Galentine’s Day 2022: 8 Best Friend Pairs in Pop Culture

Happy Galentine’s Day! This most sacred and holy holiday originated on February 11, 2010, with the Parks and Recreation episode “Galentine’s Day” (season 2, episode 16). Crowned by Leslie Knope as the “best day of the year,” Galentine’s Day strengthens the bond of female friendships, bringing women together to celebrate each other and pamper themselves on the day before Valentine’s Day.

So, in honor of the best day on the Gregorian calendar, I’ve compiled a list of TV best friend combos that would 100 percent celebrate Galentine’s Day. They’re true friends in every sense of the word. I like to think they’re celebrating each other, breakfast-style, as Leslie would want. Like Lilith Fair minus the angst, plus fritattas!

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Leslie and Ann (Parks and Recreation)

I’d be remiss if I omitted the friendship that made Galentine’s Day a reality: Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins on Parks and Recreation. These BFFs complete each other.

Despite their stark personality differences, Leslie and Ann are two peas in a pod. Leslie’s outgoing and a bit eccentric, while Ann’s more introverted and straitlaced. But, if you think about it, they’re two halves of a whole: Leslie and her cunning, pliable, chestnut-haired sunfish. 

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Rosa and Amy (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Nine-Nine! Rosa Diaz and Amy Peralta (née Santiago) don’t start their Brooklyn Nine-Nine journey as friends. At the outset, Amy seems intimidated by the stoic, no-nonsense Rosa. However, the pair forges a bond during their tenure at the 99th precinct, even dubbing themselves “The Sleuth Sisters.” Amy and Rosa endure so much together, from transformative life events like Amy’s marriage and the birth of her child to Rosa coming out as bi. Through it all, these detective BFFs are always there for each other.

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Asta and D’Arcy (Resident Alien)

Asta Twelvetrees and D’Arcy Bloom, Patience, Colorado’s number one friendship pairing, is one of the best things about Resident Alien. They rank higher than Harry Vanderspeigle’s inseparable, unbreakable bond with pizza. Asta and D’Arcy’s friendship is the definition of the phrase “through thick and thin.” They anticipate each other’s needs, inherently knowing what to do when one of them is in a funk. D’Arcy even rescued Asta from a dangerous snowy crevasse in season 1, utilizing every bit of energy to save her friend. 

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Harley and Ivy (Harley Quinn)

Okay, hear me out. Yes, by the end of season 2, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy confessed their love for one another, thereby bringing “Harlivy” to fruition on Harley Quinn. However, think about everything Harley and Ivy went through as friends before transitioning to lovers. Harley fought tooth and nail to bring Ivy back to life. Ivy helped Harley recover from the Joker’s abuse, and they helped each other escape Bane’s prison. They kept each other alive through the ups and downs of climbing the crime chain in Gotham City. 

If that’s not the definition of “ride or die,” then I don’t know what is. Let’s say these ladies moved from “Galentines” to “Valentines.” 

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Tuca and Bertie (Tuca & Bertie)

Tuca and Bertie of Tuca & Bertie are the best bird pals in Bird Town. While BoJack Horseman destigmatized mental health in animation, Tuca & Bertie took it further. Tuca supports Bertie’s foray into therapy to heal from her trauma, while Bertie supports Tuca’s decision to quit drinking.

Tuca and Bertie are there for each other even when it’s not easy. While they initially struggle with their respective mental health journeys, they learn to lean on each other and deepen their already unbreakable bond. That’s all anyone needs in life: a consistent support system. 

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Naomi and Drummer (The Expanse)

The Expanse showcases an explosive future wherein interplanetary battles are a reality, and class warfare is the crux of those battles. Amid all of that tension and trauma, you need someone to stick by you. Naomi Nagata and Camina Drummer are Belters, which would be enough to unite them. However, Naomi bonds with two Earthers and a Martian. Together, they pilot the Rocinante, a former MCRN frigate, planting themselves in the middle of the solar system war. 

Despite Naomi’s loyalties, Drummer supports her, and vice versa. In the end, they bond over their mutual desire to love the people they love, regardless of class or from where they hail. 

The Expanse hints at Drummer potentially harboring romantic feelings for Naomi. Who knows what their future holds? But, taking the series finale into account, we’ll categorize them as Galentines.

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Eleanor and Tahani (The Good Place)

Eleanor Shellstrop and Tahani Al-Jamil of The Good Place don’t start their afterlife journey as best friends. Tahani had an air of haughtiness about her, while Eleanor blatantly gushed about Tahani’s beauty. Inevitably, the two grow closer, especially after learning in the season 1 finale that they’re not in the Good Place. Tahani and Eleanor embark on a path of moral growth and redemption, learning how to be better people together. There’s nothing like having an accountability partner. 

I wholeheartedly believe these two were soulmates, but not in the romantic sense — their love went deeper than that.

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Nynaeve al’Meara and Egwene al’Vere (The Wheel of Time)

Egwene al’Vere was originally the apprentice to Wisdom Nynaeve al’Meara. Both of the Two Rivers, these women are thrown headfirst into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure when Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, arrives in their village and plucks them from their quiet life. Why? Because either one of them could be the Dragon Reborn.

While they’re decidedly not the Dragon Reborn, Egwene and Nynaeve join the White Tower to become Aes Sedai and learn to channel their powers. Through kidnappings, brutal battles, and world-ending invasions, these two friends lean on each other for support and protection. Let’s face it: Companions and allies are a rarity in this universe, so you hold on to who you can.

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Michael Burnham and Sylvia Tilly (Star Trek: Discovery)

Friendships can blossom from the most unexpected situations (and Star Trek ships). Former first officer of the USS Shenzhou Michael Burnham becomes roommates with Cadet Sylvia Tilly aboard the USS Discovery after serving six months in prison for mutiny.

Initially, Burnham is averse to bonding with Tilly; however, the latter slowly chips away at Burnham’s hardened outer shell. Burnham and Tilly embark on countless adventures together during their time on the Discovery, from battling enemies of Starfleet to traveling to the 32nd century to save their former timeline. A friendship forged through shared experiences like these, experiences that few can relate to, is an unbreakable, unshakeable bond.

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Monica Rambeau, Carol Danvers, and Kamala Khan (The Marvels)

While Carol Danvers, AKA Captain Marvel, and Captain Monica Rambeau have known each other since the latter was little, The Marvels marks the first time they’ve joined forces to stop a significant threat to Earth. Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel, inadvertently joins this venture when her powers become entangled with Carol and Monica’s powers.

After learning to work together, the trio combines their abilities to ward off Supremor Dar-Benn’s plans to siphon energy from Earth’s sun. Carol and Monica slowly mend fences while Kamala, the biggest Captain Marvel fangirl there is, is excited to work in a team. All three grow closer during this dangerous mission to save the planet — and save other worlds affected by Dar-Benn.

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Who are your favorite friendship pairings in pop culture? How will you celebrate Galentine’s Day?

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