You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends, and these TV besties have struck gold. In honor of International Friendship Day on July 30, TVLine is rounding up more than 15 of TV’s best friendships. We’ve got loyal pals and nurturing confidantes from current shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, Matlock, Bob’s Burgers and Severance. These buddies lift one another up and stand by each other through life’s ups and downs, from navigating college and medical school residency to tracking down deadly criminals. Plus, one duo even goes up against brain-severing science together! How’s that for a bonding experience?
And because sometimes a friendship can’t be contained to just two people, we’ve also singled out unbreakable trios from Grey’s Anatomy and Sweet Magnolias. And remember: Our list only features shows that are still airing, so as much as we love them, perennial favorites like Broad City’s Abbi and Ilana are not included.
Friendships are the soul of great television. They ground characters, fuel storylines, and—let’s be honest—give us someone to root for. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud bond, a tear-jerking ride-or-die duo, or a quiet, steady companionship, today’s TV landscape is overflowing with iconic friendships. Let’s take a deep dive into the best on-screen friendships currently lighting up our screens—from emotional medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy to intense thrillers like Reacher.
Grey’s Anatomy: Meredith & Amelia—The Sisterhood That Heals
A Friendship Forged Through Trauma
Meredith Grey and Amelia Shepherd didn’t start as besties. They were thrown together through family ties and grief. But over time, these two powerhouse women became one of Grey’s Anatomy‘s most emotionally grounded duos.
Why It Works
It’s their honesty. They’ve seen each other at their worst and never walked away. When life throws curveballs—death, addiction, career blows—they lean in instead of pulling apart.
Severance: Mark & Helly—A Bond Born in Artificial Reality
Defying the System Together
Severance is all about psychological isolation, yet Mark and Helly manage to form a genuine connection inside Lumon’s twisted world. Their friendship cuts through the corporate haze.
Unlikely Yet Powerful
They don’t even know each other’s “real world” identities. But in the severed realm, they risk it all for each other—a testament to the human need for connection.
Matlock: Ben Matlock & Olympia—Old-School Meets Bold & Brilliant
The Charm of Generational Friendship
The new Matlock reboot gives us a fresh dynamic between Ben and Olympia. He’s the seasoned legal legend, she’s the smart, unafraid up-and-comer.
What Makes It Click
It’s not just mentorship—it’s mutual respect. Their intellectual chemistry and banter bring both humor and heart to the courtroom drama.
The Rookie: John Nolan & Lucy Chen—Trust on the Line
Friends in a Dangerous World
Being cops means life and death decisions every day. Nolan and Lucy’s friendship thrives because they always have each other’s backs.
Flirting with Romance?
Sure, fans speculate, but whether they stay friends or take it further, their trust and easy rapport are already winning.
Reacher: Jack Reacher & Neagley—Stoic Meets Steely
Battle-Tested Loyalty
Neagley might be the only person Reacher trusts with his six. Their friendship, born from military camaraderie, is quiet, professional—and unshakable.
Unspoken But Strong
They don’t need constant conversation. A look, a nod, a strategy—these two operate like synchronized fighters in a warzone.
9-1-1: Hen & Chimney—Ride-or-Die Rescuers
Friends Who Save Together, Stay Together
Hen and Chimney are one of TV’s most underrated friendships. Through medical mayhem, parenting dilemmas, and workplace chaos, they always lift each other up.
Comic Relief and Deep Feels
Their humor is unbeatable, but when things get serious, they’re the emotional rock the other leans on.
Only Murders in the Building: Mabel, Oliver & Charles—A Murder Mystery Trio We Didn’t Know We Needed
Oddballs Unite
You wouldn’t expect a young artist, a washed-up actor, and a flamboyant theater director to bond, but here we are—and it’s glorious.
Chemistry That’s Gold
The generational gap doesn’t matter. Their shared obsession with true crime and surprisingly tender moments turn this quirky friendship into something special.
The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie—A Brutal, Beautiful Bond
Survival Is Better with a Partner
Joel and Ellie’s journey across post-apocalyptic America is heart-wrenching. But what keeps us coming back? Their evolving father-daughter dynamic.
From Reluctance to Devotion
He starts off cold. She’s guarded. But slowly, they become the most powerful emotional core on TV right now.
The Good Doctor: Shaun & Lea—More Than Romance
Friendship First
Even though Shaun and Lea eventually fall in love, their foundation is built on friendship. Through medical meltdowns and personal growth, they never stop being each other’s biggest fans.
Autism Representation with Warmth
Their connection shows how neurodiverse individuals build and maintain deep emotional bonds.
Young Sheldon: Sheldon & Dr. Sturgis—Mentor or Bestie?
A Brainy Bond
In a show full of laughs, Sheldon’s connection with Dr. Sturgis brings a tender side to the table. It’s mentorship, yes, but also companionship.
Why It Works
They “get” each other. For someone like Sheldon, that’s rare—and it makes this friendship shine.
Will Trent: Will & Faith—Detective Duo with Deep Trust
A Crime-Solving Pair That Clicks
Will Trent might be awkward and emotionally reserved, but his bond with Faith is filled with mutual loyalty and unspoken understanding.
No Ego, Just Partnership
It’s not competitive—it’s collaborative. A refreshing take in a genre often dominated by solo heroes.
Ghosts: Alberta & Hetty—A Victorian and a Jazz Singer Walk Into a Mansion…
Friendship Beyond the Grave
In CBS’s hit Ghosts, Alberta and Hetty start off clashing but soon find common ground despite living (or, well, haunting) centuries apart.
What Makes It Work?
It’s opposites attract, laced with sass and surprising sisterhood. Their scenes are pure comedy gold.
Halo: Master Chief & Cortana—Tech Meets Heart
Not Just a Program
Yes, Cortana is an AI. But her friendship with Master Chief is deeper than code. It’s emotional, loyal, and increasingly human.
Digital Soulmates?
Maybe. But even if not romantic, their trust and sacrifice elevate their relationship beyond anything expected.
The Diplomat: Kate & Stuart—Married, But It’s the Friendship That Anchors Them
Not Just Politics
Even when they’re at odds diplomatically or personally, their mutual respect and history show the power of friendship inside complex relationships.
A Partnership That Evolves
They might not always be romantic partners, but they are life partners—and that counts.
What Makes a Great TV Friendship Today?
Realism with a Dash of Fantasy
Audiences love friendships that feel real—complicated, sometimes messy—but also aspirational. Today’s shows are nailing that balance.
Diversity in Connection
From age to gender, race to background, TV friendships are more diverse than ever. And that’s what makes them resonate globally.
Conclusion: Why We Need These TV Friendships Now More Than Ever
In a world filled with noise, pressure, and fast-changing trends, good TV friendships remind us what really matters—connection, loyalty, trust, and that deep feeling of being understood. Whether it’s facing a hospital emergency or a post-apocalyptic nightmare, it’s always better when someone’s got your back.
These shows deliver more than drama—they deliver emotional companionship we can carry into our own lives. And maybe that’s what keeps us coming back week after week.
