What Better?? Best Friends of 80s Sitcoms

Dr. Sak · 01-12-2010, 10:09 AM

Here is another edition of my "What Better?" In the past I brought you What Better?? Kevin Arnold's Girlfriends - Front Office Football Central , What Better?? 80's Sitcom Families - Front Office Football Central , What Better?? Girls of 90210 - Front Office Football Central , and What Better?? Rocky's Opponents - Front Office Football Central .

So we've covered a lot of aboot 80s sitcoms. I was thinking and debating with my friends the other day "Who was the cool best friend of the main character?" So I formulated a list and I present it to you today for the men and women of FOFC to decide.

I intentionally left out the following: Kramer, Balki, and Steve Urkel because in my mind they were pretty much main characters in the sitcoms. I'm looking for a more behind the scenes type of person. So here are your choices:

Buddy Lembeck - Buddy was Charles' best friend in the TV Show Charles In Charge. Charles was always trying to shoe Buddy away so he could get in Gwendolen's pants.

Kimmy Gibbler - Kimmy was DJ's best friend in the TV show Full House. You always knew Hijinx would ensue when she came over.

Richard "Boner" Stabone - The best friend and neighbor of Mike Seaver in the show Growing Pains. Boner was always getting into trouble with Mike due to his lack of intelligence and common sense. On a side note, the episode where he leaves to join the Marines is one of the best ones of this entire show.

Skippy Handelman - Skippy was the best friend of Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties. Skippy had a bit of a crush on Alex's sister Malorie (who didn't).

Paul Pfeiffer - Paul was the nerdy neighbor and best friend of Kevin Arnold in the TV Show Wonder Years. His constant sneezing from being allergic to everything cause him problems with the ladies.

Al Borland - Tim the toolman Taylors best friend in Home Improvement. Some would say Al actually carried the "Tool Time" show.

Samuel "Screech" Powers - The definition of ackward is Screech Powers. He was quite the whipping boy for Zach Morris in Saved by the Bell but he was also always there for him.

Woody Boyd - The naive Hanover Indiana native was just the fix for Sam Malone after the sudden passing of Coach Ernie Pantso . He was the butt of a lot of jokes but in the end he got the last laugh as he won public office.

Vinny Delpino - Vinny was the yang to Doogie Howser's ying....he helped keep him young and who can forget who he would enter Doogie's room through his bedroom window. Actually now thinking of it, that's kind of creepy.

DaddyTorgo · 01-12-2010, 10:12 AM

it's gotta be one of screech/skippy/boner in some order there

Dr. Sak · 01-12-2010, 10:15 AM

Use that one vote wisely

molson · 01-12-2010, 10:17 AM

That's quite a lineup. I'll have to think about this.

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 01-12-2010, 10:19 AM

Woody's the best character, but I'm not sure he is the best friend exactly.

Mustang · 01-12-2010, 10:20 AM

Since you are splitting decades. I'd vote for Larry Dallas from Three's Company.

Larry was always setting Jack up with a piece of ass. What more could you ask from a best friend?

fantom1979 · 01-12-2010, 10:21 AM

FYI

Home Improvement was on from 1991-1999

Dr. Sak · 01-12-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantom1979

FYI

Home Improvement was on from 1991-1999

oops...oh well

Lathum · 01-12-2010, 10:37 AM

I debated between Vinny and Paul and went with Vinny. I think Woody is the funniest, but I tried to vote in the spirit of how I felt in the 80's. Back then I probably didn't get half of Woody's jokes.

cuervo72 · 01-12-2010, 10:43 AM

No Cockroach?

Drake · 01-12-2010, 10:44 AM

I've never seen a single episode of the Wonder Years. Is that weird?

Dr. Sak · 01-12-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuervo72

No Cockroach?

CRAP! I knew i forgot someone from the Cosby Show.

Swaggs · 01-12-2010, 12:34 PM

Cockroach was the first one that I thought of, too.

I voted for Paul Pfeiffer. In addition to being an awesome friend, the butt of jokes, and a supreme cockblocker, his emergence allowed people my age to call anyone with dark hair and glasses with the nickname: "Pfeiffer."

stevew · 01-12-2010, 12:37 PM

Balki Bartokomous

Also Uncle Jesse/Uncle Joey on Full House.

Izulde · 01-12-2010, 01:20 PM

Paul wasn't as much a cockblock as it seems. Kevin still pulled hot ass without him and Paul, I think, more than anybody else on this list, represents the kind of best friend we'd like to have for life.

JS19 · 01-12-2010, 01:47 PM

Toss up between Vinny and Paul, went with Paul... probably because I am drawing more memories from the Wonder Years than Doogie.

DaddyTorgo · 01-12-2010, 01:54 PM

i dunno guys...Screech built robots and shit. And he always went to the mat for Zach.

Maple Leafs · 01-12-2010, 01:54 PM

Cockroach is a terrible oversight. Or what about the fat white kid from Cosby Show? Peter?

Dr. Sak · 01-12-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Cockroach is a terrible oversight. Or what about the fat white kid from Cosby Show? Peter?

That would fall under the OTHER category...

I. J. Reilly · 01-12-2010, 02:21 PM

I have vague memories of thinking Kimmy was cute. It seems early puberty can cloud ones judgment.

sabotai · 01-12-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

Since you are splitting decades. I'd vote for Larry Dallas from Three's Company.

Larry was always setting Jack up with a piece of ass. What more could you ask from a best friend?

This.

Mustang · 01-12-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I. J. Reilly

I have vague memories of thinking Kimmy was cute. It seems early puberty can cloud ones judgment.

Holy shit.. that is a chick? I thought it was a male figure skater.

cuervo72 · 01-12-2010, 03:16 PM

I think she actually grew out of her awkwardness to some extent.

Sun Tzu · 01-12-2010, 03:34 PM

I'll go with Paul. I recently got the entire Wonder Years series on DVD online. I'm only on season 2 right now, but after re-watching all of these things there isn't a doubt in my mind that Paul deserves the top spot.

cuervo72 · 01-12-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

I'll go with Paul. I recently got the entire Wonder Years series on DVD online. I'm only on season 2 right now, but after re-watching all of these things there isn't a doubt in my mind that Paul deserves the top spot.

Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhh, contrband!

Oilers9911 · 01-12-2010, 03:46 PM

Andrea Barber (Kimmi Gibbler) actually looks pretty good these days.

stevew · 01-12-2010, 04:52 PM

Bud, as the friend of Rudy was another good friend on Cosby.

Logan · 01-12-2010, 05:57 PM

Paul Pfeiffer, cause he's Marilyn Manson. Right????!

Karlifornia · 01-12-2010, 06:05 PM

I voted for Boner. Just because I'm immature.

Lathum · 01-12-2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

Paul Pfeiffer, cause he's Marilyn Manson. Right????!

I thought that was the kid from Mr. Belvedere? Kevin?

Lathum · 01-12-2010, 11:58 PM

lol, my wife just said she likes boner

lordscarlet · 01-13-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I thought that was the kid from Mr. Belvedere? Kevin?

No, it's supposed to be the kid from the robot daughter show, isn't it?

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 01-13-2010, 08:46 AM

No, Small Wonder became rapper T.I.

Bad-example · 01-13-2010, 08:52 AM

That's a pretty pathetic grouping up there. I loved Cheers and watched Family Ties, but the rest are pure dreck.

MWC debuted in 1987, so my vote goes to Steve Rhoades.

KWhit · 01-13-2010, 09:15 AM

Woody for sure.

MizzouRah · 01-13-2010, 10:15 PM

Oh the days of Charles in Charge!

Galaxy · 01-13-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

Paul Pfeiffer, cause he's Marilyn Manson. Right????!

I like how Josh Saviano (Paul) went to Yale and is a now a Manhattan lawyer in real life.

And Jason Hervey (Wayne) hangs out with Scott Baio and part of went HealthSouth blew up in its scandal.

View Poll Results: What Better?? Best Friends of 80s Sitcoms
Buddy Lembeck (Charles in Charge)	3	3.45%
Kimmy Gibbler (Full House)	5	5.75%
Richard "Boner" Stabone (Growing Pains)	9	10.34%
Skippy Handelman (Family Ties)	3	3.45%
Paul Pfeiffer (Wonder Years)	22	25.29%
Al Borland (Home Improvement)	5	5.75%
Samuel "Screech" Powers (Saved by the Bell)	7	8.05%
Woody Boyd (Cheers)	23	26.44%
Vinny Delpino (Doogie Howser M.D.)	6	6.90%
Other (Please post in thread)	3	3.45%
My best friend was a trout	1	1.15%
Voters: 87. You may not vote on this poll

01-12-2010, 10:12 AM	#2
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	it's gotta be one of screech/skippy/boner in some order there __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

01-12-2010, 10:19 AM	#5
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	Woody's the best character, but I'm not sure he is the best friend exactly. __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think

01-12-2010, 10:20 AM	#6
Mustang Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wisconsin	Since you are splitting decades. I'd vote for Larry Dallas from Three's Company. Larry was always setting Jack up with a piece of ass. What more could you ask from a best friend? __________________ You, you will regret what you have done this day. I will make you regret ever being born. Your going to wish you never left your mothers womb, where it was warm and safe... and wet. i am going to show you pain you never knew existed, you are going to see a whole new spectrum of pain, like a Rainboooow. But! This rainbow is not just like any other rainbow, its...

01-12-2010, 10:43 AM	#10
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	No Cockroach? __________________ null

01-12-2010, 10:15 AM	#3
Dr. Sak Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Stuck in Yinzerville, PA	Use that one vote wisely

01-12-2010, 10:17 AM	#4
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	That's quite a lineup. I'll have to think about this.

01-12-2010, 10:21 AM	#7
fantom1979 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, Mi	FYI Home Improvement was on from 1991-1999

01-12-2010, 10:37 AM	#9
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I debated between Vinny and Paul and went with Vinny. I think Woody is the funniest, but I tried to vote in the spirit of how I felt in the 80's. Back then I probably didn't get half of Woody's jokes.

01-12-2010, 10:44 AM	#11
Drake assmaster Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Bloomington, IN	I've never seen a single episode of the Wonder Years. Is that weird?

01-12-2010, 12:34 PM	#13
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Cockroach was the first one that I thought of, too. I voted for Paul Pfeiffer. In addition to being an awesome friend, the butt of jokes, and a supreme cockblocker, his emergence allowed people my age to call anyone with dark hair and glasses with the nickname: "Pfeiffer." __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

01-12-2010, 12:37 PM	#14
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Balki Bartokomous Also Uncle Jesse/Uncle Joey on Full House.

01-12-2010, 01:20 PM	#15
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Paul wasn't as much a cockblock as it seems. Kevin still pulled hot ass without him and Paul, I think, more than anybody else on this list, represents the kind of best friend we'd like to have for life. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

01-12-2010, 01:47 PM	#16
JS19 College Prospect Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NY	Toss up between Vinny and Paul, went with Paul... probably because I am drawing more memories from the Wonder Years than Doogie.

01-12-2010, 01:54 PM	#17
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	i dunno guys...Screech built robots and shit. And he always went to the mat for Zach. __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9 Last edited by DaddyTorgo : 01-12-2010 at 01:54 PM.

01-12-2010, 01:54 PM	#18
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	Cockroach is a terrible oversight. Or what about the fat white kid from Cosby Show? Peter? __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis

01-12-2010, 02:21 PM	#20
I. J. Reilly College Prospect Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: An Oregonian deep in the heart of Texas.	I have vague memories of thinking Kimmy was cute. It seems early puberty can cloud ones judgment.

01-12-2010, 03:16 PM	#23
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	I think she actually grew out of her awkwardness to some extent. __________________ null

01-12-2010, 03:34 PM	#24
Sun Tzu Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In the thick of it.	I'll go with Paul. I recently got the entire Wonder Years series on DVD online. I'm only on season 2 right now, but after re-watching all of these things there isn't a doubt in my mind that Paul deserves the top spot. __________________ I'm still here. Don't touch my fucking bacon.

01-12-2010, 03:46 PM	#26
Oilers9911 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2006	Andrea Barber (Kimmi Gibbler) actually looks pretty good these days.

01-12-2010, 04:52 PM	#27
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Bud, as the friend of Rudy was another good friend on Cosby.

01-12-2010, 05:57 PM	#28
Logan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NYC	Paul Pfeiffer, cause he's Marilyn Manson. Right????!

01-12-2010, 06:05 PM	#29
Karlifornia Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	I voted for Boner. Just because I'm immature. __________________ Look into the mind of a crazy man (NSFW) http://www.whitepowerupdate.wordpress.com

01-12-2010, 11:58 PM	#31
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	lol, my wife just said she likes boner

01-13-2010, 08:46 AM	#33
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	No, Small Wonder became rapper T.I. __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think

01-13-2010, 08:52 AM	#34
Bad-example College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: san jose CA	That's a pretty pathetic grouping up there. I loved Cheers and watched Family Ties, but the rest are pure dreck. MWC debuted in 1987, so my vote goes to Steve Rhoades.

01-13-2010, 09:15 AM	#35
KWhit Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Conyers GA	Woody for sure.

01-13-2010, 10:15 PM	#36
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Oh the days of Charles in Charge!

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