What defines a good sidekick?  Is it someone who helps the main character but doesn’t cast light on himself?  Is it a partner in crime?  After thinking hard about this and asking just about everyone I know, I’ve come up with eight characters I feel truly exemplify the term “sidekick.”

Barney Fife

The Andy Griffith Show

Where would Andy be without Barney?  Andy Griffith was a widower sheriff taking care of his only son.  Barney, his cousin, served as deputy sheriff and often served as a sounding board for Andy’s feelings.  Helping Barney learn his lessons is what (I think) helped keep Andy together after losing his wife.

The Skipper

Gilligan’s Island

Everyone I spoke to mentioned Gilligan as a sidekick, but I think Gilligan’s the main character (check the title of the show people!) so of course the Skipper is the obvious choice.  The Skipper was the straight man to Gilligan’s goofiness, kept him in line, and still managed not to pull himself to the foreground.

Ethel

I Love Lucy

Ethel was Lucy’s best friend, landlord, and partner in crime.  Often Lucy had to talk Ethel into mischief but Ethel always went for it.  Does everyone remember the chocolate factory incident?  Only a great sidekick would have gone through that, still stick around, and not have stolen the spotlight from the main character.

Robin

Batman

Who else is the perfect sidekick?  Dick Graysen practically embodies the word.  He runs in, does just enough to help without actually taking the focus off of Batman.  Plus, he’s an acrobat in tights and green underwear.  He deserves some recognition.

Gus

Psych

Gus is Shawn’s transportation, his conscious, and his best friend.  As the other half of the Psych team, Gus is the perfect wine to Shawn’s cheese.  Shawn could be a one man show in Psych, but it wouldn’t nearly as entertaining.

Spock

Star Trek

One might argue that Star Trekis an ensemble cast, but I say if Kirk is the star, Spock’s his sidekick.  Spock brought logic to Kirk’s schemes and aided him through some of his hardest battles.  Throughout all of the incarnations of Star Trek, Spock has always been right by Kirk’s side.

Ando

Heroes

As one of the non-powered characters (at least for a bit), Ando really fought for his place by Hiro’s side.  He aided Hiro even when he felt useless to him and even tried to attack Sylar with a sword when Hiro was unable.  He’s a true best friend to Hiro and deserves to be on this list.

Sharona/Natalie

Monk

This is a two for one as they both had the same job. Both Sharona and Natalie helped Adrian Monk be who he was.  After Trudy’s death, Monk needed someone to help him function on a daily basis.  Sure, both girls were hired by Monk, but it was because of Sharona and Natalie that Monk could think to do his cases.

There are so many more fantastic sidekicks in television, but I ran out of room!  Feel free to suggest more!