FRIENDS blessed us with its premiere about 20 years ago, with the story revolving around six 20-somethings living in New York trying to get their life together. When the series wrapped up with its 10th season in 2004, almost the entire world said goodbye to these six people with a really heavy heart. This TV show not only made a huge place in the hearts of millions worldwide, but also set an incredibly high standard for the many more sitcoms to come. Alas, not all the other shows could manage to do as well as FRIENDS did. And I’m not surprised.
FRIENDS was more than just a TV show- it became the face of pop culture. It was fresh, new, and unusual as compared to the other shows going on at the time. It resonated with youngsters to an extent that even newer generations can watch and relate to almost every dilemma portrayed in the series. Not all shows have that kind of an impact, and that is why FRIENDS will remain evergreen for years to come.
If you haven’t watched FRIENDS yet, let me tell you why this show is one of the best shows ever to be aired on TV.
1. All the characters in FRIENDS are simple, with no extra fluff
The spoiled but independent Rachel, the neat freak and formerly fat Monica, the goofy and lovable Chandler, the weird hippie Phoebe, the intellectual Ross, and the fun-loving Joey.
2. The situations they went through are realistic for every twenty-something
All of the characters were struggling either with their careers or their love lives, or both simultaneously.
3. Their jokes are evergreen
You watch it once, you’ll laugh. You watch it 10 times, you’ll still laugh.
4. Some of their dialogues and scenes are downright iconic
“We were on a break!” “Hi.”
5. Through the show, each character starts to grow on you
After all, they’re really lovable.
6. And you eventually realize just how similar they are to you
THIS IS ME.
7. It isn’t long before you start picking your favourite, and taking their side
Which, by the way, is really difficult to choose.
8. It teaches you that the best of friendships are meant to be cherished
They’ll be with you through thick and thin.
9. It teaches you that fights with friends are a part and parcel of life
They might hurt you, but there is no one else who will love you as much as they do.
10. You can never, ever get bored of the show
Not even for a second.
11. The phrases and gestures used in the show will always remain fresh in your memories
Remember the gesture Ross made when he wanted to give someone the finger? And Monica’s “I know!”, Rachel’s “Nooooo” and Janice’s “Oh. My. God.”? Sigh.
12. The humor in the show is actually pretty damn intelligent
This particular joke above has a deep meaning to it, which makes it bloody hilarious. Read here.
13. It makes you believe in love, no matter how much of a cynic you are
If Chandler can find a soulmate, so can you.
14. And that falling in love with your best friend can eventually end beautifully
When you have your lobster, hold on to them.
15. But most importantly, FRIENDS continues to re-instill the faith in us that eventually, we will all have a happy ending
There is no other sitcom that can make you feel as wonderful as FRIENDS, because it’s a reflection of our lives- a story of 6 20-somethings trying to find their way in the world, just like we are, and of finally making it. Their happy ending is the best happy ending anyone could ever ask for. The show may have ended, but the legacy will always remain. And that makes every FRIENDS fan ecstatic.