TV Shows That Handled Bipartisan Friendships Perfectly

For years, television has shown us how divided we are politically, often through the characters and their relationships. Several shows have done a particularly good job of portraying friendships and connections between people with different political beliefs, using both humor and sensitivity. These series remind us that people can connect with each other even when they disagree on politics.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson are a perfect example of people with very different beliefs working together effectively. Leslie believes in an active government that helps citizens, while Ron thinks government should be as small as possible. What makes their relationship work isn’t agreement on specific issues, but a deep respect for each other’s core values. They consistently push each other to improve and be better at their jobs, even though they often strongly disagree.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

As a movie and TV fan, one of the things I always loved about ’30 Rock’ was the relationship between Jack Donaghy and Liz Lemon. It’s way more than just a boss-employee thing. Jack’s this hardcore conservative businessman, basically a walking advertisement for capitalism, and Liz is, well, the opposite – a liberal writer with a good heart. But somehow, they clicked. They both just really wanted to succeed, and honestly, their lives were messes! The show was brilliant at using their back-and-forth to poke fun at both sides of the political spectrum, but it never felt mean-spirited. They always had each other’s backs, which made their dynamic so great to watch.

‘Boston Legal’ (2004–2008)

Alan Shore and Denny Crane have a strong connection that’s central to the show. Alan is a dedicated lawyer who champions the less fortunate, while Denny is a well-known conservative with a love for guns. Despite their different viewpoints, they consistently bond over a drink on the balcony at the end of each episode, demonstrating that men can share a genuine and lasting friendship even when they disagree on almost everything.

‘All in the Family’ (1971–1979)

Archie Bunker and his son-in-law, Mike Stivic, became the classic example of political disagreements on television. The older, conservative Archie constantly argued with the younger, more liberal Mike, who lived with him. They debated important issues of the time, like civil rights and the Vietnam War, reflecting the heated atmosphere of the era. Despite their constant bickering, a quiet family love kept them connected.

‘The Good Wife’ (2009–2016)

Diane Lockhart and Kurt McVeigh bring an unexpected romance to the familiar story of people from opposite political sides falling in love. Diane is a committed Democrat who leads a progressive law firm, while Kurt is a conservative expert in ballistics. They make their relationship work by keeping their political beliefs separate from their personal connection. The show portrays their marriage as a delicate balance of differing values and mutual compromise.

‘Family Ties’ (1982–1989)

Alex P. Keaton is a driven, young conservative whose parents, Steven and Elyse, were once hippies. This creates a funny dynamic – Alex admires figures like Richard Nixon and embraces business success, while his parents are more free-spirited and liberal. Despite their opposing beliefs, the family always finds a way to connect and show their love for each other.

‘The West Wing’ (1999–2006)

Ainsley Hayes, a Republican lawyer, joins the White House team and immediately finds herself at odds with the established staff. Despite frequently disagreeing, she develops a genuine and respectful friendship with Sam Seaborn. The show uses Ainsley’s character to illustrate that dedication to one’s country and strong intellect aren’t limited to any single political party. Her arrival challenges the Democratic staff to refine their reasoning and examine their own biases.

‘Last Man Standing’ (2011–2021)

Mike and Ryan, his son-in-law, often disagree – Mike is a conservative who speaks his mind, and Ryan leans liberal. Their debates usually center on how to raise kids and current events. Mike shares his thoughts through a video blog, while Ryan tries to bring more modern viewpoints into the family. Despite their differences, they learn to playfully challenge each other while still maintaining a strong family connection.

‘Will & Grace’ (1998–2020)

Will Truman and Karen Walker are complete opposites. He’s a dedicated lawyer, while she’s a rich socialite known for her questionable morals and traditional views. Despite their differences, they’re close friends because of their mutual affection for Grace and their shared sense of humor. The show cleverly uses their contrasting personalities to create funny and often satirical situations within their privileged world.

‘Spin City’ (1996–2002)

Carter Heywood and Stuart Bondek work together in the Mayor’s office, but they see the world very differently. Carter is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, while Stuart is a somewhat jaded and insensitive staffer. Despite their frequent arguments about social issues, they unexpectedly become roommates and close friends. The show follows the development of their relationship, showing how it transforms from professional disagreement into a real and meaningful bond.

‘Dharma & Greg’ (1997–2002)

Kitty and Edward Montgomery are traditional and proper, representing the old guard of their country club, while Abby and Larry Finkelstein are much more laid-back and unconventional. When their children marry, these two very different couples are thrown together, leading to frequent disagreements about everything from raising their grandchild to navigating social situations. The show is funny and heartwarming as they learn to navigate their differences and eventually find common ground.

‘The Jeffersons’ (1975–1985)

George Jefferson and Tom Willis were neighbors whose friendship challenged societal norms. George, a successful Black businessman, was wary of white people, while Tom was a white man married to a Black woman. Despite often disagreeing about race and social issues, they were always there for each other during tough times. Their relationship was unique for a sitcom, honestly portraying complicated conversations about race and society.

‘King of the Hill’ (1997–2010)

Hank Hill, a traditional Texan, and his neighbor Dale Gribble, who believes in conspiracy theories and distrusts the government, are an unlikely pair. Despite their very different worldviews, they meet every day to drink beer together. Hank frequently has to help Dale out of trouble caused by his paranoia, but Dale is fiercely loyal to Hank. Their friendship shows that a shared past can be more important than agreeing on things.

‘The Newsroom’ (2012–2014)

Will McAvoy, a news anchor who identifies as Republican, often clashes with his producer, MacKenzie McHale, who holds more liberal views. Despite their differing politics, they’re committed to delivering honest news, setting aside their own biases. The show focuses on their efforts to move beyond simple political arguments and encourage more thoughtful public conversation, driven by a common dedication to truth rather than political gain.

‘Designated Survivor’ (2016–2019)

Tom Kirkman, an independent president, has to navigate politics by working with both Democrats and Republicans. He even teams up with strong rivals, like Kimble Hookstraten, to keep the country stable. The show highlights how important it is for people to work together when the government is in crisis, and argues that good leaders need to consider all sides to do what’s best for everyone.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

Dre Johnson and his son Junior often clash over how to approach social issues and understand identity. Dre believes in traditional ideas about success and race, while Junior embodies a newer, more progressive generation – one Dre sometimes struggles to understand. This dynamic showcases how political conversations are changing within the Black community, and the show uses their relationship to examine how different generations work towards equality.

‘Murphy Brown’ (1988–2018)

Murphy Brown and her coworkers each have distinct viewpoints. News anchor Jim Dial embodies traditional conservative values, which often clash with Murphy’s outspoken liberal beliefs. Despite these differences, they deeply respect and care for each other. The show uses their relationship to create a sense of fairness and trustworthiness in the newsroom.

‘Madam Secretary’ (2014–2019)

Elizabeth McCord, as Secretary of State, navigates politics while working for a President who has his own goals. She frequently discusses important issues with her husband, Henry, who focuses on what’s right and wrong. These conversations, often happening at dinner, show how to have respectful debates, and serve as a good example for their children and viewers. The show highlights that finding solutions usually means being flexible in how you achieve them, but never sacrificing your values.

‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)

Sam Malone and Diane Chambers come from completely different backgrounds, creating a lot of sparks between them. Sam is a down-to-earth former baseball player, while Diane is a sophisticated and intellectual academic. Their attraction is complicated by their constant debates about art, politics, and social class, but the show highlights how strong chemistry can overcome those differences and bring people together.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Selina Meyer and her colleagues are driven by what they want to achieve, not by strong beliefs, and often deal with people they disagree with. The show humorously points out that political relationships are usually based on what people can get from each other, rather than genuine connection. While Selina and her team may be from different parties, they come together when they face common enemies. Ultimately, the show offers a realistic, and somewhat negative, view of loyalty and personal connections in today’s highly divided political climate.

Please tell us which of these dynamic duos is your favorite in the comments.

2025-12-12 01:25