by Cookie N Screen
So no one told you life was going to be this way. That your life was going to always have constant involuntary clapping whenever the Rembrandts was on. That ever since a rain soaked bride-to-be rushed, panicked into a coffee shop, we'd get six friends in a relationship now spanning two decades. That every day at least one line of their repertoire will be uttered from your lips. That every funny moment in your life must be followed by "like that moment in Friends." It's been 20 years and everyone has been touched by the comical lives of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey. Ingenious, hilarious and touchingly human, the lives of New Yorks most famous six became a household name for everyone.
So no one told you life was going to be this way. That your life was going to always have constant involuntary clapping whenever the Rembrandts was on. That ever since a rain soaked bride-to-be rushed, panicked into a coffee shop, we'd get six friends in a relationship now spanning two decades. That every day at least one line of their repertoire will be uttered from your lips. That every funny moment in your life must be followed by "like that moment in Friends." It's been 20 years and everyone has been touched by the comical lives of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey. Ingenious, hilarious and touchingly human, the lives of New Yorks most famous six became a household name for everyone.
Having yet to meet someone who is clueless about Central Perk and a rent controlled apartment in the middle of New York, it seems a moot point to describe the television show. For those who have lived under a rock, Friends is television show created by David Crane and Martha Kauffman. It's centred on six friends who are navigating their twenties, romantic relationships, jobs and interlocking issues. It all began when Rachel, a spoilt rich girl, left he dentist fiancé at the altar. Hunting down her old high school friend Monica, who lives in the city, she must learn how to become independent. Alongside Monica's older brother Ross, who has been in love with Rachel since pubescence, the sarcastic Chandler, Ross' college friend, the actor Joey, Chandler's roommate and Phoebe, Monica's old one, Rachel soon finds a lifelong group of people and so do all of us.
What is it about Friends that struck a chord with us? One that, even through the many many re-runs, still tickles is today. No other sitcom has given us as many poignant laughs and I doubt any other will. The writing is so on point with it's comedy that it is still relevant. The drama and, therefore, the hilarity came from a humanistic place that we all could relate to. Whilst many situations were absurd, the focal point and reactions were funny because frankly, they were wholly real. Using visual comedy, sarcasm, word play and idiocy, Friends became this back catalogue of amusement equally sharp and hysterical.
What is it about Friends that struck a chord with us? One that, even through the many many re-runs, still tickles is today. No other sitcom has given us as many poignant laughs and I doubt any other will. The writing is so on point with it's comedy that it is still relevant. The drama and, therefore, the hilarity came from a humanistic place that we all could relate to. Whilst many situations were absurd, the focal point and reactions were funny because frankly, they were wholly real. Using visual comedy, sarcasm, word play and idiocy, Friends became this back catalogue of amusement equally sharp and hysterical.
What Friends also gave us were six characters that we have all been or know in our lives. The acting layered them with this amazing realism that excelled so much that the cast could request a million dollars per episode by the end of it's run. David Schwimmer as Ross started off as the dull character but became more comedic with time, growing to a point where you could empathise with more. Jennifer Aniston, perhaps the most famous now, was the girl next door, charming and foolish but endearing and smart. Courtney Cox as Monica was a compulsive, controlling and soulful component whilst Matthew Perry's Chandler was a favourite with snappy lines and relationship woes. Lisa Kudrow and Matt Le Blanc as Phoebe and Joey were eccentric, dumb yet sweet and compassionate. These elements were fantastic, combined with ten long years of episodes that people have tried to replicate since. I suppose winding down to the final series the characters soon became caricatures of themselves. There was no denying, however, their brilliance. Alongside memorable side characters such as Janice, Gunther and Mike, each starring guest or long standing character had a memorable and much loved place in the show.
Friends would continue to excel and still emote; the season finale being particularly tear inducing as Rachel got off the plane. Friends was an impeccable show that sparked a generation of "oh my gawds," "we were on a break" and many famous lines that is impossible to numerate all. It sparked and inspired other shows and improved the writing making it more realistic and visceral.
So happy birthday Friends, thanks for always being there for us. And we'll be there for you too.
Friends would continue to excel and still emote; the season finale being particularly tear inducing as Rachel got off the plane. Friends was an impeccable show that sparked a generation of "oh my gawds," "we were on a break" and many famous lines that is impossible to numerate all. It sparked and inspired other shows and improved the writing making it more realistic and visceral.
So happy birthday Friends, thanks for always being there for us. And we'll be there for you too.
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Friends enjoy 236 seconds of 236 episodes !
What was your favourite moment from Friends?
Who was your favourite character?
Let us know in the comments!
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