Right at the very top of our checklist for requirements for the perfect guy is: “must be smart.” When we’re daydreaming in class or scrolling through Netflix options, we love any chance to check in on our favorite, familiar TV nerds. They’re sweet and gentlemanly and oh-so-cute! Here are the top 7 we’re crushing on now:
1. Andy, Modern Family
We never thought a manny could be so adorable. Andy may say some goofy things, but we love that he cares about kids and his dedicated to his job. His awkward interactions with Hailey just make him even cuter, because it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones who get awkward around our crushes!
2. Danny, The Mindy Project
He may wear silly glasses with the neck strap and be a bit of a mama’s boy, but Danny is such a good boyfriend. He is a total traditionalist when it comes to his beliefs, work, and love life. He’s a bit stuck in his ways, but who doesn’t love a guy who stays true to himself? We love the way he takes care of Mindy and their bun in the oven, and wish we could be in the good hands of Dr. Castellano.
3. Richard, Silicon Valley
Half the time we don’t understand what he’s saying because we are not fluent in code, but Richard’s nervous energy somehow makes him attractive. Plus, he’s a CEO, so he has that going for him. We love how he stands his ground when people try to take advantage of his company in the start-up stage. He trusts his gut and the people who he respects for guidance, instead of getting distracted by money and the prospect of success.
4. Seth, The O.C.
If you have not had the pleasure of watching this classic show, stop reading immediately go watch all four glorious seasons so that you can soak up all of the nerdy adorableness that is Seth Cohen. He does not apologize for not being the most popular guy in Newport Beach, and does everything he can to win Summer over (even naming a boat after her!). Seth is fiercely loyal to his family and his friends, and we will always have a soft spot for him.
5. Lincoln, Broad City
There’s no other guy we’d rather have as our dentist. Lincoln goes beyond the expectations of casual hook-ups, and he’s a true friend to Abbi and Ilana. Lincoln’s completely goofy, and has some of the best one-liners on the show. He’s totally head-over-heels for Ilana even though she doesn’t know it, and we’re totally rooting for him.
6. Mike, Suits
Mike is known for his superhuman memory, and sometimes he lets that go to his head a little bit. But we’ll let it slide, because he does anything and everything he can for his clients. We’ve seen how his relationship with his adorable grandma makes him sensitive and caring, and this totally translates into the way he treats Rachel. We’ll also overlook the fact that he didn’t actually go to law school, because he knows more than most board certified lawyers on Suits do. He and Rachel make a cute couple with their witty banter and hot file room hookups, but we wouldn’t mind if he dumped her for us…
7. Ben, Parks and Recreation
While we don’t usually fall for people who enjoy playing made-up board games about wizards and warlords, Ben somehow makes it cute. He cares about the people around him, and about the people he serves as a government official. His dorky relationship with Leslie is so endearing that we’d be down to third wheel with them any day.
These TV nerds give us faith that maybe one day we’ll find the hot nerds of our dreams. Or have you already met yours, collegiettes?