Only Murders In The Building fans were ecstatic when the popular whodunnit series returned for a second season of murder, mischief, and memorable mates. While Only Murders In The Building proved itself as a lighthearted but smart murder mystery, it also offered fans a wholesome social circle that saw age as an unimportant factor to true friendship.
Mabel, Charles, and Oliver showcased how life-changing friendship can be when supposed socially acceptable conventions of it are looked over. Whether it's a rich brunette and her maid or a doctor and his sidekick, these TV shows also prove that friendship has no age limit.
Gossip Girl (2007- 2012)
Gossip Girl certainly left a lasting mark on fans and is still widely spoken about on social media, with many viewers debating the series' final reveal as to who the anonymous blogger was. The series rose to fame for its drama-fuelled plot twists, infidelity, and tear-jerking romances that viewers continued to root for through every argument and betrayal.
Blair may have been the rich leading lady with a fiery temper, but her unlikely friendship with her maid Dorota saw her softer side come out which was more than welcomed by fans. This perfect pairing encouraged women to value their female friendships, especially the ones that allow them to be vulnerable without judgment. Blair and Dorota captured the hearts of each other as well as their viewers, despite being of different ages and social classes.
iCarly (2007- 2012)
iCarly was a fan favorite for 2000s kids, prompting many fans' love for filmmaking, technology, and social media before the rise of TikTok let viewers put the skills they learned through iCarly to the test. The series followed Carly and her two friends as their internet show reaches a huge following, leaving her eccentric older brother to take on the parental role.
Spencer may not have seemed the likely choice for a parental guardian, but he definitely stepped up to the mark and even formed incredible relationships with Sam and Freddie, despite the pair being the same age as his little sister. The series often showed the group taking part in wacky shenanigans and some cases, making history, but Spencer's friendship with the teens saw them accept his playful manner as he provided them with many words of wisdom and comforting hugs.
Euphoria (2019- )
Euphoria is considered the best A24-produced TV series and continues to rise in popularity due to the show gaining momentum on social media. The gritty teen show wowed fans with its memorable performances, impressive cinematography, and its representation of darker themes that resulted in the series becoming a staple in TV history.
While Euphoria was praised for its representation of more sensitive topics like addiction, it also highlighted the importance of having a support system when attempting sobriety. Ali showed Rue empathy as a recovering addict himself and sought to pull her out of her dangerous life by calling her out on her lies and encouraging her to chase a healthier life. His nagging attitude eventually helps Rue to reach sobriety as Rue also helps him to heal his past.
Superstore (2015-2021)
Superstore has become a favorite for fans of The Office due to this sitcom creating a wholesome show based on a workplace many fans could resonate with. The series contained a lot of light-hearted social commentary while also delivering many scenes of utter carnage, leaving fans gasping for breath in between their laughter.
Superstore highlighted the importance of work relationships, with the most heartwarming being between Glenn and Amy. The pair mirrored something of a father-daughter duo as Amy often taught Glenn new things about technology and the world while Glenn provided Amy with a shoulder to cry on when things got tough. He even had a close relationship with her daughter that saw him act as both a dad and grandad, showcasing how work relationships can turn into a family-like friendship.
Doctor Who (1963- )
While there have been many overlooked companions in the Doctor Who universe, the show's focus on age-defying friendships is one thing fans love about it. Over the years the person playing the doctor has changed alongside his sidekick, but producers have continued to create wholesome friendships based solely on trust, with the doctor often finding himself in some dangerous situations.
Although some of his companions turned into love interests, there were a few that didn't, including the underrated pairing of the twelfth doctor Peter Capaldi and Bill Potts. The pair's onscreen chemistry abandoned romance and instead offered viewers a friendship that saw the doctor's playful and inquisitive attitude return through the help of Bill, who found trust and knowledge in the doctor's lengthy experience.
Community (2009- 2015)
Greendale Community College has become a well-known staple on viewers' screens since it first aired in 2009, with Community utilizing a similar style to popular shows like The Office and, more recently Superstore. The series follows an unlikely set of friends that begin as a study group and soon become each other's support system as they navigate life as slightly older students.
Each member has a unique set of skills that aids the group's overall personal development, with them all offering different forms of mentoring, ranging from emotional support to academic knowledge. Although the close-knit group highlighted the difference in age through some of the older characters' lack of proficiency in pop culture, it also proved that friendship can leave one with a variety of new experiences and understanding regardless of the age gap.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013- 2021)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one of the best sitcoms of all time and continues to be celebrated for its diverse characters and themes that offer hilarious moments alongside more poignant scenes that emphasize real-life issues. The series ignited onto viewers' screens and has since become many fans' favorite cop show, often being rewatched.
Based in the Brooklyn police precinct, the show explores the roles faith and trust play in the police force, with many of its storylines highlighting the co-worker's ability to have each other's back, even when they may seem like complete opposites. While Jake and Holt may have contrasting personalities, they soon begin to represent a father and son. The stern commanding officer is often seen putting an end to Jake's chaotic antics, who proves to be quite the egocentric live wire, except when seeking advice from Holt.
The Good Place (2016- 2020)
Michael and Eleanor may have been forced together when Eleanor was accidentally sent to The Good Place despite her controversial behavior before her death, but it's safe to say the pair sparked up quite the friendship.
This dynamic duo won viewers' hearts due to them starting as polar opposites but showcasing that through faith, communication and trust, friendship can conquer all (something evident in all of the show's onscreen pairings). The most touching moment shared between the pair took place when Michael gave Eleanor a pep talk, stating that she is the "only woman that can save humanity" which highlights Michael's encouraging manner alongside their everlasting friendship.
Grey's Anatomy (2005- )
Despite being released in 2005, Grey's Anatomy is one of the best medical TV shows of 2022 and continues to give die-hard fans what they want. The hospital is known for its diverse cast due to its hospital setting and incredible casting, which lead to blossoming friendships on and offscreen, most notably Arizona and Richard.
The pair were an unlikely match but offered words of advice on a variety of subjects, with Arizona often crossing boundaries. Their friendship saw Richards's respectable image questioned as he gave sex advice, highlighting their close bond, also obvious in Meredith's relationship with Miranda.
Stranger Things (2016- )
Stranger Things has captured fans' hearts in more ways than one and since 2016, has been a welcomed addition to viewers' screens, with the latest season leaving fans in a frenzy. The supernatural show proves that through conversation, support, and mutual understanding, friendship can take many forms as seen through the budding brotherly relationship between Dustin and Steve, who are a fair few years apart.
Their friendship saw Steve cling to his childhood before being plunged into adulthood while also encouraging Dustin to have a mentor who would continuously have his back. The show continues to be no stranger to friendship age gaps, as seen in the recent season with Dustin and Eddie.