This is the one about friends.
But not just the iconic TV sitcom. We’re talking about the most affecting and enduring friendships that have graced the small screen. We may be excited to watch our favorite series because of the promise of titillating romance or suspense, but we return—even long past a series has aired its final episode—for the relatable platonic relationships.
Spanning across decades and genres, these aspirational pairings are capable of making us smile and helping us get through tough times. The greatest onscreen friendships are also an extension of our own special bonds, as the besties often show us things we can’t see until they’re reflected back to us. But we ultimately learn that a disagreement or awkward encounter can make a friendship stronger.
Why? Because… well, dare we say it? They’ll be there for you.
Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbes (“Sex and the City,” “And Just Like That…”)
Why they work: Forget Mr. Big. Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) real soulmate is the lawyer with the flame-colored hair and silver tongue (Cynthia Nixon). When Carrie gets carried away with her romantic relationships, it’s Miranda who knows how to bring her down to Earth. (Charlotte and Samantha never could deliver that tough love.) Meanwhile, Carrie has been Miranda’s biggest emotional cheerleader and offers compassion without judgment.
Best moment: During the funeral for Miranda’s mother (“My Motherboard, My Self”), Carrie jumps in the procession line so her grieving friend does not have to walk alone. She sweetly kisses her hand, too, making us cry every single time we watch this episode. (Stream on Max.)
“And Just Like That...” Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Max
Oliver Putnam and Charles-Haden Savage (“Only Murders in the Building”)
Why they work: Charles (Steve Martin), a has-been TV star, and Oliver (Martin Short), a very-has-been Broadway producer, unleash their neuroses while solving crimes in NYC’s Upper West Side? Gold, people! Indeed, hilarious high jinks happen when two legends and IRL dear friends bring their sparkling chemistry to the masses. Special shout-out to Selena Gomez’s artist character Mabel Mora for sprinkling in her droll Gen Z wit.
Best moment: On Season 1, during their first murder investigation, Charles and Oliver rush into a car and follow Mabel and a mysterious man (“Twist”). Oliver informs Charles that he got the car years ago in L.A. when he was filming “Singin’ in the Rain 2” for VH1; Charles responds, “Oh, look in the ashtray; it’s a jelly bean from 1963!” (Stream on Hulu.)
“Only Murders in the Building” Credit: Patrick Harbron/Hulu
Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang (“Grey’s Anatomy”)
Why they work: Though the roommates competed as surgical interns at Seattle Grace Hospital, they talked and danced their way through all their problems at home. They also embraced each other’s stark differences, as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) was a pensive romantic while the prickly Cristina (Sandra Oh) boasted about her cutthroat M.O. It’s been more than a decade since Oh decided to exit the show, and Meredith still seems off without “her person.”
Best moment: There were bad days; and then there was the day Cristina was stood up at the altar (“Didn’t We Almost Have It All?”). As the would-be bride hysterically cries in her quiet apartment, Meredith hugs her and promptly cuts her out of her wedding dress. (Stream on Hulu.)
Issa Dee and Molly Carter (“Insecure”)
Why they work: Best friends since graduating Stanford, dreamer Issa (Issa Rae) and go-getter Molly (Yvonne Orji) fit together perfectly despite their yin-and-yang approaches to life. And though the two had a falling-out—complete with skipped phone calls and public blowouts—they still very much cared for each other at the end of the day (and the series). Not surprisingly, Rae and Orji were friends before filming their first episode and their connection shows.
Best moment: Fresh off a long-term relationship, Issa is ready to take the plunge back into the bedroom (“Hella Open”). Wingwoman Molly takes her out and sticks by her the whole night—which is saying a lot given those failed pickup lines. (Stream on Max.)
The Importance of Having a Friend + Guide By Your SideChandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani (“Friends”)
Why they work: Honestly, a “Friends” fan could mix and match many pairings among the sextet, but the roommates who loved to recline in their BarcaLoungers and play air hockey were special. Instead of saying niceties to each other, they were nice: That’s why Joey (Matt LeBlanc) offered the more cynical Chandler (Matthew Perry) kind gifts (the gold bracelet!) and gestures over the years; and Chandler, in turn, offered financial support and professional encouragement. They weren’t afraid to hug it out, either.
Best moment: Over one tense Thanksgiving dinner (“The One With Chandler in a Box”), Joey is still fuming that Chandler has made a move on his girlfriend, Kathy (Paget Brewster), and forces him to spend the night sitting in a covered box. But after Kathy drops by to say that she can’t pursue the relationship out of guilt, Joey selflessly implores Chandler to go after her. (Stream on Max.)
