A close bond between two men is not often seen on television today without some sort of romantic entanglement or macho posturing. Ever since the days of the 1960s Batman series, male friendships have been the object of jokes and accusations of homosexuality. Perhaps this is why you simply don’t see these bonds much on television today.

In fact, I can only think of two shows that ‘dare’ to celebrate this type of relationship to the fullest: NBC’s Scrubs and FOX’s House, M.D. Scrubs takes a delightfully comedic approach to J.D.’s brotherly love for best friend Turk, while House, M.D. showcases the poignancy found in the relationship between Doctors House and Wilson. The usually acerbic House shows his true self only around his best friend, and is able to admit his vulnerability to him. The two give each other advice and support, and maintain a rapport that is both touching and amusing.

Perhaps this could be the start of a new trend in television: the celebration of the power of friendship between men. Isn’t it about time?