I have friends—I do. I have role models—truly.

But I have to say that it’s the fictional people in my life who also have shaped me because they entertain me, lift me up when I’m down, and put a smile on my face, even after I’ve failed an exam or saw someone on the streets that I had no intention of seeing.

Anyway, this Thanksgiving, here are the characters of TV shows I think we all should be thankful for, for one reason or another.

1. Joey from Friends

Joey is Joey. He just takes life like a big meatball sub—with great heartiness and intensity. Joey is a passionate, hungry, and beautiful man who honestly will never change. He’s the kind of guy who will crawl into a TV set to make the sale, the kind of guy who buys you a beautiful golden bracelet for your friendship, but also the kind of guy who will convince you to drive him home for a bonding experience…and sleeps the whole way. Joey is iconic and reminds you to always keep two core values at heart: food and friends.

2. Schmidt from New Girl

Schmidt can crack you up laughing any day. Infuriatingly conceited and materialistic, he never lets the audience down when it comes to showing off his killer smile, his fancy robes, his fancy slippers, and his creative ideas—aka Bangsgiving. Schmidt’s charm is that he doesn’t realize just how funny he is—he takes himself too seriously. And it’s great laughing at him—I mean with him…

3. Lorelai from Gilmore Girls

Lorelai is a star from the start. Spunky, witty, gorgeous, ambitious, and self-confident, this woman has run away from home at 16, a baby in her arms, and worked from being maid to her present-day manager position at her Inn. She’s in every way a skilled conversationalist and is a loving, caring mother and best friend to her daughter Rory. The way in which Lorelai can own up to her mistakes but also never be afraid to make them—and have fun while making them—she’s an icon.

4. Hyde from That 70's Show

“Cars can run on water, man!” Although Fez and Kelso have some memorable quotes from the show, Hyde has always delivered in his punching Kelso, his passive aggressive retorts, his hatred for Jackie and then his lovey-dovey frustration for her…and his “zen” teachings. Oh, and he could never be caught dead participating in gym if they make him wear shorts. A role model, ladies and gentlemen.

5. Fran from The Nanny

Fran Fine is a sassy, honest, happy, memorable, and in every way lovable woman. She brings light to every episode and brings life to those around her. Her stunning dresses, her nasal voice, her empathy for Maggie, her patience with Mr. Sheffield…she’s a one-woman-show. Her relationship with her mother and grandmother is also such goals as the three women care nothing about what they say, what they wear, and how they meddle in everyone else’s relationship. Fran is sweet and spicy, and she’s honestly a best friend I would want for life.

6. Leslie from Parks and Recreation

Leslie Knope is a happy presence and brings light to why optimism is so important. She makes people smile, she brightens the world and never lets go of the idea that the government is for the people. She’s strong, ambitious and FUNNY and she shows viewers that if your heart is in the right place, you’re already a step ahead (even though Leslie herself sometimes finds herself five steps behind).

7. Jim from The Office

He doesn’t seem like a dreamboat when you first meet him, but Jim is honestly the man of any girl’s dream. He’s reliable, loyal, caring, and his love for Pam is just tear-worthy. Watching the two grow in love over the seasons is always bittersweet for me (I’m happy for them but obviously I get all angry I’m not Pam). Jim’s pranks on Dwight also give me such life and I’ll always think of him as the best boyfriend material in TV show history.

8. Chuck from Gossip Girl

Now Chuck is actually the opposite of Jim. He’s not reliable and he’s definitely not a sure thing, but I love watching his dark side, his passion, and his intensity—oh and his deep “bass” voice—on my laptop screen. He’s just an exciting guy, and everything he does is deliciously unpredictable. But he also has a soft side and whenever it comes out with Blair, my heart melts.

9. Naomi from 90210

This Queen B has my heart. She is a best friend who will bend the world backward for you, but cross her and she’ll break you backward. She’s amusing in her adventures to get boys to fall for her—especially when she even dressed up as a blue Avatar for Max. She shows you, though, to love yourself, always be there for yourself and those who love you, and that you should try your 110% on everything. She definitely doesn't stop to get what she wants, and although she may go about it the wrong way, the lesson is still there.

10. Josh from Drake and Josh

Josh!! Uh, I’m such a fan. Smart, funny, intelligent, truthful, and an Oprah-lover, Josh honestly made the show for me. Drake was definitely something—a cutie with a guitar and spontaneous, care-free, flirty grasp on life—but Josh had my heart. He’s that guy who deserves the world but makes you laugh as he tries to achieve it. He picks up for others’ slack and gets the short end of the stick, but it’s in those moments he’s the most personable and relatable. “I ain’t calling you a truther” will also forever be my favorite way to call liars out on their, well, lies.