Friendships on screen can often rekindle the longing for a confidante in real life. Isn’t it wondrous how an absorbing friendship on TV can shift the show’s entire trajectory? At times, non-romantic pairings feel more authentic, admirable and challenging than couples. Films have proven there are only limited ways to say I Love You, at least in romantic comedies. Therefore, a simple, relatable and appealingly written pair of characters can be a center of warmth without the will-they-won’t-they pressure on it.
While television shows have dealt with romance in a time-tested manner, an intriguing friendship is something that only a few shows could achieve. It seems silly but writing two friends who have a friendship that feel organic is only left to the masters. Here are ten platonic TV friendships that catered to millions of fans over the years.
10 Ted and Lily: How I Met Your Mother
Many would have wondered how Ted Mosby and Lily Aldrin stood with each other throughout How I Met Your Mother, with Ted’s numerous mishappening with women, while Lily had a steady partner in Marshall. All three met each other while at college and briskly became best friends. Barney and Robin eventually joined the three in, and the five of them regularly hung out in Mclaren’s pub. Ted’s affection and friendship for Lily were evident in how warmly he spoke about her to his kids while narrating his past.
When Lily and Marshall briefly separated during the show, it was apparent how even Ted was deeply affected by Lily’s absence, along with Marshall. Lily cared for Ted like her sibling, sharing secrets with him and being a supportive friend throughout his amusing escapades. Fans would vouch for the perfect, friendly chemistry off-screen as well between Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan as they played Ted and Lily, respectively.
9 Michael and Pam: The Office
Michael and Pam’s friendship was one of the most unexpected relationships that developed in The Office, considering how Pam could not imagine having the half-witted Michael as her friend at the show’s inception. But as it progressed, Pam grew aware of Michael’s warm-hearted temperament. In the episode ‘Business School’, Michael was the only one from the office to turn up at Pam’s art exhibition and appreciate her paintings, which was a poignant moment for Pam. She grew to cope with Michael’s antics and even appreciated his fondness for his team and the company.
Michael was undoubtedly the biggest supporter of her relationship with Jim and was the happiest when they went public. While Pam became a firm counsel for Michael for his eventual relationships, Michael became her support during her marriage and pregnancy. Michael reaffirmed how much Pam believed in him when she was the only employee of the office who followed him toward his entrepreneurial gig, while they were joined by Ryan later. But the most emotional juncture in their friendship would definitely be their airport goodbye, which made several fans teary-eyed.
8 Ron and Leslie: Parks and Recreation
Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope were steadfast friends in Parks and Recreation, and the friendship was even more entertaining due to their opposing beliefs and characteristics. Ron, an anti-government advocate, and Leslie, with her utmost commitment to her job, were the quintessential employees of a government office. But none understood the other more except the two, with both respecting each other’s schools of thought. Leslie doted on Ron when he came to her rescue at her most vulnerable times. Leslie revealed how closely she knew Ron when she arranged a private birthday affair for him, which included a movie, exquisite liquor, and meat.
Both of them synchronized very well in the office, with Ron giving her a free hand with her tasks while making clear his opinions on such matters. Both had their share of misunderstandings and disagreements in the show but had each other’s back till the very end. Nick Offerman and Amy Poehler became an instant hit when they both played their characters on screen.
7 Joey and Phoebe: Friends
If it were one heartwarming element from the show Friends, it would have to be the unbroken friendship between Joey and Phoebe. The two remained the best of friends even as the rest had their share of fluctuation. Phoebe’s free-spirited personality and Joey’s apparent naïve nature got along impeccably. Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow played their parts earnestly, but distinct features were embedded in both characters that destined them to be loyal friends.
A couple of iconic moments on the show depicted the rock-solid friendship between Phoebe and Joey. One was when Joey proposed to Phoebe when she was apparently pregnant, which denoted how much he cherished their friendship and was willing to raise her child together. The second instance was when Joey assumed the role of the officiator at Phoebe’s wedding when she earlier asked him to give her away. There was a profound and sturdy undertone in their seemingly humorous friendship, which made it even more distinctive in the show.
6 Tony and Melfie: The Sopranos
While Tony Soprano and Dr Melfi did not have the run-of-the-mill friendship depicted in TV shows, their relationship was essential in resonating with The Sopranos. Turning up at Dr Melfi’s clinic after a bout of anxiety attacks, the mob boss Tony Soprano least expects the relationship with his therapist to turn out the way it did in the show. Tony finds a friend in Dr Melfi, a supportive constituent in his otherwise criminal lifestyle full of crafty people.
Though Dr Melfi kept a respectful boundary with Tony, she was cognizant of Tony’s gentler core, which had the potential even Tony was unaware of. The friendship between Tony and Dr Melfi remains the most comprehensive aspect of The Sopranos, which succeeded in depicting a ruthless criminal and a therapist comprehending each other’s emotions.
5 Tyrion and Daenerys: Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones witnessed a humane friendship between Tyrion and Daenerys amongst its numerous political unions, manipulative accords, and warped alliances. Both had a plethora in common, with a difficult past and a self-intention to achieve. They took to each other effortlessly, as Tyrion served Daenerys with the highest dedication as her hand. Tyrion had the scheming brains in the plot, while Daenerys had her dragons for the might in the ensuing battles.
Both of them became a lethal amalgamation as their dominance spread across kingdoms. Daenerys firmly Tyrion, even though it meant a great deal of her future was at stake with Tyrion’s advice. Perhaps she felt a sense of longing from Tyrion to prove his proficiency, and who better than Daenerys would have understood that emotion better? Both had been betrayed by their closest allies, and that set off a sense of parallelism between them.
4 Sheldon and Penny: The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon and Penny’s friendship in The Big Bang Theory could be counted as one of the best non-romantic friendships in TV history. Serving as a bridge between Sheldon and Leonard, Penny was the perfect missing link in the friendship. Sheldon and Penny had emerged from completely different spectrums but grew fond of each other. While being protective of Sheldon, Penny was also responsible for opening up an entirely new world for Sheldon, apart from his closely linked pact with physics. Both were selfless in their friendship, without any baggage or expectations. While Penny and Sheldon were both receptive to knowing more of each other’s expertise, it was noticeable that the feeling emerged from the point of mutual respect. Penny and Sheldon were the best of complementing opposites, which made it so noteworthy.
3 Don and Peggy: Mad Men
The evolution of Don and Peggy’s friendship has been one of the hallmarks of the show Mad Men. Played by Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss, Don and Peggy formed the foundation of the show while the show made its way through its wavelengths. Few would have wondered how a friendship would have taken shape between Peggy, a newbie in an advertising agency, and Don, an already established figure in the industry. Their iconic dance after the reconciliation attests to how much they admired and believed in their goodwill for each other, while realizing the true worth of their work as a team.
2 Alex and Meredith: Grey’s Anatomy
Alex and Meredith’s friendship in Grey’s Anatomy comes full circle, from their days as an intern to Alex leaving the show after 16 seasons. They were the only two of the original interns of the pilot who lasted till the very far ending episodes of the show. Journeying through several bumps and highs of the show, Alex and Meredith become close friends, accessible to each other, come what may. The sense of ease and solace between the two truly embodies the ethos of a lasting friendship.
1 Louis and Donna: Suits
Donna and Louis, the characters of Sarah Rafferty and Rick Hoffman, respectively, have often been regarded by Suits fans as a better pair of friends than the other intricate characters of the show. They have their sweet moments in the show, through periods of consolation, while also inspiring the other constantly. Both are indicatively aware of their friendship, while Donna is shown to know Louis inside and out. Though their friendship is well grounded, Donna is quick to dismiss any of Louis’ gibberish hilariously. Louis, time and again, had moments of praising Donna, which were heartening scenes, at the least.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
