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 pairings 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Naomi and Annabelle (Naomi)
Naomi is only in its freshman season, but I’m already digging the friendship between Naomi McDuffie and Annabelle. There’s a fierce loyalty between them, even amid the instability that is Naomi’s life. Annabelle’s thrust into a DC Comics world of aliens and super heroes, wherein her best friend is an extraterrestrial with magical abilities.
And yet, she takes it all in stride. Annabelle vows to support Naomi as she attempts to discover who she is. Naomi remains transparent with Annabelle, always putting honesty at the forefront of their friendship.
Who are your favorite friendship pairings in pop culture? How will you celebrate Galentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!