Ever since Jerry and George had blatant “mancrushes” on other men on “Seinfeld,” the idea of a nonsexual attraction between guys has become fashionable. Intimacy, understanding, and admiration in male friendships are no longer cultural taboos, and TV’s straight men have become far more overt -- at times, comically so -- about their attractions and bonds to other men.

“House,” now back for its fifth season, is currently milking the subject, as the powerful connection between Drs. House and Wilson falls apart and House grieves. Most shows go solely for male-female romance, but “House,” “Flight of the Conchords,” and “Scrubs,” among others, also focus on the “bromance.” The men on these shows are life partners, of a sort. Of course, back in the old days of Oscar and Felix on “The Odd Couple,” the phenomenon was better known as a buddy relationship than a bromance. But the codependency was there nonetheless. Here’s a list of the top 14 TV bromances through the years.

—Matthew Gilbert, Globe TV critic