The 1950′s

Jack Benny & Rochester Van Jones – The Jack Benny Program

Jack Benny is a miserly boss who doles out days off like he was dispensing gold nuggets. Rochester Van Jones is a smart ass who doesn’t do his job if he doesn’t feel like it. On paper, the relationship is doomed from the start. But Benny inexplicably keeps Rochester employed despite being constantly ridiculed, and Rochester seems content with his job despite the low wages. He even hangs out at Benny’s house on his days off. I don’t know about you, but the idea of hanging out with my boss on the weekend seems like a fate worse than death. Obviously, there’s a bromance brewing between the two.

Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton – The Honeymooners

Ralph and Ed are one of the earliest bromances on television. Physically, the two don’t have a lot in common, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that the pair are two peas in a pod. They both work for the city, they both have smart-ass wives, and they both are members of the Raccoon Lodge. These bros were practically made for each other. In fact, considering they are fictional characters, they actually were made for each other.

Ricky Ricardo and Fred Mertz – I Love Lucy

Ricky and Fred aren’t really bros by choice. But by virtue of their awful wives, they are forced into a bromance. While it might be one of the weaker examples on the list, these two definitely fit the mold. After all, with Lucy and Ethel off pulling stupid shit at the candy factory, all they have is each other.