15 TV Friend Groups You Wish You Were Part Of

Television often lets us escape into stories where characters build strong, supportive friendships that feel like family, helping them overcome tough times. These groups are both comforting and fun to watch, showing us what it means to be loyal and share life’s experiences. We often wish we could join them on their adventures, hanging out in their favorite spots. Here are fifteen TV friend groups that have become iconic in popular culture.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Six friends living in Manhattan lean on each other through all of life’s ups and downs – from careers to relationships. Monica and Rachel are roommates, as are Chandler and Joey, and they all live close to Ross and Phoebe. They often gather at Central Perk, a local coffee shop, to talk about everything going on in their lives. Through it all, their strong connection proves that friends can truly become like family.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Ted Mosby tells his children the long story of how he met their mother, weaving in tales of his four close friends. This group often met at MacLaren’s Pub, sharing drinks and helping each other navigate life as adults. Marshall and Lily were the dependable couple, while Barney and Robin brought a lot of excitement and unpredictability to the mix. This group of friends in New York City created their own unique world of jokes and traditions, influencing a whole generation of sitcoms.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Jerry Seinfeld’s show follows his everyday life and the hilarious misadventures he shares with three quirky friends in New York City. There’s George, Jerry’s anxious best friend, Elaine, his ex-girlfriend, and their unpredictable neighbor, Kramer. Together, they get caught up in small, often awkward moments, and despite it all, rarely seem to learn or change.

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

After a tough breakup, the cheerful Jess moves into a Los Angeles loft with three single guys. She quickly becomes close friends with Nick, Schmidt, and Winston as they all figure out life in their thirties. They fill their time with fun, complicated games like True American, and their circle grows to include Cece. Together, they build a close-knit and accepting group where everyone can be themselves.

‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)

Leonard and Sheldon, two physicists, find their lives changed when an aspiring actress named Penny moves in across the hall and introduces them to the world outside of science. They hang out with their scientist friends Howard and Raj, bonding over things like comic books and video games. Eventually, microbiologist Bernadette and neurobiologist Amy join the group. Together, these friends navigate life, blending their intelligence with everyday experiences and shared hobbies.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Leslie Knope, a relentlessly positive government employee, works in the Parks Department of Pawnee, Indiana. She inspires her initially hesitant coworkers to become a strong team that supports her big ideas. While Leslie is enthusiastic, Ron Swanson offers a calm, grounded perspective, and April and Andy add a fun, unpredictable energy to the office. This group proves that strong bonds and genuine care can develop even in ordinary government jobs.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

I’m a huge fan of the detectives at the 99th Precinct in Brooklyn! They’re amazing at solving crimes, but honestly, half the fun is watching them pull off these crazy office pranks and their legendary annual heists. Jake Peralta is a bit of a goofball, always cracking jokes and causing trouble, while Captain Holt tries his best to keep everyone in line with his super serious attitude. But they really work as a team, trusting each other and using humor to get through the tough stuff that comes with being a cop. They’re not just colleagues, they’re a family – they celebrate birthdays, support each other when things get hard at work, and are always there for each other.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

A lawyer who lost his license ends up at community college, where he joins a study group with a quirky bunch of students. This group – including a former football star, an activist, a film buff, and the owner of a wet wipes empire – transforms their library study room into a headquarters for campus-wide paintball battles and unusual projects. They challenge familiar storylines while building real friendships through their shared experience of being outsiders.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

In the town of Hawkins, Indiana, a group of young friends experiences strange and frightening events when their friend Will disappears. Mike, Dustin, and Lucas join forces with a girl named Eleven, who has special powers, to battle terrifying creatures from another dimension. United by their love of Dungeons & Dragons and the dangerous situations they face, their friendship strengthens. As they get older, their group expands, but the strong bond that first brought them together remains.

‘The Golden Girls’ (1985–1992)

In Miami, four older women live together and support each other through the challenges of getting older and being single. Dorothy is the practical one, often balancing Rose’s optimism and Blanche’s focus on appearances. Their mother, Sophia, provides both funny insights and heartfelt advice. They work through disagreements and offer comfort during late-night talks over cheesecake at the kitchen table.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Carrie Bradshaw is a columnist who writes about dating and relationships in New York City. She often turns to her close friends – Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha – for support and advice. The four friends frequently meet for brunch to talk about their love lives and careers. Their strong bond provides a sense of stability amidst the fast-paced changes of city life.

‘Living Single’ (1993–1998)

Khadijah, Synclaire, and Régine are three friends living together in a Brooklyn brownstone. They’re often visited by their lawyer neighbor, Max, and the two guys who live upstairs. These friends juggle busy careers with a fun, lively social life, filled with laughter and genuine connection. The show celebrates the power of female friendships and the importance of having a strong community in the city.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–Present)

Five self-absorbed friends run a failing Irish bar in South Philadelphia called Paddy’s Pub. Known as ‘The Gang,’ the group—Dennis and Dee, along with Mac, Charlie, and the unpredictable Frank Reynolds—constantly get into trouble with their poorly planned, often immoral schemes and explosive fights. Despite repeatedly backstabbing each other, their complicated and unhealthy reliance on one another keeps them stuck together.

‘That ’70s Show’ (1998–2006)

In the small town of Point Place, Wisconsin, a group of teenage friends regularly gather in Eric Forman’s basement. This close-knit group includes Hyde, the rebellious one; Kelso, who isn’t the brightest; Fez, an exchange student; and Donna, the girl who lives next door. They spend their time talking about life, listening to rock and roll, and trying to stay out of trouble with Eric’s strict father, Red. The show perfectly captures what it was like to grow up in the suburbs during the late 1970s – a mix of boredom and excitement.

‘Happy Endings’ (2011–2013)

In Chicago, a tight-knit group of six friends faces challenges when a wedding is unexpectedly called off. Dave and Alex decide to stay friends, creating a tricky situation for everyone else. Jane and Brad are a lively married couple, while Max and Penny are both looking for romance. The group is famous for their quick wit and lighthearted approach to life.

Tell us which TV friend group you would most like to join in the comments.

2025-11-26 05:16