Top 5 Best Black Female Friendships in Television History

Who's your favorite?

“In My Skin” readers, I was sick last week, so forgive the lack of content.

During my cabin fever, I watched a marathon of Sex and the City - all 6 seasons. I’ve always loved the dynamics of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte’s friendships. I’ve even adapted some of their practices into my own girlfriend circle—my fave: getting together for margaritas (instead of cosmos). 

I know a lot of females who reference Sex and the City as their ideal TV image of what “true” friendship is. Like the saying, “Good friends are hard to come by,” it’s just as hard to see Black women's friendships portrayed on TV. Heck, it’s hard keeping a Black sitcom running on air without the network pulling the plug.

But there have been some great representations in TV land throughout the years, not many, but still great. Here’s my list of top five best portrayals of black women friendships in a sitcom. (Man, I miss the days of scripted TV where the characters were multi-dimensional.)

[ALSO READ: 10 Best Black Couples on Television]

Gina and Pam, Martin
Their friendship was by far one of my favorites on TV. They were the ultimate “besties." Gina and Pam managed to stay close friends despite Pam’s dislike for Martin, and vice versa (unlike Basketball Wives’ Jen and Evelyn). What I loved most about Gina is that she never let her relationship with Martin keep her from spending time with her homegirl Pam. Gina balanced both relationships—something a lot of women seem unable to do. On the other hand, Pam supported Gina. When Gina left Martin for a brief moment, Pam’s door was open. When she decided to get back together with Martin, Pam never put her girl down for her decision. The best thing about their friendship is that it transcended off screen, as well. They were competitive, however, especially when it came to singing. Watch when Gina and Pam compete to become rapper Biggie's background singers.

Khadijah, Synclaire, Regina and Maxine, Living Single

Living Single was a hilarious and down-to-earth portrayal of a group of African-American friends (including Obie and Kyle) living in a Brooklyn brownstone as they pursued love and professional endeavors. They were the urban “Friends.” The ladies - Khadijah, Synclaire, Regina and Maxine - were as different as night and day but despite their personalities, they managed to form friendships that entertained us for 5 seasons. I always imagined having a similar living arrangement with my best girlfriends; but in reality, living with friends does not always work. The best part about their union: they could always find a good laugh out of each other’s dating stories.

Joan, Toni, Maya and Lynn, Girlfriends