedy Central.
It’s quite rare that on-screen best friends are just as close in real life. However, Ilana and Abbi’s friendship on and off the show is probably one of the cutest most cherishing friendships ever.
Sure, at times they’re probably overly co-dependent– when they’re not hanging out IRL, they’re Facetiming– but that kind of relationship is a must if you’re looking to survive New York City. The chemistry between the two is truly off the charts, and when people talk about friendship love, they’re certainly referring to this iconic duo.
2. Cristina and Meredith (Grey’s Anatomy)
Cristina and Meredith on Grey’s Anatomy. Photo Courtesy of ABC.
The Twisted Sisters are the greatest love story on the show, any true fan knows this. Their continued friendship even beyond Cristina’s exit is what keeps these two on every list.
The grueling challenges of medical residency and their careers created an unbreakable bond, not to mention all the traumas and tragedies they experienced together including a plane crash and shooting. Between their dance parties and moments of petty judgment, they make a great team.
3. Jen and Judy (Dead to Me)
Jen and Judy on Dead to Me. Photo Courtesy of Netflix.
Friendship doesn’t always mature linearly, and Jen and Judy are the best depiction of this. Despite Judy’s original guilt acting as a catalyst for their friendship, as truths are outed they slowly build a deep friendship.
The secrets they eventually have to share pull them closer together, and no matter how unhealthy that may seem, it works for them. Judy’s spirituality perfectly balances Jen’s pessimism and that seems like the ideal formula of any duo.
4. Callie and Mariana (Good Trouble)
Callie and Mariana on Good Trouble. Photo Courtesy of Freeform.
Sister from another mister, literally. But who says your sister can’t be your best friend? Mariana and Callie’s friendship has blossomed considerably on their spinoff TV show Good Trouble. Their sibling dynamic allows for a different level of closeness. The way they can criticize each other or get angry with each other is definitely a level only reserved for sisters.
Similar to Abbi and Ilana, Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez are close in real life and that depth truly translates to the screen. When they have secrets to keep from their moms or have new gossip on one of their other siblings, confiding in the other provides a built-in therapist.
5. Otis and Eric (Sex Education)
Otis and Eric on Sex Education. Photo Courtesy of Netflix.
These two are just adorable. As both are faced with the challenges of high school and puberty, they lean on each other to get through the hard times. Although they have their flaws, as does every friendship, it keeps things realistic. And no matter what, the other is there to fight back against any bullies that may try and take them down.
Even as they grow separately through relationships and first times, their friendship never suffers. They always come back together to discuss and process the big moments.
6. Penelope and Derek (Criminal Minds)
Derek and Penelope on Criminal Minds. Photo Courtesy of CBS.
The fun and flirtatious friendship between these two FBI agents is what makes their friendship so loving. Derek’s pet names for Penelope including “baby girl” warms the heart and because they never pass the friend boundary, it makes it even more special.
Genuinely, the work they do requires close friendships and people who really understand the difficulties of catching serial killers. Arguably, they are the sweetest pairing on the show, even as they become romantically involved with other people. Garcia’s the nerdy computer girl, while Derek’s the attractive cool boy, an unlikely pairing, but one that works because of this.
7. Miriam and Susie (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Miriam and Susie on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Photo Courtesy of Amazon Prime.
This comedic pairing’s banter is the bread and butter of their friendship. Though they lead completely different lives, it somehow works. Susie keeps Miriam grounded and helps her along with her dream of being on stage. They’re not your typical friends all warm and fuzzy, but they’re adult friends who lead separate lives, yet support each other’s careers.
8. Sutton, Jane, and Kat (The Bold Type)
Jane, Kat, and Sutton on The Bold Type. Photo Courtesy of Freeform.
This trio can never be separated, they’re a single unit. They may be the best representation of friendships that transcend the office. As they climbed the career ladder together at Scarlett and began using the fashion closet as a secret quiet corner, their bond became unbreakable.
They don’t always give each other the best advice or the best ideas, but they get in trouble together and that’s what matters. Through heartbreaks, new relationships, and sexual awakenings, they are always lifting each other up.
9. Annie and Fran (Shrill)
Annie and Fran on Shrill. Photo Courtesy of Hulu.
Annie and Fran represent the close bonds you can make in college and how they develop and change into adulthood. Shrill explores the nuances in an interracial friendship as well when Annie receives backlash for an article and Fran has to confront Annie for her white privilege.
These young women are simply trying to find their identities, while relationships and careers are put to the test. The only thing they can truly rely on is each other, but by the end, they have to identify whether or not their friendship is stunting their personal growth.
10. Tully and Kate (Firefly Lane)
Tully and Kate on Firefly Lane. Photo Courtesy of Netflix.
One of the oldest friendships on this list, Tully and Kate have been best friends since childhood. However, the dynamic holds its own challenges as Kate has always lived in the shadows of Tully, while Tully has always envied Kate’s life.
There are obvious toxicities between the two, but they’ve always been each other’s rocks when life wasn’t smooth. Despite their ended friendship revealed in the finale, we know that the second season will explore the elements that led up to this division. Plus, these two will make up, there’s no doubt about it.
11. Ted and Marshall (How I Met Your Mother)
Ted and Marshall on How I Met Your Mother. Photo Courtesy of CBS.
The entire show highlight’s an entire group of friends, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t branches. Ted and Marshall happen to be the oldest branch and thus their friendship is probably the deepest. While Marshall has his forever person, Ted is always striving to find his own.
Ted’s the official third wheel to Marshall and Lily, but somehow Marshall still makes time for his best friend. Barney’s always trying to make his presence known in the friend group as Ted’s best friend, but he knows deep down that Marshall will always take that spot.
12. Liza and Maggie (Younger)
Liza and Maggie on Younger. Photo Courtesy of Paramount+.
Most might assume Liza and Kelsey are the friends of the show, but you can’t forget about Liza’s friendship with Maggie. Maggie’s always there to support Liza and push her to do great things. After all, she’s the one who suggested she lie about her age.
They portray a middle-aged friendship in a beautiful way. As they both navigate singledom and the dating world, they always know the other will be home to comfort them. When Liza’s life seems to be falling apart when people find out her real age, Maggie’s there to help pick her up.
13. Emily and Hannah (Pretty Little Liars)
Emily and Hannah on Pretty Little Liars. (ABC Family/Eric McCandless)
Now, this one might be influenced by Buttabenzo (Shay Mitchell and Ashley Benson’s friendship name), but if you rewatch the show, you’ll see Hannah and Emily always held a stronger connection.
Emily stayed with Hannah while her parents were away. But also, Aria and Spencer always just felt worlds away in their own drama, and Hannah and Emily were left in the dust finding their own ways to stay safe from A.
14. Kate and Anne (Workin’ Moms)
Anne and Kate on Workin Moms. Photo Courtesy of CBC.
Friends since college and now making their way through motherhood together, Anne and Kate keep each other on solid ground. As they are pulled in separate directions in life by careers, husbands, and children, they still manage to stay in close contact.
As they’re in a stage in life when family takes over their entire life and it seems like friendships fall by the wayside, they’ve made sure to never lose sight of each other. When one needs advice or to vent about the weird new habit their child has picked up, the other is on the other end ready to listen.
15. Gary and Eddie (A Million Little Things)
Gary and Eddie on A Million Little Things. Photo Courtesy of ABC.
Let’s be honest, Gary’s the most loyal friend in general no matter who he’s paired with. But, because Eddie’s struggled so much with his addiction and his car accident, Gary’s had to step up as his only form of support, while Eddie’s marriage with Katherine is falling apart simultaneously.
Gary’s the Godfather of Theo and he knows how special that is. And although Eddie’s his best friend, he recognizes Eddie’s flaws and is somehow still able to be there for Katherine. Get you a best friend that can do both!