To celebrate Galentine’s Day, we’re paying homage to the strength of female friendships by looking at some of the best TV besties and how they can inspire us in our own lives.
Forget Valentine’s Day; Galentine’s Day is where the fun’s at! This celebration started a decade ago when Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation” introduced it to the world. The idea is simple: every February 13, women leave their significant others at home and get together to celebrate each other, often over breakfast. It’s all about ladies celebrating ladies, with a lot less angst and more fun.
To get into the holiday spirit, we’ve rounded up some amazing female friendships from TV that can inspire us all.
1. Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins (Parks and Recreation)
Leslie and Ann are the original Galentine’s Day duo. Leslie is incredibly loyal, always supports Ann, and loves her unconditionally. They are honest with each other and support each other through everything. Leslie’s thoughtful gifts might be extreme, but they remind us to put thought into how we show appreciation.
2. Anne Shirley and Diana Barry (Anne of Green Gables & Anne with an E)
Anne and Diana are perfect examples of kindred spirits. Anne, who once felt lonely, deeply values her friendship with Diana. Their bond shows us the importance of gratitude and love for our friends.
3. Bonnie, Caroline, and Elena (The Vampire Diaries)
These friends face jealousy, tragedy, and heartbreak but come out stronger on the other side. Their friendship shows that sometimes, making sacrifices and truly loving your friends is the best thing you can do.
4. Meredith and Christina (Grey’s Anatomy)
Christina tells Meredith that she’ll always be her person. This shows the importance of being reliable and supportive, traits we should all embody in our friendships.
5. Liz and Maria (Roswell)
Liz and Maria, with their different personalities, balance each other perfectly. Their openness and honesty strengthen their bond. Liz’s choice to trust Maria with the truth about aliens highlights the importance of trust in friendships.
6. The Women of Nonnatus House (Call the Midwife)
From the nuns to young nurses, the women of Nonnatus House exemplify compassion and support—qualities we all desire in our friends.
7. Lady Gwynn and Talon (The Outpost)
Despite their different backgrounds, a queen and a warrior become close friends. Their relationship, undeterred even by romantic rivalry, underscores the power of mutual respect and sacrifice.
8. Helen, Dana Sue, and Maddie (Sweet Magnolias)
Lifelong friends who support each other through all of life’s ups and downs, from high school into adulthood. Their loyalty and companionship are truly inspiring.
9. Female Friendships of Gilmore Girls
The show demonstrates the value of female friendships, whether between mothers and daughters, peers, or even rivals. It also encourages indulging in fun movie nights and treating yourself.
10. Violet and Isobel (Downton Abbey)
Despite different social classes and political views, Violet and Isobel form a strong bond, teaching us that friendship can transcend differences.
11. Athena and Hen (9-1-1)
Bonding in the midst of emergencies, these two offer each other crucial advice and support, proving that strong friendships can blossom in unexpected circumstances.
12. Tia and Tamera (Sister, Sister)
As identical twins with a close bond, Tia and Tamera show that sometimes our best friends are our siblings, making that relationship inspirational.
13. Jane, Kat, and Sutton (The Bold Type)
These three women manage their rising careers while always supporting each other. Their openness and ability to share everything make their friendship strong.
14. Rose, Dorothy, Blanche, and Sophia (The Golden Girls)
Living together in Miami, these women face life’s challenges with humor and heart. Their companionship highlights the joy that friendships can bring, even later in life.
15. Xena and Gabrielle (Xena: Warrior Princess)
As best friends and soulmates fighting for the greater good, Xena and Gabrielle show us the value of working together with friends for a noble cause.
16. Christina and Betty (Ugly Betty)
Christina helps Betty adjust to a new job environment, and their relationship flourishes based on honesty and respect. Christina’s humor adds an extra layer of joy to their friendship.
17. Emma and Regina (Once Upon a Time)
These two move from being enemies to supportive friends. Their relationship shows that forgiveness can pave the way for deep, meaningful friendships.
18. Marisol, Rosie, Carmen, and Zoila (Devious Maids)
These women team up to solve a mystery and become best friends along the way. Despite their different personalities, their support for each other is unwavering.
19. Miranda and Stevie (Miranda)
These friends make each day fun and exciting, even opening a joke shop together to live life on their own terms. They perfectly embody the spirit of Galentine’s Day.
20. Miss Fisher and Dot (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries)
Despite their age difference and contrasting lifestyles, these two make an exceptional team. They respect their differences and support each other unconditionally.
So, there you have it—a list of some of the most inspiring female friendships on TV that remind us of the value of our own friendships. How did you celebrate Galentine’s Day with your friends? Who are your favorite TV besties? Let’s talk about it!