The 10 Best TV Show Bromances, Ranked

Bromances are a classic TV trope, presenting male friendships in a way that is free from the usual emotional restraint and machismo of society. A bromance isn’t just a typical male friendship. It requires a level of emotional intimacy that many men usually shy away from. The word “bromance” has romance in it for a reason. It’s more intense than an ordinary friendship, and it can come with its fair share of arguments, just like romantic relationships. Ultimately, the best TV bromances show two men who understand that their bond can overcome these disagreements.

Sitcoms are the most common genre for bromances, because it can be fun to watch two friends having goofy, childish fun together. Even sitcoms with big casts usually have one-to-one friendships that stand out within the larger group, like Joey and Chandler in Friends. Bromances require great chemistry between two actors and some sharp writing. Without both, they only come across as awkward. However, when a TV bromance works well, they can be so delightful to watch that audiences feel like the third member of a tight-knit duo.

10
Harvey & Mike

Played by Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams in Suits

There may be a mismatched power dynamic between Harvey and Mike, but that doesn’t stop them from developing a friendship in which they are both equals. Their bromance takes a little while to really blossom, but they are bonded by the fact that they are involved in some pretty shady business together. Harvey takes Mike under his wing and shows him the intricacies of working at a law firm. Mike has a brilliant analytical mind and a photographic memory, but he needs this guidance to steer him clear of trouble.

9
Mac & Dennis

Played by Rob McElhenny and Glenn Howerton in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Of all the disturbingly codependent relationships shared between the gang at Paddy’s Pub, Mac and Dennis’ is the one which most closely resembles a bromance. They are the ones who enjoy a monthly dinner at Guigino’s, they are the ones who move in together in the suburbs, and they are the ones who hunt Cricket through the streets of Philadelphia. Many of the best episodes of It’s Always Sunny test the limits of their strange psychosexual dynamic, such as season 5, episode 9, “Mac and Dennis Break Up,” in which they act more like a married couple than friends.

8
Larry & Leon

Played by Larry David and JB Smoove in Curb Your Enthusiasm

Larry and Leon seem like complete opposites on the surface, but they both share a commitment to brutal honesty, no matter what the social consequences might entail. Leon first moved in with Larry when his family lost their home during Hurricane Katrina. He wasn’t supposed to stay for long, but he simply never moved out, and a beautiful friendship was born. Curb Your Enthusiasm shows Leon and Larry repeatedly goading each other into wild schemes, such as stealing coffee beans or fooling Michael Richards so that the Seinfeld reunion stays on track.

7
Nick & Schmidt

Played by Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield

Nick and Schmidt first met in college when they considered themselves, as they would gleefully cheer at each other, equals. As they start to grapple with adulthood together, their friendship takes on a different dynamic. Schmidt loses weight and excels in a corporate job, which makes him feel superior to Nick in some ways. Although Nick misses the way their relationship used to be, he and Schmidt still share some good times together in the loft. Eventually, they find a way for their friendship to flourish in their new circumstances, and Schmidt is Nick’s biggest supporter when he starts writing The Pepperwood Chronicles.

6
Jake & Doug Judy

Played by Andy Samberg and Craig Robinson in Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Jake Peralta and Charles Boyle have the biggest bromance in the Nine-Nine, but even Charles gets a little insecure whenever the Pontiac Bandit rears his head. Jake is tasked with apprehending Doug Judy, so he shouldn’t have such a good time with him. Craig Robinson became one of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s best guest stars, appearing at least once every season. Having so many appearances allowed Doug Judy to really build out his friendship with Jake. They started out as enemies, but their love was just too pure for either of them to deny.

5
Scooby & Shaggy

Originally played by Don Messick and Casey Kasem in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are probably the least valuable members of Mystery Inc. in terms of brainpower, but their friendship keeps the team together. Whenever the gang need to split up and look for clues, Scooby and Shaggy are inseparable. They are united by their love of Scooby Snacks and enormous sandwiches, but their bond is deeper than that. Throughout every Scooby-Doo TV show over the years, Shaggy and Scooby give each other the courage they need to unmask the ghosts and monsters they face. If they can’t unmask them immediately, at least they will jump into each other’s arms.

4
Troy & Abed

Played by Donald Glover and Danny Pudi

Troy and Abed are two social misfits who turn out to be the perfect for one another. Their fake morning show and their love for dressing up as characters from “Inspector Spacetime” underlines how they indulge each other’s most childish fantasies, and this is the bedrock upon which their friendship is built. Living away from their parents at college forces them to become more independent and mature, so they find solace in the fact that they can completely regress in one another’s company. Their apartment, complete with a Dreamatorium and an Indiana Jones diorama, highlights their commitment to play.

3
Joey & Chandler

Played by Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry in Friends

Joey and Chandler share one of TV’s most iconic bromances. For most of the show, they live together across the hall from the apartment which serves as the center of their social universe. Even when they aren’t hanging out with Ross, Rachel, Phoebe and Monica, they are hanging out with each other. They fight like children, but they are quick to reconcile, even if that means Chandler has to lock himself in a box by way of apology. They are always conscious of the fact that they need one another. Joey’s flighty optimism is the perfect counter to Chandler’s trademark sarcam.

2
Fry & Bender

Played by Billy West and John DiMaggio in Futurama

Although Fry was born roughly 1000 years before Bender rolled off the production line, the two found each other and became great friends. Fry’s first day in the year 3000 is utterly disorienting. Futurama is packed with robots and aliens which terrify Fry. Even his first meeting with Bender almost gets him killed. Still, Bender is the one presence who manages to comfort Fry. He may be a robot who runs on alcohol, but he seems more human than most of the people Fry encounters. Bender’s hedonistic ways are a great match for Fry’s laid-back personality.

1
Turk & J.D.

Played by Donald Faison and Zach Braff in Scrubs

Turk and J.D. are the ultimate TV bromance, and they know it. This is highlighted by their bromantic ballad in the musical episode, “Guy Love,” but they didn’t need to sing it to make it obvious. They find ways to have fun together which help break up the stress of working in a hospital. Dressing up as the world’s most giant doctor is just one way they help keep each other sane. Carla has to accept J.D. as the perennial third wheel in her relationship with Turk, because the duo come as a package deal. Turk and J.D. are much more open about their feelings than most male friends, making them true bromance goals.