10 iconic female friendships in TV 

The television realm has given us unforgettable and heartwarming accounts of female friendships that exceed cliché and stereotype. From childhood besties to semi-accidental soulmates, these friendships show what loyalty, support, and unconditional love can stand for. Such friendships shine as the antithesis to those romance plots that always seem to take center stage—they offer so much more.

So, what makes for a strong friendship on TV? It's not just the funny moments and inside jokes; it stretches towards being emotional support through life's challenges while trying to find strength in that bond. Some friendships prosper in loyalty, such as in the examples of Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins, while others are beautifully messy—and ultimately enduring—like Blair Waldorf and Serena van Der Woodsen. These friendships inspire us, make us laugh, sometimes break our hearts, and always remind us how wonderful it is someone has your back. Here are 10 of TV's most iconic female friendships that have stayed with audiences forever.

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1. Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang (Grey’s Anatomy)

More than best friends, Meredith and Cristina were each other's anchors in a world of surgery and personal troubles. The mantra of "You're my person" became a cultural phenomenon symbolizing a profound, unyielding friendship. Even after Cristina departed, Meredith's references to her via text messages and off-screen proved the bond between them was unshakable by distance. Unlike many friendships found in contrast with a character's exit, this one survived in legend, illustrating that, indeed, true friendships go beyond physical presence. Fans recall their last dance party on screen as an emotional moment, signifying true everlasting support.

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2. Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen (Gossip Girl)

Though forged with glamorous excess, the tempestuous friendship between Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen made the highs and lows of all best-friend dynamics its own. From weekends in Paris to vicious betrayals, that friendship soared and plunged through heaven and hell. Even during the interminable tussle for dominance, they always gravitated back towards each other, proving the old adage that imperfections don't ruin a friendship; persistence does. In the series, they further cemented this bond, with Serena and Blair playing important parts in each other's wedding.

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3. Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins (Parks and Recreation)

If friendship had its original components written down as just pure love and admiration, those would unarguably be the ultimate definition of Leslie and Ann. The over-the-top love that Leslie showed to Ann albeit with strange compliments ( "Ann, you beautiful tropical fish!''), became part of the signature performance between the two. While most TV friendships usually dwell on conflict, their particular relationship was quite refreshing—the opposite of negative, where women proved to support and inspire each other. Even after Ann moved, the flow of contact between the two didn't seem to break: Leslie was always checking up on her.

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4. Rory Gilmore and Lane Kim (Gilmore Girls)

Rory and Lane's friendship in the little town of Stars Hollow had been fostered around confidentiality, late-night talks, and reciprocated support. Lane was a rebellious spirit with a penchant for rock music, while Rory decked the nerdy, studious life. And they were always present for one another, even when Lane's strict upbringing contrasted with Rory's more laid-back lifestyle. While so many best friends on television fade away, Lane and Rory remain together through college and into adulthood. Their friendship became rare in the sense that, instead of breaking apart, it accommodated the many changes that life threw at it.

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5. Rebecca Welton and Keeley Jones (Ted Lasso)

The friendship between Rebecca and Keeley in Ted Lasso is so fresh and demonstrates the reality of two women, without malice or drama, genuinely supporting each other. Keeley's playful energy counterbalances Rebecca's reserved nature, creating an organic and warm flow in their friendship. The relationship is not like the usual mentor-protégé; instead, it is a level link—Rebecca helped Keeley step into her own power while Keeley taught Rebecca how to have some fun and meaningful spontaneity. These heart-to-hearts filled with champagne and unblinking loyalty made them one of the best contemporary female friendships on TV.

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6. Max Black and Caroline Channing (2 Broke Girls)

Max and Caroline were the perfect example of "opposites attract." With her insolent street smarts, Max was the polar opposite of Caroline: privileged and optimistic to a fault. Together, they formed an inseparable bond. Working as broke waitresses in New York gave depth to their friendship—though they often argued, they never let financial struggles and personality contrasts come between them. Unlike many sitcom friendships, which are merely stagnant, Max and Caroline grew together, growing from reluctant roommates to true best friends. Their loyalty through the worst of times is what made them such a lovable pair.

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7. Liz Lemon and Jenna Maroney (30 Rock)

Perhaps their mutual affection was always buried under seven layers of chaotic dysfunction, and that's where the comedy stems from. Jenna is deeply narcissistic, while Liz has patience on very scant reserves. Those two qualities make for a pretty funny combination. While Liz has to manage the diva meltdowns of Jenna, she is the fiercest protector as well, proving that frustratingly bad friendships can be filled with deep care. Their friendship forged an excellent satire of relationships in show business, but the crack in their armor was moments when we caught glimpses of vulnerability, such as when Jenna comforted Liz after a breakup, which suddenly proved that the two women did care very much about one another.

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8. Jess Day and Cece Parekh (New Girl)

Jess and Cece's friendship in New Girl was a mix of childhood memories and adulthood. While they were at extremes with Jess being all quirky and optimistic, Cece was the opposite, confident and grounded; still, they remained supporters of each other. Theirs was a beautiful evolution of friendship where Cece DJ'd Jess's heartbreaks, and Jess supported Cece's career and personal growth. One of their most emotional moments was when Jess stepped in as maid of honor for Cece, proving the bond was downright unbreakable. Unlike many sitcom friendships that are based on the foundations of rivalry, they built their relationship from that unconditional love, making them one of the sweetest best friends to turn up on TV.

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9. Lorelai Gilmore and Sookie St. James (Gilmore Girls)

Their beautiful friendship in Gilmore Girls has laughter, ambition, and an unwavering bond. They were not just friends, but also running the Dragonfly Inn together. This friendship indeed has been defined by no drama-behavior, no betrayals, no jealousy, and pure encouragement. No matter what, Sookie always stands by her dream of organizing her life. And Lorelai is Sookie’s greatest supporter in her cooking and love life. Even after Sookie left for Stars Hollow, her bond still stayed intact because, indeed, real friendship is not in the measurements of distance but held in lifelong bonds. Their jubilant, coffee-soaked conversations made them one of television's greatest endlessly enduring pairs.

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10. Taystee and Poussey (Orange Is the New Black)

Taystee and Poussey's friendship was one of the few rays of sunshine in the unforgiving world of Litchfield Prison. Inside jokes, shared dreams, emotional ties, and a deep connection made these girls more like family than friends. While most TV friendships are created by convenience, Taystee and Poussey's flourished through mutual respect and a fun sense of humor. For Taystee, losing Poussey left an inhuman void, and her grieving became one of the most haunting arcs in Orange Is the New Black. Their friendship is a mark of love and durability, of having light in the darkest place, and worth remembering.