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There are many sibling duos on television whose unconventional but authentic relationships redefine what a sibling can be. Just as in real life, sibling relationships on television don’t follow a set formula — they vary depending on the individual dynamics. Having a sibling is an experience most people can relate to, and when they see similar relationships being realistically portrayed, it makes for a highly engaging piece of media.
Although many of the sibling portrayals on this list are quite dramatized, they are built around an authentic core. Every pair of siblings, both on TV and in real life, has a complicated shared life experience, but (most of the time) they are all united by an enduring love and loyalty. Sibling relationships can be difficult to navigate for many people, but seeing them portrayed on TV can inspire us to build stronger bonds with our own siblings and show them appreciation.
Alexis + David, Schitt’s Creek
After their family loses their fortune, Alexis and David Rose are forced to cohabitate with their parents in a cramped motel room. Their relationship is initially distant and strained, frequently plagued by petty conflict. Like many brothers and sisters, they know exactly how to push each other’s buttons — Alexis’ iconic “Ew, David!” line sums up their annoyance with each other.
Some of this conflict comes from the fact that before living together at the motel, Alexis and David spent most of their time apart from each other and did not keep in touch. But as the series progresses and their bond develops, we see Alexis and David enter a new chapter of their relationship. Although their exasperation with each other never truly goes away, the two become close friends who can acknowledge how much they care about one another.
Michael + Spock, Star Trek Discovery
Michael Burnham and Spock are one of the more complicated sibling duos on this list. During the death of her parents, Michael was adopted by Spock’s family, and Spock was initially skeptical of his new sister. Over time, the two became friends, and Michael helped Spock embrace his humanity. However, after outside threats frightened Michael into running away, she lashed out at Spock in order to protect him. He took her words to heart, and their relationship deteriorated.
Eventually, the pair were reunited when Spock needed Michael’s help to solve the mystery of the Red Angel. Despite their long estrangement, they were clearly still devoted to each other, and they were able to repair the rift in their relationship. However, the heart-wrenching finale of season two saw this powerful sibling duo part for good. In order to preserve the galaxy, Michael had to lead Discovery a thousand years into the future and leave Spock behind. But we know for certain that Spock took his sister’s parting words of wisdom to heart — he went on to make strong connections with the people around him and learned how to accept their love.
Carly + Spencer, iCarly
Carly and Spencer Shay share a unique dynamic. Because their father is serving overseas in the Navy, Spencer acts as Carly’s legal guardian. There is a large age gap between the two siblings, so their relationship is somewhat parental in nature. However, Carly is usually the more responsible one. Spencer, an eccentric sculptor, provides much of the show’s comedic relief with his unpredictable and goofy antics.
Carly and Spencer’s moving, heartfelt conversation in the final episode is a guaranteed tear-jerker that perfectly summarizes the nature of their bond. Carly says that although she had to take care of herself in some ways, Spencer was always there to support her, and he taught her that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop being creative or having fun. With the highly anticipated iCarly reboot just around the corner, we can expect many more amazing moments with the Shay sibling duo!
Niles + Frasier, Frasier
The relationship between the iconic Crane brothers is arguably the best element of the hit TV show Frasier. Incredibly pompous and erudite, Niles and Frasier bond over their mutual appreciation for the finer things in life: opera, expensive wine, and theater. They also enjoy griping about their “unsophisticated” father, Marty. Needless to say, they have a lot in common — which promotes their sibling rivalry as much as it does their friendship.
Both successful psychiatrists, Niles dislikes Frasier’s radio show and often accuses him of being a sellout. Their quick wits and sharp tongues lead to many hilarious arguments and quippy one-liner roasts. However, it is clear from the start that the two brothers care deeply for each other. Despite their frustrations with one another, this sibling duo will always offer each other full support during rough patches.
Mona Lisa + Jean-Ralphio, Parks & Recreation
Mona Lisa and Jean-Ralphio Saperstein are perfect partners in crime. This supremely chaotic sibling duo steals every scene they’re in. Whether it’s faking their own deaths, violating house arrest, running scams, or harassing their father for money, these twins always try to be one step ahead of everyone. Hilariously narcissistic and spoiled, they skate through life doing as little as possible while looking as cool as possible.
Mona Lisa and Jean-Ralphio share a playful and close relationship. They acknowledge each other’s faults and frequently tease each other about being “the worst.” Because they have very similar personalities and goals in life, they work well together and are always in sync. And, of course, their harmonizations are to die for.
Bart + Lisa, The Simpsons
Bart and Lisa Simpson are the quintessential “polar opposite brother and sister” pair. Lazy problem child Bart constantly gets under hard-working, virtuoso Lisa’s skin; he thinks she’s a know-it-all, and she thinks he’s an idiot. They frequently find themselves as the butt of each other’s jokes and a victim of their pranks. Adults in the show often complain that Bart isn’t more like Lisa, causing additional friction between the sibling duo.
Some episodes show Bart and Lisa being more friendly with each other. They are able to put their differences aside to overcome the countless zany situations their family end up in. Although they don’t like to admit it, these two undoubtedly share grudging respect and will step in to help one another if needed.
Tia + Tamara, Sister, Sister
These iconic real-life twins perfectly portrayed a classic “separated at birth” story. After being adopted into different homes, Tia and Tamara live vastly different lives until a fateful encounter at the mall brings them together. The sibling duo quickly bonds, and their parents agree to move in together, so the girls don’t have to live apart.
Tia and Tamara have very different personalities, but they complement each other well. Tia is the more responsible one, while Tamara is carefree and impulsive. The show sees the sibling duo through many antics, including several “switches” where they briefly trade places. The two sisters understand each other in a way that only siblings can, and they are deeply devoted to each other’s well-being. There is no denying that Tia and Tamara’s unique connection is extraordinary.
Mary + Laura, Little House on the Prairie
Although the Ingalls family accumulated many children over the years, the core sibling relationship always stayed between Laura and Mary. These hard-working sisters endured a slew of hardships throughout their childhood, including the tragic loss of Mary’s sight. Laura was determined to “be Mary’s eyes,” and she devoted herself to being a good caretaker. She even became a schoolteacher to help pay for Mary’s education.
Mary and Laura had occasional spats over boys and school in the earlier seasons, but they always promised to be best friends. Although the Ingalls family struggled financially throughout the show, they were always abundant in love and good spirits–Mary and Laura perfectly embody that ideal.
Wednesday and Pugsley, The Addams Family
Despite the Addams family’s unusually macabre and eccentric lifestyle, they are incredibly loving towards each other. Outside of their home, Wednesday and Pugsley Addams are viewed as black sheep, and the sibling duo has little interest in the activities of their peers. Consequently, they end up spending a lot of time together. Their relationship is quite devoid of rivalry, and they are shown to be close friends.
There have been several iterations of the Addams Family in the media, but in the original 1964 TV show, Wednesday and Pugsley played nicely together and bonded over their shared interest in spiders, dynamite, and guillotines. Being different is often a lonely experience, but Wednesday and Pugsley always had a companion in each other.
Jon and Arya, Game of Thrones
Even people who know nothing about Game of Thrones are probably familiar with the bond between Jon Snow and Arya Stark. Although they spend most of the show apart from each other, these two share a deep and abiding love. They both grew up feeling like outsiders in their family; Jon was taunted for being a bastard, and Arya struggled to fit in and deal with the expectations placed on her. In each other, they were able to find acceptance and friendship.
In their time apart, both characters underwent tremendous growth and overcame many obstacles. The sibling duo’s long-awaited reunion was arguably of the most touching reunions in television history, and fans were overjoyed to see them together again. A big win for the Stark family!
Why Are TV Siblings So Special to Us?
Many of the sibling pairs on this list are somewhat “nontraditional.” Whether they were adopted, grew up in different homes, or had unusual dynamics, most of these duos don’t have a typical sibling relationship. This kind of representation is beautiful because, in reality, there really is no standard for what a sibling relationship looks like. When the media we consume shows us that there is not just one prototype of what a sibling bond can be, it affirms to us that love has no singular shape. This list is, of course, non-exhaustive. Some of the honorable mentions are the Gallaghers from Shameless, Lucas and Erica from Stranger Things, and Dipper and Mabel from Gravity Falls. We’d love to hear about who some of your favorite sibling duos are! Let us know in the comments.