it was a massive reason behind the rise of adult cartoons. The series, especially in its earlier seasons, does a fantastic job of not only being hilarious but also allowing its viewers to resonate with its content. This is done by the way its characters interact with one another, as well as its realistic storylines.
However, it is clear that it is in a bit of a rut in this regard as of this late. A change from this could come from exploring new friendships between its side characters and Homer. Homer definitely is somebody who people tend to enjoy talking to, even if he can be annoying at times. Yet, this could help bring upon new and fresh ideas for a series that definitely needs them. Since this show is so old, Homer interacts with a lot of them over its run. Thus, it could be cool to explore them even more.
Ned
Throughout the series, it is apparent that Homer becomes quite irritated when it comes to Ned. However, they do share some nice heartfelt moments with one another in the process.
It would be nice to see Homer become nicer to Ned, as the two actually do have some things in common. Ned also shows time and time again that he is willing to be there for Homer, no matter how poorly he treats him.
Chief Wiggum
A deeper friendship between Homer and Chief Wiggum is honestly needed. These two are immensely similar in personality and could provide a lot more moments of hilarity if seen together more.
When they do interact, it is clear that they get along the vast majority of the time. Chief Wiggum honestly deserves more storylines too because, even if he is a bit dense, he is still quite entertaining in the series.
Moe
At the bar, Moe and Homer always see one another. This is due to the fact that Moe works there, while Homer chooses to spend most of his nights out there. Over time, the two have a lot of interactions and moments together.
It is strange that they are not closer honestly, as the two could have a cooler dynamic. Moe is also an extremely lonely character throughout the series, so maybe becoming closer with Homer could help him become happier.
Principal Skinner
It is always fun to see Principal Skinner outside of the classroom, so it could be very interesting to have him become good friends with Homer. Although Skinner is more educated than Homer, they could relate in other areas.
Skinner is a bit nervous at times, so perhaps becoming closer friends with Homer would result in him being able to let loose. They share some memorable moments together in the series, but it never blossoms into a full friendship.
Smithers
Smithers is an authoritative figure in Homer's life, as he is superior at work. Yet, Smithers is a character who could benefit from gaining other friends, as he spends most of time following the demands of Mr. Burns.
Smithers is far more intellectual than Homer, so there is a gap in that regard, but Homer has shown that he respects Smithers. It could provide some interesting scenes, as these two definitely are different in many ways.
Krusty The Clown
Krusty the Clown is an interesting choice for Homer to become friends with. This is due to the fact that his storylines seem to lack many friendship moments, especially in more modern seasons.
Bart is also a big fan of Krusty, so this could be an excellent experience for him too. Krusty definitely warrants some happier moments, so seeing a long-term friendship happen between him and Homer could be very nice for the series.
Dr. Hibbert
Dr. Hibbert works on helping Homer's health a lot during the series, so it is strange that the two are not very close. He also is very active in the entire Simpson's lives in this regard, while also just being a refreshingly funny character.
Therefore, a friendship between these two is not necessarily out of the question. Dr. Hibbert is a bit more relaxed than Homer and his crazy antics, but the two definitely could create some fun storylines.
Mr. Burns
Mr. Burns and Homer have some interesting moments with each other throughout the series. He is Homer's boss, sure, but it could be interesting to see them have more time together in other ways.
Mr. Burns, at times, seems to have a good heart when he is not consumed by greed. Perhaps having a carefree friend like Homer would result in him making the severity of this trait decrease. Overall, there is a good side to Mr. Burns to explore.
Hans
Hans seems to be a character who is only there to experience an abundance of pain. This definitely provides a lot of humor, but it also makes him a one-trick pony. Perhaps developing his character into something more could be outstanding to see.
Hans deserves a happier side to his character after all the turmoil he faces throughout the whole series. Perhaps a friendship between him and Homer could provide him with this, as he is another character who often seems to be quite lonely when he is around.
Grampa Simpson
Who says you can't be best friends with your dad? The relationship between Homer and his father is definitely damaged throughout the series. Abe makes it clear that he is not happy with how Homer is as an adult multiple times, which definitely impacts the latter immensely.
These two deserve to have a stronger relationship, as it would be nice to see some functionality from the Simpson family in general. Perhaps it could even help the toxic relationship between Homer and Bart in the process.