When you think of television BFFs, it’s common that the strongest non-romantic relationship on a show will be between two females (i.e. Brooke & Peyton, Blair & Serena, all the girls from Sex and the City, etc.) Then you’ll find the pesky male-female friendships that almost always turn romantic. And last but not least, there is the bromance. I for one love bromances. I find nothing more entertaining than two guys dishing out their feelings and crying on each other’s shoulders. It’s guy love, that’s all it is. In no particular order, here are my favorite television male-male platonic friendships. [Again, language warning for the Skins dialogue]
Tony Stonem & Sid Jenkins / James Cook & Freddie McLair, Skins (UK)
I just couldn’t separate these two because their friendships are very similar and I love them equally. Both Tony & Sid and Cook & Freddie are odd pairs, one typically gets used as a doormat (Sid & Freddie) for the other (Tony & Cook) and their friendship is rocked by the fact that they are both in love with the same girl, Michelle & Effy. They seem at odds the majority of the time and they don’t mind throwing/taking a punch every now and then. But their make-up scenes are always precious and they aren’t afraid to drop the L-bomb to each other. Aw. And besides, everything sounds better in English accents.
your bromance is showing…
Tony: Three things, Sid. One. Get rid of the hat. Two. I always loved you the best, Sid. Three…I can’t think of a three. [Tony hugs him]
Cook: [after Freddie head butts him] I really fucking love you, you bastard.
Cory Matthews & Shawn Hunter, Boy Meets World
Even though Shawn was essentially the third-wheel to the Cory & Topanga wagon for the majority of their lives, it never seemed that way. These perpetual class clowns have kept their friendship strong despite romantic complications, cultural differences and even psychotic nightmares. What’s left to say about this pair, really? Besties, cradle to grave.
your bromance is showing…
Cory: What do I do now?
Amy: Go find the person you love.
Cory: That would be Shawn.
Mark Sloan & Derek Shepherd, Grey’s Anatomy
You’d think that Mark sleeping with Derek’s wife and essentially ruining their marriage would have been the be-all end-all of this friendship. It definitely took a while to get there, but now the pair is back and bringing the man love in full force. The fact that they both have great hair and are charming as hell should be enough to warrant a friendship. And if Mark ends up marrying Lexie, they’ll actually have a legit “bro”mance.
your bromance is showing…
Mark: I thought it was just going to be you and me. I have been patient. I have waited when you partnered up with these chicks, but now they’re over. And it’s supposed to be just us. You and me; two guys on the prowl, on the hunt. Women are everywhere. I only have one person I can talk to.
Derek: That’s sweet.
Mark: Shut up.
Derek: No, it’s really warm and fuzzy.
Ryan Atwood & Seth Cohen, The O.C.
When Ryan became the Cohens surrogate son, not only did they both get a brother in the process, they got a best friend. Kid from the wrong side of the tracks + the geeky comic book nerd = true bromance. These two even each other out perfectly. Ryan’s the quiet, brooding one and Seth’s the guy you can’t shut up. Ryan has a tendency to punch people and Seth talks to his plastic horse, Captain Oats. Match made in heaven? I think so.
your bromance is showing…
Ryan: Well, you know, I’m not going. So if you want to hang out, rent a movie…
Seth: Ryan, I love you. But if I have to spend my senior prom playing video games with you, I’m going to kill myself.
Aidan McCollin & Josh Radcliff, Being Human (North America)
Unlike Edward and Jacob, this werewolf / vampire duo have managed to become best friends. Sure, their friendship has seriously been tested, they are rival mythical creatures for crying out loud. And they fight with each other like an old married couple, but when one of them is in need, the other is always there.
your bromance is showing…
Aidan: Does your mom cook with garlic?
Josh: Seriously? Is that a thing? For real?
Aidan: Yes or no Josh?!
Josh: I guess so. Does it kill you?
Aidan: No, no it doesn’t. It just makes us, us.
Josh: Okay, so stop being you! How do we do that?
Aidan: Feverfew.
Josh: Is that a band?
Aidan: It’s an herb, Josh!
J.D. & Turk, Scrubs
In many ways when these two are together they digress back to school boys. They congratulate each other for their sexual conquests. They have matching friendship bracelets. They call each other Vanilla Bear and Chocolate Bear. And they have their own song.
your bromance is showing…
Turk: It sounds like you’re asking me out on a man date.
J.D.: Turk, why are you so afraid of loving me?