Back in Time Today
They laughed together. They cried together. They betrayed each other regularly and made your therapist cringe. These BFFs might have been iconic, but let’s be real—they were also kind of the worst. Here’s a look at 27 TV “besties” whose friendship was more toxic than timeless.
1. Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang — Grey’s Anatomy
They called each other “my person,” but they constantly dragged each other through chaos and trauma. A whole lot of enabling, little emotional growth. Their friendship was more about surviving the storm rather than calming it.
Meredith and Cristina shared countless memories, yet their bond was fraught with competitive undertones. Each had moments of brilliance that often overshadowed genuine support.
Their camaraderie was iconic, but both seemed to prioritize personal success over mutual encouragement. The emotional toll was evident, leaving viewers questioning if they truly nurtured each other’s well-being.
2. Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen — Gossip Girl
Backstabbing? Check. Stealing boyfriends? Double check. Gossip Girl herself had a more loyal streak than these two. Blair and Serena’s friendship was a rollercoaster of emotions and betrayals.
Despite their moments of solidarity, competition and jealousy often took center stage. They oscillated between love and rivalry, rarely finding a peaceful middle ground.
Their glamorous world was riddled with secrets, making trust a rare commodity. Their friendship felt like a game of chess—strategic, with each move potentially leading to a friendship checkmate.
3. Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbes — Sex and the City
Carrie was never there for Miranda unless it involved brunch or talking about herself. Supportive? Barely. Self-involved? Always. The dynamic was often skewed, with Carrie’s needs overshadowing Miranda’s.
Brunches were their battlegrounds, where loyalty was tested amid lighthearted chatter. Carrie’s world revolved around her issues, often sidelining her friend’s concerns.
Miranda’s pragmatism clashed with Carrie’s whimsical nature, creating friction. The friendship lacked balance, turning one-sided as Carrie’s self-absorption took precedence.
4. Rachel Green and Monica Geller — Friends
Childhood pals who grew into passive-aggressive roommates. Monica mocked Rachel constantly, and Rachel wasn’t exactly emotionally generous either. Their bond was marked by snarky banter and occasional tenderness.
Living together tested their friendship, revealing cracks as they navigated adulthood. Moments of genuine affection were overshadowed by pettiness.
Despite their close quarters, emotional distance lingered. Their friendship was a balancing act of nostalgia and present-day bickering, leaving viewers questioning the depth of their connection.
5. Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter — The Big Bang Theory
Leonard called Sheldon his best friend while enduring years of abuse, control issues, and condescension. Stockholm syndrome in sitcom form. Their friendship was a masterclass in imbalance.
Sheldon’s quirks often overshadowed Leonard’s desires, creating a dynamic of frustration. Their bond was built on scientific camaraderie, yet emotional connection was fleeting.
Leonard’s patience was tested as Sheldon’s antics took center stage. The friendship was a constant negotiation, with Leonard often sacrificing personal well-being for Sheldon’s comfort.
6. Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg — Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Between the magic addiction, betrayal, and secrets, their friendship often felt more cursed than enchanted. Buffy and Willow’s bond was tested by supernatural challenges.
Their shared experiences in the mystical realm bonded them, yet personal struggles introduced rifts. Trust was fragile, shaken by dark temptations and unspoken fears.
Despite deep affection, their friendship was marred by hidden agendas. As they fought evil, they also fought to maintain a semblance of connection, leaving viewers questioning the strength of their alliance.
7. Lorelai Gilmore and Sookie St. James — Gilmore Girls
Charming? Sure. But Sookie always played second fiddle in a friendship that was 90% Lorelai venting and 10% listening. Lorelai’s vivaciousness often overshadowed Sookie’s steady presence.
Their friendship centered around shared dreams and culinary delights, yet emotional reciprocity was lacking. Sookie’s support was unwavering, even when Lorelai’s self-focus took precedence.
The bond was marked by warmth but lacked depth in mutual understanding. Lorelai’s world often took the spotlight, sidelining the quieter joys of true companionship.
8. Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute — The Office
Michael humiliated Dwight constantly, yet Dwight remained painfully loyal. Friendship? Or just a really weird power imbalance? Their dynamic was a blend of comedic absurdity and genuine loyalty.
Despite the pranks and mockery, Dwight’s devotion to Michael was unwavering. Michael’s need for attention often led to Dwight’s discomfort.
The office as their playground, they navigated a friendship that puzzled onlookers. Loyalty was both their glue and their undoing, as power struggles overshadowed true camaraderie.
9. Jessica Day and Cece Parekh — New Girl
Quirky doesn’t excuse inconsistency. Jess often ignored Cece’s needs, and Cece frequently judged Jess’s choices. Their friendship was a blend of laughter and eye-rolls.
Despite their close bond, misunderstandings were frequent. Jess’s whimsical nature clashed with Cece’s practical outlook, creating friction.
In moments of need, their loyalty shone through, but day-to-day support was sporadic. Their friendship was a charming chaos, held together by shared history and sporadic sincerity.
10. Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass — Gossip Girl
Okay, not besties—but they acted like it sometimes. Toxic romantic “friendship”? Still counts. Still awful. Their relationship was a mix of passion, manipulation, and drama.
Intense emotions often overshadowed clear boundaries. Their love-hate dynamic made them both partners in crime and each other’s worst enemies.
The blurred lines between romance and friendship added complexity to their bond. Despite the toxicity, moments of genuine care shone through, leaving viewers conflicted about their connection.
11. Elena Gilbert and Bonnie Bennett — The Vampire Diaries
Bonnie literally died multiple times for Elena, who never reciprocated the effort. Worst supernatural bestie deal ever. Their friendship was unbalanced, with sacrifice on one side.
Bonnie’s loyalty was unmatched, often risking everything for Elena’s safety. Yet, Elena’s self-centered actions rarely reflected the same level of commitment.
Their bond was a blend of magic and sacrifice, but emotional reciprocity was lacking. The supernatural backdrop highlighted their loyalty but also exposed the cracks in their friendship.
12. Will Truman and Grace Adler — Will & Grace
Boundaries? Nonexistent. Emotional manipulation? Constant. Their codependence was low-key exhausting. Will and Grace’s friendship was a tangled web of affection and drama.
Their bond was often overshadowed by personal issues and lack of boundaries, making emotional support inconsistent. Loyalty was present, but often at the cost of personal growth.
Despite the chaos, moments of genuine care emerged, highlighting their deep connection. The friendship was a rollercoaster, leaving viewers both charmed and fatigued.
13. J.D. and Turk — Scrubs
Bromantic legends—but J.D. was emotionally draining and often disregarded Turk’s actual needs. Their friendship was a mix of laughter and overlooked boundaries.
Their camaraderie was renowned, yet J.D.’s self-absorption often overshadowed Turk’s needs. The dynamic was lively but lacked depth in mutual understanding.
Shared jokes and memorable antics were the foundation, yet emotional support was sporadic. Their bond entertained but also highlighted the need for balance in friendship.
14. Sabrina Spellman and Roz Walker — Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Sabrina’s actions constantly endangered Roz, yet she expected unwavering loyalty. Witch, please. Their friendship was a blend of magic and reckless endangerment.
Despite the dangers, their bond was rooted in shared history and mystical encounters. Sabrina’s impulsive nature often led to Roz’s distress.
Loyalty was tested repeatedly, with sincerity overshadowed by supernatural chaos. Their friendship was enchanting yet fraught with peril, leaving viewers concerned for Roz’s well-being.
15. Veronica Lodge and Betty Cooper — Riverdale
One minute they’re BFFs, the next they’re sabotaging each other’s lives. Riverdale logic at its finest. Their friendship was unpredictable, filled with twists and turns.
The bond was marked by fluctuating trust and hidden agendas. Loyalty was a currency they spent carelessly, leading to frequent betrayals.
Despite the chaos, moments of genuine care emerged. Their friendship was a rollercoaster of drama and affection, keeping viewers guessing their true intentions.
16. Carrie Bradshaw and Charlotte York — Sex and the City
Charlotte was too optimistic for Carrie’s eye-rolling judgment. The emotional labor was always one-sided. Their friendship was a balance of hope and skepticism.
Despite their differences, moments of understanding occasionally shone through. Charlotte’s optimism often clashed with Carrie’s cynicism, creating tension.
The bond was a study in contrasts, with Charlotte’s patience often tested by Carrie’s self-absorption. Their friendship offered glimpses of genuine affection, but imbalance was a constant theme.
17. Don Draper and Roger Sterling — Mad Men
An alcoholic mess enabling another alcoholic mess. Not friendship—just mutual decay in well-tailored suits. Their bond was a blend of business and indulgence.
Despite moments of camaraderie, their friendship was marred by excess and competition. Trust was elusive, often overshadowed by personal agendas.
Their interactions were more about survival in a cutthroat world than true connection. The friendship was a reflection of their flawed lives, leaving viewers questioning its authenticity.
18. Dawson Leery and Joey Potter — Dawson’s Creek
This “will-they-won’t-they” was just a toxic spiral. Dawson’s entitlement and guilt-tripping made Joey suffer for seasons. Their friendship was a mix of dreams and disappointments.
The dynamic was skewed, with Dawson’s desires often overshadowing Joey’s autonomy. Emotional manipulation was frequent, testing their bond.
Despite moments of connection, their relationship was a cycle of romantic confusion and heartbreak. The friendship left viewers questioning if true understanding was ever achieved.
19. Serena van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald — Gossip Girl
Not romantic, not exactly platonic—just messy. They treated loyalty like a rumor to be circulated. Their friendship was a blend of allure and ambiguity.
Despite their shared history, trust was often lacking, overshadowed by superficial interactions. Their bond was marked by fluctuating emotions and unresolved tensions.
The relationship was a mix of affection and distance, leaving viewers wondering about their true feelings. Their friendship was a complex dance of intimacy and detachment.
20. Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins — Parks and Recreation
Leslie’s love-bombing masked her control issues. Ann often got steamrolled in this high-energy friendship. Their bond was a mix of enthusiasm and imbalance.
Despite Leslie’s good intentions, Ann’s needs were often overlooked, creating friction. The friendship was marked by energetic support but lacked mutual understanding.
Moments of genuine care shone through the chaos, highlighting their deep connection. The friendship was a whirlwind, offering both joy and frustration to viewers.
21. Eric Forman and Michael Kelso — That ’70s Show
Eric took jabs, Kelso played dumb—but both were immature man-children who treated each other like disposable bros. Their friendship was a blend of humor and immaturity.
Despite their antics, moments of genuine camaraderie emerged. The bond was marked by teasing and loyalty, creating a dynamic that was both entertaining and frustrating.
Their friendship was a reflection of their youth, offering both laughter and lessons in growing up. The connection was genuine, yet marred by juvenile behavior.
22. Rory Gilmore and Paris Geller — Gilmore Girls
Frenemies pretending to be friends. Paris carried the emotional weight, Rory barely lifted a finger. Their friendship was a blend of competition and reluctant camaraderie.
Despite their differences, moments of understanding occasionally emerged. Paris’s ambitions often clashed with Rory’s laid-back approach, creating tension.
The friendship was a study in contrasts, highlighting both growth and frustration. Their bond was complex, offering glimpses of genuine connection amid rivalry.
23. Samantha Jones and Carrie Bradshaw — Sex and the City
Samantha was loyal. Carrie was… Carrie. Judgmental and dismissive, she didn’t deserve Samantha’s ride-or-die energy. Their friendship was a mix of flair and friction.
Despite Carrie’s judgments, Samantha’s loyalty was unwavering, offering support even when it wasn’t reciprocated. Their bond was marked by vibrant adventures and underlying tension.
The friendship offered a glimpse into both empowerment and imbalance, leaving viewers questioning the nature of true loyalty. Their connection was both dynamic and contentious.
24. Ted Mosby and Barney Stinson — How I Met Your Mother
Ted was self-righteous. Barney was manipulative. Their “bro code” was a recipe for resentment. Their friendship was a blend of camaraderie and conflict.
Despite moments of laughter, underlying tension often surfaced, testing their bond. Their dynamic was marked by loyalty yet marred by personal flaws.
The friendship offered both entertainment and lessons in navigating complex relationships. Their connection was genuine but fraught with challenges, leaving viewers pondering the true essence of friendship.
25. Nancy Wheeler and Robin Buckley — Stranger Things
New friends who don’t really click. Robin’s quirky intelligence clashes with Nancy’s brooding bossiness. Their friendship was a blend of curiosity and discord.
Despite their differences, moments of understanding occasionally emerged. Their bond was marked by both cooperation and tension, creating a dynamic that intrigued viewers.
The friendship offered a glimpse into navigating new relationships, highlighting both challenges and potential. Their connection was evolving, leaving viewers curious about its future.
26. Meredith Grey and Alex Karev — Grey’s Anatomy
Alex ditched her with no explanation. Meredith used him as an emotional punching bag. Both were awful in their own ways. Their friendship was a blend of loyalty and toxicity.
Despite moments of genuine care, personal issues often overshadowed mutual support. Their bond was marked by emotional complexity, creating a dynamic that was both compelling and exhausting.
The friendship offered insights into navigating professional and personal boundaries, leaving viewers questioning the balance of power. Their connection was both intriguing and problematic.
27. Phoebe Buffay and Rachel Green — Friends
Barely interacted for years—then suddenly bonded in forced subplots. Phoebe mocked Rachel constantly, and Rachel ignored Phoebe’s deeper layers. Their friendship was a blend of humor and superficiality.
Despite their differences, moments of genuine laughter occasionally shone through. Their bond was marked by playful banter and underlying tension, offering both entertainment and frustration.
The friendship was a reflection of their quirky personalities, highlighting both connection and distance. Their dynamic offered viewers a glimpse into the complexity of friendship.