blue group · The short answer
NBC SITCOM SURNAMES
Each puzzle word passes the same exact test. The four mappings show how the answer works.
BENES is the surname of Elaine Benes, a central character in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.
BING is the surname of Chandler Bing, one of the principal characters in the NBC sitcom Friends.
LEMON is the surname used by Liz Lemon, the lead character of the NBC sitcom 30 Rock.
SCOTT is the surname of Michael Scott, the manager at the center of the NBC sitcom The Office.
Why this group was difficult
- The words also have ordinary meanings
LEMON and SCOTT can be read as a fruit or a personal name, while BING has a prominent non-television association. - BENES is a recall test
BENES is less likely to stand out as an everyday English word, so recognizing it depends on remembering a character surname. - The shows are not one series
The group draws from several NBC sitcoms, requiring a shared network connection rather than a single-cast connection.
How to spot this pattern next time
When a board contains a plausible proper name, test whether it is a character surname and whether the same network links the other candidates.
Use BENES as an anchor if you recognize Elaine, then check whether BING, LEMON and SCOTT resolve to familiar sitcom characters.
Four useful facts behind the group
- Elaine Benes is a character in Seinfeld.
- Chandler Bing is a character in Friends.
- Liz Lemon is the central character in 30 Rock.
- Michael Scott is a character in The Office.
Questions players ask
The details people search after seeing the group
What is the blue group in the August 12, 2026 Connections puzzle?
The blue group is NBC SITCOM SURNAMES: BENES, BING, LEMON and SCOTT.
Which sitcom character has the surname BENES?
Elaine Benes is the Seinfeld character associated with the surname BENES.
Why is LEMON in the NBC sitcom group?
LEMON refers to Liz Lemon, the lead character played by Tina Fey in 30 Rock.
Which characters are represented by BING and SCOTT?
BING is Chandler Bing from Friends, while SCOTT is Michael Scott from The Office.