Top 10 TV Neighbors

TV, television, TV neighbors, neighbors, TV shows, TV series, Seinfeld, Kramer, Ned Flanders, The Simpsons, Home Improvement, Family Matters, Steve Urkel, The Flintstones, Barney Rubble, Boy Meets World, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda,

Script written by Niki Neptune.

Top 10 TV Neighbors


They’re there when you need them, even if you wished they weren’t. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 TV neighbors.

For this list, we’re looking at those TV neighbors who stood out for their quirkiness, their sage advice, or simply because they were always there. It’s hard to imagine getting that close to the people who live adjacent to you; but in TV, it’s almost strange if you don’t know your neighbors on a personal level.

#10: Glenn Quagmire
“Family Guy” (1999-)

It’s pretty cool that Peter’s best friends all live near him, and Quagmire is no exception. But having Quagmire as your friend and neighbor means you might be subjected to some of his more…interesting habits. Like going through your trash in search of your wife’s toenail clippings. Knowing you’re living next to a sexual deviant means not being surprised when he comes to the door in a bib and bonnet.

#9: Ed & Trixie Norton
“The Honeymooners” (1955-56)

They’re not just the upstairs neighbors; they’re the best friends of the show’s main characters. Loveable but simple, Ed, and pushy Trixie are a couple that run somewhat counter to Ralph’s bluster and Alice’s even temper. The dynamic between the two couples and the friendships developed between them is a part of what made this short-lived show so iconic.

#8: Penny
“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-)

It may have been initially easy to dismiss Penny’s character as another ditzy blonde waitress, but she’s a great testament to the fact that technical knowledge isn’t all there is to life. She might not be as well educated as her brainiac neighbors, but she’s socially adept and provides them with much-needed balance. It also doesn’t hurt that she ends up dating Leonard, since we all know that dating a neighbor is always a smart move.

#7: Rhoda Morgenstern
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)

Witty, sarcastic, and self-deprecating, she’s the gal-pal most single ladies, and single fellas, wish they could have around. As Mary’s upstairs neighbor, she’s never too far away for some girl time. That is, until she falls in love and moves away to New York. But even then, Rhoda was such a good friend to Mary, she actually got her own spinoff.

#6: Mr. George Feeny
“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)

We can’t think of anyone who’d want to live next to their teacher – unless of course you’re spying on their movements or trying to swipe some test scores or something. However, things are different when it comes to teacher-turned-principal-turned-college professor is Mr. Feeny. While some of us may’ve grown up with teachers who played important roles in our lives, it’s still difficult to imagine living next door to them. It’s like breaking the fourth wall or something.

#5: Barney Rubble
“The Flintstones” (1960-66)

Simple, affable, and easy-going, Barney was the perfect foil to Fred’s boisterous personality. He was also a pretty reliable neighbor, and a bud Fred could always go bowling with. It’s a plus when your best friend lives next door, but it’s a plus one when your wives become best friends as well. The relationship between the Flintstones and the neighboring Rubbles is one that has become iconic in pop culture, and has stood the test of time.

#4: Steve Urkel
“Family Matters” (1989-98)

It’s odd how often he invited himself over the Winslow house. You’d think with big guy Carl Winslow being a police officer, they’d have a more secure house, but clearly this was one nerdy neighbor that could not be stopped. He’s a pest, but he’s also a lovable nerd who’s hopelessly in love with Laura Winslow. Ultimately, Urkel is begrudgingly embraced as a recurring presence in the Winslow household for whatever reason – in spite of his klutziness. It must be those glasses.

#3: Wilson Wilson, Jr.
“Home Improvement” (1991-99)

He was an excellent neighbor, replete with worldly wisdom and the kind of advice you can only give after travelling the globe. And interestingly enough, we only ever get to see half of his face. The Taylor family, and Tim in particular, could pretty much always count on Wilson to provide them with sound guidance from behind a privacy fence. He kept his distance but always came through in the clutch. That’s pretty much the ideal neighbor, if we do say so ourselves.

#2: Ned Flanders
“The Simpsons” (1989-)

He’s a mild-mannered religious zealot who is constantly put-upon by the Simpson family – not that he minds. That isn’t to say that he doesn’t have his own problems, what with his wife’s unexpected death, his extremely sheltered children and his obsessive religious posturing. Although initially disliked by Homer for his straightedge personality and happy-go-lucky demeanor, Mr. Simpson eventually warms up to Flanders, with their relationship evolving over time.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Rose “Two and a Half Men” (2003-)
- Patrick Star “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
- Bob Pinciotti “That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)
- Mr. George Wilson “Dennis the Menace” (1959-63)
- Kimmy Gibbler “Full House” (1987-95)

#1: Cosmo Kramer
“Seinfeld” (1989-98)

You could pretty much count on him for a couple things: busting through Jerry’s front door and not having a verifiable source of income. Although he’s definitely prone to scheming… But somehow, none of that stopped him from being one of Jerry’s closest friends. It might be because living across the hall gave him constant access to Jerry’s life, but one has to wonder why no one locked their doors.

Do you agree with our list? Which TV neighbor do you wish lived next door? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

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