I don't think I'm blowing anyone's mind by saying that two is better than one. It takes two to make a thing go right, just as it takes two to tango. And it takes at least two people to play "Frog baseball," to have a proper roast of music videos, and of course, it takes two to work the drive-thru. Everything is just better with a friend – even if all they do is talking about "scoring."
In celebration of this underlying truth of friendship in honor of the 25th anniversary of "Beavis and Butt-head," here are television's 20 greatest duos.
1 of 20
Fox Mulder & Dana Scully
Opposites attract, and if you don't believe me just ask FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). One believes the truth is out there, while the other is a skeptic. Despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, Mulder and Scully are one of TV's most beloved pair.
2 of 20
Lucy Ricardo & Ethel Mertz
In "I Love Lucy," Lucy Ricardo's (Lucille Ball) best friend is former vaudevillian Ethel Mertz (played by Vivian Vance), which is just about perfect because their hijinks on the show were nothing short of vaudevillian. Lucy and Ethel were synchronized in their slapstick – the chocolate factory bit is still a famous classic – and part of the reason why the show was so great was because of their dynamic.
3 of 20
Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson
There have been many iterations of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in film and television, but no pair has done a better job at those roles than Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, respectively, in the BBC series "Sherlock." Cumberbatch's Holmes is arrogant but not completely insufferable, while Freeman's Watson is permissive and warm without being a pushover.
4 of 20
Felix Unger & Oscar Madison
Silver Screen Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
"The Odd Couple" has been a staple of American pop culture ever since 1965, when Neil Simon first completed the play. Since then, it has been made into movies ("The Odd Couple" and "The Odd Couple II," starring Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau) and into multiple TV series – most recently in 2014. But the best portrayal of Felix Unger and Oscar Madison came in 1970, when ABC premiered the show with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman playing the roles, respectively.
5 of 20
Walter White & Jesse Pinkman
Talk about an odd couple! For five seasons of "Breaking Bad," chemistry-teacher-turned-narco Walter White slowly but surely became best friends with Jesse Pinkman, a low-level meth dealer with a heart of gold. Jesse Pinkman (played by the wonderful Aaron Paul) not only became Walter White's (Bryan Cranston) partner, but also weirdly his moral compass.
6 of 20
J.D. & Turk
Drs. John Michael Dorian (Zach Braff) and Christopher Turk (Donald Faison) might not have invented the concept of "bromance," but they certainly took it to the next level on "Scrubs." So much so, in fact, that the sitcom even featured a musical number called "Guy Love" in which J.D. and Turk explain the exact nature of their friendship.
7 of 20
Ren & Stimpy
To this day, no one knows how creator John Kricfalusi got Nickelodeon to sign off on a show about a psychotic and mostly very angry chihuahua (Ren) and his companion, a sweet as can be but not that bright cat (Stimpy). "The Ren & Stimpy" show aired during the mid-1990s, and it managed to hit that sweet spot where the humor was for kids and for adults.
8 of 20
Beavis & Butt-head
It's hard to believe but America was first introduced to underachieving high school slackers Beavis and Butt-head 25 years ago. The show not only defined MTV – it even showed music videos! – but it perfectly captured the youthful nihilism that became a key trait of Gen-Xers.
9 of 20
Batman & Robin
Yes it was campy, but "Batman" was a cultural phenomenon when it first aired in 1966. The show was so popular, it aired two episodes a week for the first two seasons. Suffice it to say, Batman (Adam West) couldn't have made it without his trusty sidekick, Robin (Burt Ward).
10 of 20
Key & Peele
It's truly a travesty that Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele called it quits after five seasons. During that time, "Key & Peele" delivered episode after episode of hilarity, hard-biting social commentary, and sketches that instantly went viral (to this day, Bruce Willie and Liam Neesons will forever be those actors' names).
11 of 20
Edina Monsoon & Patsy Stone
While perhaps not the most famous duo on the list, Edina Monsoon (show creator Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley) put the "fun" in "dysfunctional" in "Absolutely Fabulous,"the cult classic BBC sitcom that first premiered in 1992. The show centered around Edina & Patsy bouncing between trying to stay young and relevant and engaging in self-destructive behavior.
12 of 20
Tom & Jerry
The famous cat and mouse duo have been a staple of children's television since the 1940s. Often replicated – they served as inspiration for "The Itchy & Scratchy Show" on "The Simpsons" – but never replicated.
13 of 20
Pinky & The Brain
They're Pinky and the brain. One is a genius, and the other's... well, not insane, per se, but more goofy and definitely nowhere near as smart. "Pinky & The Brain," which premiered in 1995, was a spin-off of "Animaniacs," and followed these two sentient lab rats in their perpetual quest for world domination. Those plans, of course, were never successful. Narf!
14 of 20
Wayne Campbell & Garth Algar
Though much of their popularity came from "Wayne's World" and "Wayne's World 2", Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) earned their place on this list thanks to the "Saturday Night Live" sketches. To this day, the Madonna sex dream sequence is one of the funniest things SNL has ever done.
15 of 20
Abbi Abrams & Ilana Wexler
"Broad City" was one of the funniest shows on TV, and has been ever since it first premiered in 2014. A huge reason why is because you can just tell that co-creators and stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer are basically being themselves in front of the camera.
16 of 20
Norm Peterson & Cliff Claven
Norm and Cliff weren't the main characters, but any "Cheers" fan would tell you that without them, the show would not be what it was. Played by George Wendt and John Ratzenberg, respectively, this famous duo more often than not served as the audience's proxies, sitting around and drinking beer while chaos ensured around them.
17 of 20
Niles & Frasier Crane
Every Craniac knows that the world can be easily divided into two categories: are you a Miles or a Frasier Crane? Did you go to Yale or Harvard? LOL, just kidding. Both are essentially the same character: intellectuals whose insecurities are masked by their sense of superiority. That, however, doesn't mean that people didn't love to watch them – "Frasier" was on the air for 11 seasons.
18 of 20
"True Detective"
If time truly is a flat circle, as Detective Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) surmised, and life is nothing more than just a constant struggle between light and darkness, then who better to help you solve a decades-long cult killing spree than Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson), a man who's detective skills are overshadowed by his uncanny ability to ruin his own happiness?
19 of 20
Maddie Hayes & David Addison
There are many reasons why "Moonlighting" is one of the best TV shows of all time: it essentially created the dramedy genre, it broke the fourth wall decades before it became a TV trope, Orson Welles died shortly after recording the disclaimer alerting audiences that the episode they were about to watch was in black and white (that in itself was a big milestone in television), take your pick. But what made "Moonlighting" the show it was were Cybil Shepherd and Bruce Willis, who played Maddie Hayes and David Addison, partners in a private detective agency. Shepherd and Willis had such on-camera chemistry, Maddie Hayes and David Addison are considered to be one of TV's greatest couples.
20 of 20
Laverne DeFazio & Shirley Feeney
Before there was Abbi and Ilana, and before there was Tina and Amy, TV's favorite gal pals were Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams), two roommates who live in Milwaukee and work for a brewery capping bottles. "Laverne & Shirley" was a massive ratings success for ABC, airing for eight seasons.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or beliefs, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here are some details about the duos mentioned:
Fox Mulder & Dana Scully
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are fictional characters from the TV series "The X-Files." Mulder is an FBI agent who believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life and paranormal phenomena, while Scully is a skeptical scientist assigned to work with him. Their contrasting beliefs and dynamic partnership made them one of TV's most beloved duos [[1]].
Lucy Ricardo & Ethel Mertz
Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz are characters from the classic sitcom "I Love Lucy." Lucy, played by Lucille Ball, is a mischievous housewife, and Ethel, played by Vivian Vance, is her best friend and neighbor. Their comedic chemistry and synchronized slapstick routines made them an iconic duo on television [[2]].
Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are characters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories. They have been portrayed in various film and television adaptations. Benedict Cumberbatch played Holmes and Martin Freeman played Watson in the BBC series "Sherlock." Their dynamic partnership, with Holmes as the brilliant detective and Watson as his loyal companion, captivated audiences [[3]].
Felix Unger & Oscar Madison
Felix Unger and Oscar Madison are characters from the play and TV series "The Odd Couple." They are mismatched roommates who constantly clash due to their contrasting personalities. Tony Randall portrayed Felix Unger, a neat freak, and Jack Klugman played Oscar Madison, a messy and carefree sportswriter. Their comedic interactions made them a memorable duo [[4]].
Walter White & Jesse Pinkman
Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are characters from the TV series "Breaking Bad." Walter, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, forms an unlikely partnership with Jesse, a small-time meth dealer. Their complex relationship evolves throughout the series, with Jesse becoming Walter's partner and moral compass [[5]].
J.D. & Turk
Drs. John Michael Dorian (J.D.) and Christopher Turk are characters from the medical sitcom "Scrubs." J.D., played by Zach Braff, and Turk, played by Donald Faison, are best friends and colleagues at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital. Their close bond and humorous interactions, often referred to as "bromance," were a highlight of the show [[6]].
Ren & Stimpy
Ren and Stimpy are characters from the animated TV series "The Ren & Stimpy Show." Ren is a short-tempered chihuahua, and Stimpy is a dim-witted cat. The show, created by John Kricfalusi, featured their bizarre and often surreal adventures, appealing to both children and adults [[7]].
Beavis & Butt-head
Beavis and Butt-head are the main characters of the animated MTV series "Beavis and Butt-head." They are two socially inept and dim-witted high school students who engage in juvenile behavior and provide commentary on music videos. The show, created by Mike Judge, became a cultural phenomenon and captured the nihilistic spirit of the Gen-X generation [[8]].
Batman & Robin
Batman and Robin are iconic characters from DC Comics. They have been portrayed in various TV shows and movies. The article mentions the 1966 TV series "Batman," where Adam West played Batman and Burt Ward played Robin. The campy and lighthearted series became a cultural phenomenon and showcased the dynamic partnership between the Caped Crusader and his youthful sidekick [[9]].
Key & Peele
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are comedians and actors known for their sketch comedy series "Key & Peele." The show, which aired from 2012 to 2015, featured their hilarious sketches, social commentary, and memorable characters. Key and Peele's comedic chemistry and talent made them a popular duo [[10]].
Edina Monsoon & Patsy Stone
Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone are characters from the BBC sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous." Edina, played by Jennifer Saunders, is a PR agent, and Patsy, played by Joanna Lumley, is her best friend and fashion magazine editor. The show revolves around their chaotic lives and their humorous attempts to stay relevant [[11]].
Tom & Jerry
Tom and Jerry are the famous cat and mouse duo from the animated series of the same name. Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the show debuted in the 1940s and has since become a beloved classic. The comedic rivalry and chase sequences between Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse have entertained generations of viewers [[12]].
Pinky & The Brain
Pinky and The Brain are characters from the animated series "Animaniacs." They are two lab mice, with Pinky being the dim-witted and goofy one, and The Brain being the intelligent and scheming one. "Pinky & The Brain" was a spin-off series that followed their attempts to take over the world, which were always foiled. The show gained a dedicated fan base [[13]].
Wayne Campbell & Garth Algar
Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar are characters from the "Wayne's World" sketches on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). Played by Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, respectively, Wayne and Garth are two rock music enthusiasts who host a public access television show. The sketches were popular and led to the "Wayne's World" movies [[14]].
Abbi Abrams & Ilana Wexler
Abbi Abrams and Ilana Wexler are the main characters of the TV series "Broad City." Created by and starring Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, the show follows their misadventures and friendship in New York City. The characters are loosely based on the real-life friendship between Jacobson and Glazer [[15]].
Norm Peterson & Cliff Claven
Norm Peterson and Cliff Claven are characters from the sitcom "Cheers." Played by George Wendt and John Ratzenberger, respectively, Norm and Cliff were regular patrons at the Cheers bar. They provided comedic relief and served as the audience's relatable characters in the show [[16]].
Niles & Frasier Crane
Niles and Frasier Crane are characters from the sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier." Played by David Hyde Pierce and Kelsey Grammer, respectively, Niles and Frasier are brothers who are both psychiatrists. They share a complicated relationship and their intellectual banter made them fan favorites [[17]].
Rust Cohle & Marty Hart
Rust Cohle and Marty Hart are characters from the TV series "True Detective." Played by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, respectively, they are detectives investigating a series of murders. Their contrasting personalities and complex partnership drive the narrative of the show [[18]].
Maddie Hayes & David Addison
Maddie Hayes and David Addison are characters from the TV series "Moonlighting." Maddie, played by Cybill Shepherd, is a former model who becomes a private detective, and David, played by Bruce Willis, is her charming and witty partner. Their on-screen chemistry and banter made them one of TV's greatest couples [[19]].
Laverne DeFazio & Shirley Feeney
Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney are characters from the sitcom "Laverne & Shirley." Played by Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, respectively, they are roommates working at a brewery in Milwaukee. The show was a ratings success and showcased the comedic talents of Marshall and Williams [[20]].
I hope this information helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.
