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Every story needs a great sidekick — somebody the hero can depend upon throughout their various adventures. Batman wouldn’t be the same without Robin, just like Sherlock Holmes would find it far more difficult to solve cases without Watson by his side. These memorable characters not only provide support and comedic relief, but also often steal the spotlight with their charm and unwavering loyalty. Here are the best TV sidekicks we’ve ever seen:
24. Barney Rubble (The Flintstones)
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Barney is one of those ‘follows you to the end of the Earth’ kind of friends. Barney isn’t too deep of a character. He’s always supporting Fred and is definitely a doting husband/father. There were only a few times that Barney second-guessed Fred’s decisions, and has only lost his cool once when he left Bedrock after Fred ruined Pebbles and Bamm Bamm’s wedding (but came back after Fred apologized). Collectively, Barney was more optimistic and cheerier — which balances out Fred’s more serious disposition. Without question, Barney is a loyal friend through and through.
23. Jazz (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
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Minus the fact that he was a little too suave with his flirty personality, Jazz was always there to put a smile on your face (especially in intense situations). Regarding the titular character Will, he served as the one person who understood Will before moving in with his auntie and uncle in Bel-Air (yes, I just went there). Jazz — intentionally or not — represented what Will could’ve been had he stayed on the West Philly path. That’s not to throw any shame onto Jazz, but it’s one of those situations where Will clearly wanted to better his prospects for the future. Although Jazz did mess up numerous times, we always knew it was the thought that counted when it came to him. Jazz was being completely himself; he truly kept it real.
22. Cece (New Girl)
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I think many of us girls wish that we had an amazing friend like Cece. She’s the type of person who stands by her friends through the test of time (even if they become a supermodel living in a big city). In New Girl, Cece is best friends with Jess (Zooey Deschanel). Through the years, they have stuck beside each other (even when Jess has a neurotic breakdown or two). Cece I believe is always best described as being the quiet voice of reason for Jessica. These besties hide no secrets from each other and talk about everything with no judgment included.
21. Hodor (Game of Thrones)
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I know there’s Bronn, and I am not overlooking him. However, let’s just say he’s not the most trustworthy character in all the realm. Therefore, Hodor is going to have to take the role of best sidekick in Game of Thrones. Following Brann to the ends of the Earth and literally into a version of hell where the dead walk the Earth, Hodor not only plays a personal caddy to his disabled body — but also a protector to the Three-Eyed Raven as well. Hodor is the muscle that services the Stark family all the way through his death. Always understanding the needs of his companions and is willing to face anything, if Hodor isn’t a great sidekick then I don’t know what is.
20. Susie (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
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For those of you who don’t know, Susie is the manager for Mrs. Maisel. She became fascinated by her ever since Mrs. Maisel showed up drunk to rant on stage that Mr. Maisel had an affair. As soon as she witnessed her smart mouth with cunning views on relationships and the world today, Susie knew she was seeing a star. Over time, Susie helps Midge (Mrs. Maisel) really see that she can be more than just a housewife. In the end, Susie is always there for Midge — especially when Mrs. Maisel needs the proverbial kick in the pants to get on stage and show the world just how special she is.
19. Sookie (Gilmore Girls)
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In the Gilmore Girls universe, Sookie is a bubbly chef working next to Lorei in the hotel industry. She’s somewhat of a perfectionist, though always is willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. There have been many instances when Sookie goes out of her way to help the Gilmore girls — whether it’s been a shoulder to cry on or even to let them move in for a short time. In many ways, Sookie is also the comic relief in Lorelei’s world.
18. Baby Yoda (The Mandalorian)
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Yes, Baby Yoda aka The Child has made it to this list. Can you really blame me? Other than being a literal child, Baby Yoda has proved time and time again how much you would want this little guy by your side. Besides him being adorable, this kid helps the Mandalorian shed off more of his tough no-nonsense exterior (all for the better in developing him as a character). Helping his humanity while traveling alone through the galaxy collecting bounties on others, the child gives the Mandalorian more of a sense of purpose other than possible revenge. Between developing the Mandalorian into more of a human being and saving his life numerous times, it’s safe to say that Baby Yoda makes the cut as being one of the youngest sidekicks (though he’s 50 years old when it comes to his species).
17. Skeeter (Doug)
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When you’re a new kid with a weird sister and a dog for a best bud, would anyone really classify as a close friend to Doug? Obviously, Skeeter Valentine is the answer! Yes, throwing it back to my early childhood with Doug Funnie and his friends in Bluffington. Skeeter is the first friend that Doug makes. Through their friendship, Skeeter is the only person who knows of Doug’s feelings for Patti Mayonnaise. Skeeter not only keeps his secret but goes out of his way to be the best wingman for Doug to get them together. One of my favorite aspects about Skeeter is that he’s really an idiot savant with the highest I.Q. in school. However, this doesn’t define him. Through his cheery disposition and goofball personality, Skeeter serves as the guy who brings Doug out of his shell. He shows him how it’s okay to be yourself and enjoy life.
16. Salem (Sabrina, The Teenage Witch)
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I think this list calls for a talking cat. Who better than the wise-cracking saucy little minx Salem? The cat proved to help show Sabrina the full extent of her magic in everyday life. Salem (voiced by comedian Nick Bakay) is always available to help her with her plans. In the process, he helps Sabrina learn personal growth as she navigates the teenage years (which as we all know can be challenging).
15. Ethel (I Love Lucy)
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The perfect housewife sidekick will have to go to Ethel from I Love Lucy. With her big mouth and sassy personality, she was never too far away from Lucy’s side. Ethel’s main role in the show was either bailing Lucy out of almost every conflict they got themselves into — or preventing things from getting even more out of hand. Including all the troublemaking, the two were so close they even opened businesses and would try to achieve the same professional goals with each other.
14. Gerald (Hey Arnold!)
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Gerald really takes the cake as a friend we all wish we had on our block. The cool kid rocking No. 33 is not only the best friend to Arnold, but he’s also the voice of reason when any sort of conflict pops up. Being reliable is kind of an understatement for Gerald, as he is always available to help Arnold under any circumstance. The best thing about Gerald is the fact that he’s the keeper of all the urban legends of the community. His ability to be a storyteller is quite entertaining.
13. Maya (Girl Meets World)
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Maya is to Girl Meets World as Shawn Hunter was to Boy Meets World. In this reboot, Maya is tasked with helping Riley (the daughter of Cory) through a myriad of tween crises. This surprisingly well-written show digs into the ups and downs of these girls learning about the world around them. Among the many themes of the show (existentialism being at the helm), Maya is the weight that is needed for our ‘head in the clouds’ Riley.
This doesn’t go without the classic cliché of Maya also having a rebel streak, which brings our girl with a heart of gold to do things against the rules at times when necessary. Even then, Maya would never push Riley to do anything that would get them into real trouble. This is absolutely one of those shows where I find the sidekick possibly better than the main.
12. Shawn Hunter (Boy Meets World)
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Talk about a guy who stuck around. Shawn Hunter from Boy Meets World is the guy everyone wanted to be, and who every girl wanted to be with. He was the perfect ’90s rebel who’d always stand beside the curious and naive Cory Matthews. The best thing about these two is how their opposite personalities complement each other throughout the series. While Cory can see the good in Shawn, Shawn always gives Corey the confidence that he needs. He also brings the guy back to reality when having a neurotic spell (which occurs quite frequently).
11. Mindy (Mork and Mindy)
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The best friend one can have is one that will keep the secret that you are an alien visiting Earth to learn about human behavior. This is especially true when that friend is a journalism graduate (whose whole ambition is to find stories and report them to the world). When Mork from planet Ork crashes on Earth, it is Mindy who gives aid and care to him.
Although this may seem like a simple task of having a roommate, Mindy went through losing jobs, fighting with family, and alienating herself (pun intended). Therefore, she makes the list of best sidekicks for having sacrificed so much to take care of Mork. To me, Mindy provides a blueprint on how to treat someone different from oneself with compassion, protection, and inner humanity (something that may seem difficult in today’s world).
10. Rhoda (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
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This sidekick was so popular that she even was given her own television series in the process. Rhoda from The Mary Tyler Moore Show was at first only to be the sassy neighbor who would contrast with our main star. This firecracker from the Bronx was quick-tongued compared to the sweet southern Belle Mary. As Mary is shown to be more of the girl that everyone is striving to be, Rhoda gives a more down-to-earth and realistic view (which also brings Mary back to Earth as well).
9. Nyota Uhura (Star Trek)
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Oh, did you think I would say Spock to be the best sidekick to Kirk? Well sorry, I don’t exactly see him as a sidekick. However, Uhura is the girl in the chair that has your back. Uhura, for those who are not familiar, is the communications officer for the USS Enterprise under the watch of Captain Kirk. She determines the survival of the crew. Since she’s the sole communication between all operations of the ship, I would say she’s pretty important. On top of all this, Uhura is also a linguistic expert. She also has saved fellow crew members — including the captain on more than one occasion.
8. Jane (Daria)
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When you’re a cynical teen girl growing up in the 90s, you’re going to need a good counterpart to survive the upscale suburban life. For such a situation, there’s no one better than Jane Lane. Jane is an artist at heart. She and brainy best friend Daria share the same dark and cynical view of the world. Although Daria is closed off and indifferent to others, Jane is more open-minded and optimistic of the two. Pushing her friend to get out of her comfort zone and share the same confidence that she has in her well-adjusted self, Jane uses her sarcastic and witty personality to make Daria more involved. She is fiercely protective of her friend and is always looking out for Daria’s best interests.
7.Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
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Vampires on your tail? Are demons on the loose? Who better to help fight beside you than your best brainy witch friend? While Buffy did recruit a few of her friends (unknowingly), she lucked out when it came to Willow joining the gang. Willow does offer a wide sense of knowledge due to her high I.Q. Providing her research skills to the slaying squad, she assists Buffy not only with a game plan for eliminating their many foes but also in fighting alongside her. Willow seems to be the glue that sticks the group all together.
6. Marshall & Barney (How I Met Your Mother)
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Ted Mosby had two great buddies who were complete opposites. Barney is the person you were in your young adult life. He’s constantly dating different women every week without much in the way of consequence. He takes every opportunity coming his way and can be somewhat selfish in the process. Marshall — on the other hand — is devoted, loyal, and stable. The best is seeing when these two worlds collide. It shows that just because we have certain roles in our friendships, it doesn’t mean we need to stick to them solely.
5. Daryl (The Walking Dead)
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If you want to survive a zombie apocalypse and kick butt while doing so, Daryl from The Walking Dead is your guy. This former hunter is an expert at tracking, navigation, hunting, and craftsmanship. All of these skills are pretty much things you would need to survive when in the middle of nowhere. Although Daryl can seem a little rough around the edges, he does have compassion and loyalty towards his friends.
4. Kato (Green Hornet)
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First of all, it’s Bruce Lee. It can be easily said that he brought martial arts to your home through his role on Green Hornet. The show is about a wealthy newspaper editor and his assistant. The two are tasked with fighting the biggest crime lords together. While Green Hornet is the headlining character, much of the audience instead decided to focus on Kato. You know, the chauffeur in a mask who can kill someone with his bare hands.
3. Dr. Watson (Sherlock Series)
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Watson had to make the list just for the fact that he must put up with Sherlock. For this pick, we narrow in on the famed BBC series (though there are plenty of iterations of the Watson/Sherlock story). Other than contributing his great medical skills, Watson also brings his military training of keeping his cool under pressure.
Even though Sherlock is known to crack cases, Watson has come many a time to the aid of our trusty detective (this includes saving his life on more than one occasion). Other than being practically the only friend that Sherlock has in his life, Watson serves as simply the humanity aspect that is lacking in Sherlock.
2. Ed McMahon (Johnny Carson)
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Heeeeeeeere’s Johnny! We had to have one late-night co-host on here, and who better than Ed McMahon from the Johnny Carson show? Other than having the most amazing laugh, Ed had amazing chemistry with Johnny. Johnny even jumped into Ed’s arms in an episode when they brought live animals on stage. The amount of trust knowing that his co-host would catch him is just the sweetest.
The best parts of the show included Ed sitting on the couch next to Johnny post-monologue. It was almost as if Ed was always Johnny’s first guest. The most interesting thing I found is how he wouldn’t leave when the guests would arrive. Ed would just scooch on over and not interfere too much with the conversation. Ed once said “I laugh for an hour and then go home… I have got the world’s greatest job.” I’m sure we can all agree to that.
1. Robin (Batman)
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Yes, let’s be real now: Who doesn’t instinctively think of Robin as soon as they hear the word sidekick? Although Robin did get himself into trouble, it goes without saying that Robin was there as a good backup for those dire situations when Batman needed assistance. Along with helping him out of jams, Robin also served as one of the few people who knew the real Bruce Wayne (along with all his secrets).
While sticking alongside him through all the crime-fighting and leading a double life, Robin created a family-like bond that Bruce had lost with his parents. Robin could connect with Batman on that level since he also lost his family tragically. Before we think of Robin as just being a guy with a slightly silly costume, let us dig into what this guy provided. Robin essentially was a sidekick to one of the grimmest superheroes in DC history.
