The Evolution of the ‘Bromance’ on TV – Young Adult Magazine


Joey and Chandler on FriendsTelevision has taken the audience on many journeys, and introduced us to many different types of relationships. One type, though, has suffered from a lack of exposure, and that is the conflict-free, supportive and sometimes even tender relationship between two guys, in a totally non-sexual way. Why do we not see this? Probably because of how brushed-under-the-rug it is in our still pretty macho culture: god forbid should two men care about each other, for fear of being perceived as gay. Think about Chandler and Joey from Friends, and how they were always awkward when it came to serious or emotional stuff. Sure, it was a comedy, but maybe it was also a commentary on this issue.

Damon and Stefan SalvatoreWhile brothers have become blood-brothers (The Vampire Diaries‘ Stephen and Damon Salvator), girls have always been a guy’s best emotional support, which usually leads a relationship. This is true of virtually every show on television. And of course, gay guys and straight guys have always had that awkward bromance that nobody Blaine and Sam of Gleeunderstands but somehow works–like Sam Evans and Blaine Anderson on Glee. But the straight guy-straight guy thing…that terrain is still largely unexplored.

This past month, however, MTV’s Teen Wolf refreshingly portrayed this type of bond, to the show’s high credit. Before Stiles goes for an MRI, he is faced with the reality that he might share his mother’s diagnosis, with his brain starting to deteriorate. Stiles and Scott hugBefore he lays on the plastic slab, and is isolated from his friends and family, Scott soothes his friend by talking to him and telling Stiles that it will be ok. Stiles breaks down, crying hysterically, and hugs Scott in a heartfelt and tender way. It is a raw and authentic moment, and when watching it, it’s easy to see how rare moments like these occur on TV. The Stiles-Scott bromance has become a real and true friendship; brothers and partners who will remain connected throughout time.


the-evolution-of-the-bromance-on-tv—young-adult-magazine

Joey and Chandler on FriendsTelevision has taken the audience on many journeys, and introduced us to many different types of relationships. One type, though, has suffered from a lack of exposure, and that is the conflict-free, supportive and sometimes even tender relationship between two guys, in a totally non-sexual way. Why do we not see this? Probably because of how brushed-under-the-rug it is in our still pretty macho culture: god forbid should two men care about each other, for fear of being perceived as gay. Think about Chandler and Joey from Friends, and how they were always awkward when it came to serious or emotional stuff. Sure, it was a comedy, but maybe it was also a commentary on this issue.

Damon and Stefan SalvatoreWhile brothers have become blood-brothers (The Vampire Diaries‘ Stephen and Damon Salvator), girls have always been a guy’s best emotional support, which usually leads a relationship. This is true of virtually every show on television. And of course, gay guys and straight guys have always had that awkward bromance that nobody Blaine and Sam of Gleeunderstands but somehow works–like Sam Evans and Blaine Anderson on Glee. But the straight guy-straight guy thing…that terrain is still largely unexplored.

This past month, however, MTV’s Teen Wolf refreshingly portrayed this type of bond, to the show’s high credit. Before Stiles goes for an MRI, he is faced with the reality that he might share his mother’s diagnosis, with his brain starting to deteriorate. Stiles and Scott hugBefore he lays on the plastic slab, and is isolated from his friends and family, Scott soothes his friend by talking to him and telling Stiles that it will be ok. Stiles breaks down, crying hysterically, and hugs Scott in a heartfelt and tender way. It is a raw and authentic moment, and when watching it, it’s easy to see how rare moments like these occur on TV. The Stiles-Scott bromance has become a real and true friendship; brothers and partners who will remain connected throughout time.