Mindy Kaling & BJ Novak: More Than Friends?

Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak share a deep and complex friendship, originating from their time working together on "The Office." They met in 2005, a period when they were both writing for and acting in the show, and their relationship quickly evolved, with Kaling stating they "kind of fell in love through doing that." This led to them dating on and off for several years between 2004 and 2007.

Despite their past romantic involvement, Kaling and Novak now emphasize their platonic bond. Novak is the godfather to Kaling's three children, including her oldest daughter, Katherine. Kaling has described their current relationship as "soup snakes," a term originating from "The Office," signifying a unique and enduring connection that goes beyond typical friendship. Novak frequently visits Kaling's children, often spending time with them, highlighting his integral role in their lives.

Their enduring closeness is evident in their tradition of attending events together, such as the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, which they have done annually since 2014. Kaling has characterized their dynamic as "romantically charged camaraderie with loud arguments," while Novak has described their relationship as having "a lot of shorthand" and being "inseparable best friends with a lot of chemistry." They consistently deny being romantically involved, even when attending events as each other's dates.