Who says TV can’t be educational? Sure, a lot of the representations of people on the tube are way over-the-top – like soap operas, and not-so-real “reality” shows like Jersey Shore and The Bachelorette. But while the relationships portrayed in TV shows may often exaggerate the worst in people, sometimes they reflect the best. So here’s a salute to our fave TV friendships and the lessons we’ve learned from them.

The besties: Emily, Hannah, Aria, and Spencer from Pretty Little Liars

The lesson: Friends stick together in tough times.

This foursome has been able to stick together through it all. The girls are always there at the send of a text when one of their crew needs help. Even when others have turned their backs on one of the girls (like Spencer’s fam over her suspicion s about Ian), they know they can depend on each other, and that’s what matters.

The besties: Carly and Sam from iCarly

The lesson: Opposites can make a perfect pair.

Despite their differences, when these two come together, they make a magical pairing, just like PB&J. Though they’re day-and-night in so many ways, their quirky sense of humor (and love for each other) helped them put together a mega-successful web show. Carly and Sam show that when it comes to best friends, it’s all about appreciating your differences and sharing your similarities.

The besties: Cece and Rocky from Shake It Up

The lesson: Best friends can share everything.

Cece and Rocky are close – some would even say too close. They dance together, go to school together – and even have a special routine for when they eat ice cream together. When Deuce, their guy bud, makes a comment about their tighter-than-tight friendship, they begin to wonder if they need some space. They realize, however, that they love spending time together, and it’s up to them if they want to be glued at the hip.

The besties: Rachel and Finn from Glee

The lesson: You can be friends after a relationship.

Rachel and Finn’s relationship has had plenty of twists and turns, from Rachel’s almost-creepy crush to their secret kiss in the auditorium to their relationship and messy break-up. When Finn encourages Rachel’s efforts at songwriting, and she joins him on a stake-out to see if Quinn is cheating, it’s clear that these two have overcome any post-dating awkwardness and have each other’s backs. “Finchel” might be back on, but Rachel and Finn’s time apart proved that it is possible to make the ex-BF to BGF transition.