The 30 greatest dynamic duos from TV

Friends since their college days, Issa (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) are two independent women in their late 20s trying to make it in the world — or at least in Los Angeles. Their characters also happen to be quite genuine, especially to African-American audiences, and offer an honest look at what it's like for females navigating those personal and professional ups and downs.

Perhaps the best trait possessed by Dr. Mindy (Mindy Kaling) is her good-natured approach toward people. That's why she and Morgan (Ike Barinholtz), male nurse/ex-con, get along so well. He's a little off-center, but in a good way, and she has trouble balancing her professional and personal life. Together, though, they are a fun pair with none of that awkwardness thattends to surface in a platonic relationship.

Often regarded as the first prime-time "dramedy," "Moonlighting" was groundbreaking in that sense. It also officially introduced the world to Bruce Willis (David), who pretty much stole the show from co-star Cybill Shepherd (Maddie). Their work-personal relationship ran hot and cold, but thanks to some great writing, they always seemed to work well together.

This is the classic scenario where a man and woman who work together don't necessarily like each other in the beginning but then go through that awkward time when they might cross the friendship line and then ultimately hook up. That's pretty much Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) in a nutshell. Yet they work well together, mostly because of Brennan's lack of social grace and knowledge, which makes for some quality entertainment.

Much like Booth and Brennan, Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic) went through the similar song and dance before getting together. Though the real-life actors had trouble being in the same room together by the end of the popular ABC series run, their on-screen chemistry was exceptional, especially Kate's dry wit against Castle's charming tomfoolery.

On the surface it shouldn't work, but teaming a head-case chihuahua (Ren) and a kind, yet dense, cat (Stimpy) made for great animated television during the 1990s. It still might be Nickelodeon's edgiest show, with plenty of dark humor and Ren's emotional and thoroughly unstable, yet entertaining, outbursts — usually directed toward Stimpy. "Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy."

Arguably the funniest female comedy duo in all of England, Patsy (Joanna Lumley) and Edina (Jennifer Saunders) make dysfunction look good. These wannabe socialites are nothing more than middle-aged lushes who continue to embarrass themselves, usually because they've had too much to drink or aren't smart enough to actually take a look in the mirror. Yet, the laughs are quite constant.

Technically, Tom cat and Jerry mouse are animated adversaries, but they often find themselves together at the end of a caper or predicament. Jerry, being the smarter, more sly one of the two, tends to usually come out better in the end. Tom, though, has always been good for some slapstick-variety laughs.

These are two of the more recent actors to earn TV stardom via sketch comedy. Peele does a fine job portraying former President Barack Obama, but he really shines as misguided Mexican gangster Carlito. Meanwhile, Key stands out as the over-the-top, wannabe streetwise Mr. Garvey, the substitute teacher whose students are probably smarter than he is.   

It's been 15 years now, and viewers still can't get enough of the crew at Seattle Grace Hospital (then Seattle Grace-Mercy West Hospital, then Grey+Sloan Memorial). Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Cristina (Sandra Oh) have seen quite a bit during that run. While there has been plenty of interaction between characters on this popular medical drama, Meredith and Cristina by far have one of the most authentic friendships on TV and one that can be quite inspirational on many fronts.

Let's face it, Beavis and his buddy Butt-head are far from intelligent. But many could not stop watching them back in the 1990s. From their penchant for metal music (intertwined music videos were cool) to the weird voices and love of "Fire, Fire," there was just something creative and fresh about this Mike Judge creation that made it massively popular.

Perhaps the coolest police detectives to ever grace a TV screen, Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and "Hutch" (David Soul) were appointment viewing during the mid-to-late 1970s. While Hutch is more laid-back, by-the-book if you will, the Brooklyn-bred Starsky is a little more rough around edges and in-your-face. However, the real star of this prime-time drama was the famed two-door, red — with a white stripe on both sides — Ford Gran Torino.

Is this TV's best "bromance?" Maybe, but it's arguably the most entertaining. Troy (Donald Glover) and Abed (Danny Pudi) both are quirky, with Troy more outgoing and expressive than the somewhat reticent Abed. When they are not knee-deep in some high jinks, usually dragging the rest of the study group along, or bickering, the two really can't stay apart from each other for too long.

It's easy to forget sometimes that Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) are mother and daughter. That's because they are best friends, boast some great, quirky, pop-culture twinged dialogue and play off each other impeccably. The fact that their relationship is heartwarming throughout makes it even more special.

Best buddies and one-time roommates, J.D. and Turk play well off each other, whether in or out of the hospital. J.D. (Zach Braff) is the goofier of the two, but there is certainly an element of compassion that's admired of his character. Turk (Donald Faison) is funny in his own right but also well driven to achieve his personal and professional goals.

When we think "dynamic duos," the cape crusader and boy wonder are probably the first ones who come to mind. In addition to keeping Gotham City safe from some of the most original villains in TV history, they are actually pretty funny to watch. That's because Batman (Adam West) and pal Robin (Burt Ward) were at the forefront of the campiness of the show that made it beloved for plenty of reasons. 

Walt White (Bryan Cranston) might be the brains of the operation, but Jesse (Aaron Paul) is really the guy who keeps things moving as the voice of reason to his partner's madness. Their relationship grows from just student-teacher, with White often running unhinged while Jesse continues to realize it's fine to be remorseful.

There have been several badass detectives on television, but Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Christopher Meloni) must be near the top of that list. Stabler tends to wear his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid to push boundaries while solving a case. Benson, meanwhile, is stoic in nature, but she's not one to be messed with. She's extremely intelligent, but hardened, and she keeps getting up no matter how many times she's knocked down. 

"Friends" will go down as one of the great ensemble sitcoms of all time, yet roommates and best buds Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) made for some great comedy together. The chick and the duck, the leather recliners, the free porn on TV and, of course, Joey "going commando" in Chandler's clothes, are just a few of their memorable TV moments.

No offense to Trapper John (Wayne Rogers) in the early days of the TV version of this classic, but B.J. (Mike Farrell) and Hawkeye (Alan Alda) just seem to work real well together. The way they play off each other remains highly entertaining in syndication but also make their serious moments together authentically dramatic without skipping a beat.

Perhaps the major reason Ralph (Jackie Gleason) and Ed (Art Carney) are so beloved is because their on-screen synergy is an honest betrayal of male best friends. Ralph can be hot-tempered and likes to pick on Norton; however, the more mild-mannered Ed is not afraid to throw it right back at his buddy. Watching the two trade insults through reruns is still some of the best comedy on TV.

These prehistoric pals are among the most recognizable TV best friends — real life or animated — in the history of the tube. In a lot of ways, they are the cartoon version of Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton — in a more tame and PC level. Fred can often be volatile and fly off the edge like Ralph, while Barney is usually easygoing and willing to deal with Fred's antics. Together, though, they are quite loyal and always there for the other.

The brainchildren of Jim Henson and Frank Oz, these lovable "Sesame Street" buddies are as iconic as they come. These basement dwellers have always been good for a laugh, while also spewing some knowledge to those youngsters watching over their cereal in the mornings. Ernie's rendition of "Rubby Duckie" is one of the most notable moments in TV history.

These two bar buddies are almost like real-life cartoon characters, with their antics and personalities. Norm (George Wendt) is the everyman, bar regular who is at home with a beer (usually on his tab). Cliff (John Ratzenberger), meanwhile, is that know-it-all guy whom every bar seems to have, yet he really knows nothing. Put them both together and it makes for comedy gold.

The power male-female TV duo when it comes to science-fiction television, Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) are two of the most popular small-screen partners of all-time. Like a few others on this list, Scully and Mulder started out as co-workers and friends and then turned it up to a romantic relationship while dealing with the paranormal and extraterrestrials.

Based on the popular play and film of the same name, "The Odd Couple" did not have a problem working on the small screen as well. Both Jack Klugman, as the slobbish, fly-by-the-seat-of-pants Oscar, and Tony Randall, portraying the straight-laced Felix, thrived in a television environment, especially once the show started filming in front of a live studio audience. Each trying to live in the other's world was particularly entertaining. 

No list of the kind would be complete without Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy). The confident yet somewhat arrogant Kirk, when teamed with the intelligent and human-vulcan Spock, can form a contentious relationship, to say the least. Yet in the camp confines of "Star Trek," especially when it comes to the TV show, it makes for an enjoyable partnership for the viewer.

Two of the most beloved television characters of all time, Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Cindy Williams) were best friends and roommates who always seemed to find themselves in a predicament or pickle. Yet, it was their heartwarming loyalty and subtle female empowerment that made them so popular — not to mention the show featured one of the great theme songs of all time.

When it all comes down to it, George (Jason Alexander) and Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) are ridiculously funny and entertaining. Whether trying to bait a rye, write a TV series or dupe an old high school about a race, the laughs are plenty. However, they are also selfish, dislikeable characters, yet we still can't stop watching them in the world of reruns. 

There are more than a handful of great television duos who could claim the top spot on our list. However, none is truly as legendary and iconic as Lucy (Lucille Ball) and her best friend, Ethel (Vivian Vance). They got themselves into many jams and comedic situations during their time on screen together, but perhaps none more hilarious than working at the candy factory.