They say that the best things in life come in pairs—and that rule is especially true when it comes to TV shows. Whether they’re identical, fraternal, opposite gendered or evil—twins give any television twice the amount of appeal. Here are just a few of the twins on TV who rock our socks off.
Patty and Selma Bouvier – The Simpsons
These animated twin sisters share a love for smoking cigarettes, watching MacGuyver and torturing their brother-in-law, Homer. Patty is one of the few reoccurring gay characters on The Simpsons, while Selma has had a string of failed marriages and recently adopted a Chinese baby named Ling.
Mary Kate and Ashley Burke – Two of a Kind
Sure they’re best known for sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on Full House, but this was the first television series where the Olson Twins got to play their own characters. Mary Kate was a tomboy and sports enthusiast while Ashley was a studious girly girl.
Zack and Cody Martin – The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Suite Life on Deck
Your kids know Zack and Cody from their two Disney Channel series. On Suite Life the brothers lived in an upscale hotel with their mother, while spin-off On Deck features the two attending high school at sea.
Dennis and Dee Reynolds – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Dennis and Dee may not look alike, but they share the same undeserved air of confidence and apathy towards other human beings. When these two aren’t backstabbing each other, they’re teaming up to backstab others and they do a pretty good job of it.
George and Oscar Bluth – Arrested Development
Although both are played by Jeffery Tambour, these two brothers are polar opposites. George is a sleazy executive with a bald head while Oscar is a pot-smoking hippie with long, beautiful locks.
Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell – Sister, Sister
Imagine running into a clone of yourself while shopping at the mall. That’s what happened to Tia and Tamera, who were separated at birth and adopted by different foster parents.
Hank and Dean Venture – The Venture Bros.
There have been multiple clones of the Venture twins, Hank and Dean, but the originals were always twins. Although the brothers are close, Dean wants to follow in his family’s pursuit of science while Hank just wants to be a rock star.
Brenda and Brandon Walsh – Beverly Hills, 90210
Although both of the Walsh twins eventually left the show, Brenda and Brandon provided us with an outsider’s view of Beverly Hills in those early formative seasons. Brandon’s nice guy routine was a great contrast to Brenda’s nasty personality.
Phoebe and Ursula Buffay – Friends/Mad About You
Actress Lisa Kudrow had a small part as clueless waitress Ursula on Mad About You before hitting it big on Friends. Eventually the two characters on different shows were made into twins sisters.
Zan and Jayna – Super Friends
These are the twins you want on your side if you’re ever kidnapped by Lex Luthor. The Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna, can transform into water or animals respectively, but only when they combine their efforts.