What can be said about Friends that hasn't already been said? It's easily one of the best sitcoms of all-time. It's on every "best sitcoms ever" list for a reason...because it is! If that doesn't convince you just read through these reviews and you'll see just how loved this show really is. The cast is perfect, not a weak link on the entire show. Almost everyone can find someone on the show that they identify with. I've seen every episode numerous times (considering it's always on) and I still laugh just as much on every watch as I did the first time I watched it. I'll continue to watch reruns and laugh and I doubt that I'll ever get bored with this show.
2,047 Reviews
Just as funny today!
Supermanfan-1316 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I still love Friends as much now than I did when it was on 15-20 years ago. It's just one of those all-time great sitcoms that are just as funny watching reruns as it was watching for the first time! Not many shows are just as funny today as they were 15-20 years ago but Friends is absolutely one of those shows! All 6 characters are almost equally as funny! This truly is one of the best comedies that has ever been made!
Still as funny as it was when it started back in '94
Silverzero18 January 2003
People are saying that friends is running out of ideas and that the humour is getting dull. Running out of ideas? possibly. Humour getting feeble? absolutely not. In fact it's getting better. OK, so perhaps they're beginning to "pair up" the six of them, but so what. Chandler's sarcasm is still as funny as ever. Monica's quirkiness still works. Phoebe's goofiness still brings about a smile. And Joey,Rachel and Ross are still as funny as they always were. So stop being a bunch of cynics and enjoy the show while it's still on.
RIP Chandler
jose99029 October 2023
I never used to watch this show. My wife loved this show and whenever she would watch it I would never pay attention because I had no interest in it. But then one day I happen to look up and see something funny and I got hooked. Out of all the characters on this show the one I can relate to the most was Chandler.
I started watching all the reruns with my wife all the time on TBS. But after my wife passed away in September of last year I just can't bring myself to watch the show. All I have to say is the show is definitely worth watching and it was sad to see it go.
Thank you Matthew for making me and my wife laugh. Rest in peace.
I started watching all the reruns with my wife all the time on TBS. But after my wife passed away in September of last year I just can't bring myself to watch the show. All I have to say is the show is definitely worth watching and it was sad to see it go.
Thank you Matthew for making me and my wife laugh. Rest in peace.
fantastic
rossrobinson12 November 2003
Friends has got to be one of the best Us Sitcom comedys ever. I'll be sad for this programme to end next year in 2004 because the whole team did such a fantastic effort to put everthing into this series. It was such a great programme and i think it will always will be. After 10 seasons the programme comes to it's end. I give this 10 out of 10.
FINE WINE
Mangalassery_Neelakandan24 August 2022
The series aged like fine wine. I finished this whole series within a month like 236 episodes or more like 78 hours of content, that's how much interesting this series is. Some cliff hangers at the end of seasons is very suspenseful that i couldn't wait to watch the next season. Joey, Phoebe, Chandler, Monica, Ross & Rachel we like my friends by the end of the series. The comedic timing and all the funny elements of the show is on point. And the most important fact is that after finishing the series we could just start the series all over again and feel fresh. It has an immense amount of repeat value that we wouldn't get bored even after watching several times. I could go on for pages but the memes, the sitcom references, the stars the show created all speak form them selves.
Go-To show when you're sad
Moviebility18 October 2022
I won't lie when I say I'm probably one of the people who think this show is not funny. This has been recommended to me multiple times before I actually did give it a try. The first episode was meh but I kept watching until I found myself actually loving this show and it's really good and super chill. I think you actually have to know the characters more for you to appreciate their humor. This show is one of my go-to's when I'm feeling so down. Friends is so overrated and is always in most people's recommendations that you just keep on scrolling past through the list but seriously it's a good show and worth giving a shot!
One of the best t.v. shows ever!
Pookyiscute23 March 2004
Easily in my top five category of funniest and best shows in prime time history.
Everyone on this show is so witty and delivers their lines superbly that it's hard not to like all of them equally. However, I do have my favorite characters/actors/actresses, as I'm sure everyone who has watched the show even once or twice, to those who are avid fans of it.
We'll start from least favorite to best character/actor.
Matt Le Blanc/Joey Tribbiani:
Although some might say, because of his boyish good looks, his cute jokes that he delivers now and then (very well, mind you), and his ability to make you feel sweet and sorry for him at the same time, he is a great actor, and plays his part as Joey Tribbiani really well, he's probably my least favorite on the show. I love him, don't get me wrong, but I just appreciate everyone else's talents on the show much more.
Jennifer Aniston/Rachel Green:
Rachel Green is a fun-loving, cute little waitress, who seems to always have trouble finding Mr. Right, who is plainly right in front of her 24/7. Who is that, you ask? Well, obviously Ross Gellar. Her roommate Monica's brother. Rachel is undoubtedly most everyone's favorite character who watches this show, just not mine. Sometimes her personality can get a little annoying, and although I like her better than Joey, not very much more. But, that doesn't go without saying that I don't love her in movies. Because, well, I do.
Courtney Cox/Monica Gellar:
It's hard to put Monica Gellar so far down the list, but if I have to make room for the other three, than so be it. As much as I love her on this show, she's just not as good as she is in the 'Scream' trilogy. But, she certainly does a good job convincing you that she hates to be wrong, has to have everything her way, and is a real trooper with most all of her challenges on the show, that the writers give her.
Lisa Kudrow/Pheobe Buffey:
Now, I love Lisa Kudrow. She is definitely one of the funniest woman comedians, which is why I classify her as my favorite female on the show. She outdid herself in 'Romy And Michele's High School Reunion', but she's extraordinary on this show. She's so ingenious with her comedy which is no doubt why she's won several awards for her role on the program.
David Schwimmer/Ross Gellar:
It's so funny to me that I like him so much. He's not the best actor in my opinion, but he was really good in Kissing A Fool, and really just ok in The Pallbearer, but my second favorite on the show. He's so funny and he cracks me up with all of his facial expressions and the excellent way he delivers his lines. He is definitely my second favorite character and actor on the show.
Matthew Perry/Chandler Bing:
They should have a shrine dedicated to this man. He is so outstandingly funny in every single project that he works on! He is so hysterical and a true actor in everything that he does, it is amazing that someone can be so talented. I wish that he were given more roles than just the few comedies he's been in, including Friends. But, he is such a great character on the show, it's hard to picture the program without him. With that being said, I would also like to add that he is not only the best actor on the show, and one of my personal favorites, but I also believe that he would be such a great dramatic actor if given the chance. If you've seen him in 'She's Out Of Control' you'll know what I'm talking about.
So, with that I give this show a definite 10/10. It's one of the best shows to come out within the last ten years, and definitely on my top five best shows of all time list.
And that's my review.
Everyone on this show is so witty and delivers their lines superbly that it's hard not to like all of them equally. However, I do have my favorite characters/actors/actresses, as I'm sure everyone who has watched the show even once or twice, to those who are avid fans of it.
We'll start from least favorite to best character/actor.
Matt Le Blanc/Joey Tribbiani:
Although some might say, because of his boyish good looks, his cute jokes that he delivers now and then (very well, mind you), and his ability to make you feel sweet and sorry for him at the same time, he is a great actor, and plays his part as Joey Tribbiani really well, he's probably my least favorite on the show. I love him, don't get me wrong, but I just appreciate everyone else's talents on the show much more.
Jennifer Aniston/Rachel Green:
Rachel Green is a fun-loving, cute little waitress, who seems to always have trouble finding Mr. Right, who is plainly right in front of her 24/7. Who is that, you ask? Well, obviously Ross Gellar. Her roommate Monica's brother. Rachel is undoubtedly most everyone's favorite character who watches this show, just not mine. Sometimes her personality can get a little annoying, and although I like her better than Joey, not very much more. But, that doesn't go without saying that I don't love her in movies. Because, well, I do.
Courtney Cox/Monica Gellar:
It's hard to put Monica Gellar so far down the list, but if I have to make room for the other three, than so be it. As much as I love her on this show, she's just not as good as she is in the 'Scream' trilogy. But, she certainly does a good job convincing you that she hates to be wrong, has to have everything her way, and is a real trooper with most all of her challenges on the show, that the writers give her.
Lisa Kudrow/Pheobe Buffey:
Now, I love Lisa Kudrow. She is definitely one of the funniest woman comedians, which is why I classify her as my favorite female on the show. She outdid herself in 'Romy And Michele's High School Reunion', but she's extraordinary on this show. She's so ingenious with her comedy which is no doubt why she's won several awards for her role on the program.
David Schwimmer/Ross Gellar:
It's so funny to me that I like him so much. He's not the best actor in my opinion, but he was really good in Kissing A Fool, and really just ok in The Pallbearer, but my second favorite on the show. He's so funny and he cracks me up with all of his facial expressions and the excellent way he delivers his lines. He is definitely my second favorite character and actor on the show.
Matthew Perry/Chandler Bing:
They should have a shrine dedicated to this man. He is so outstandingly funny in every single project that he works on! He is so hysterical and a true actor in everything that he does, it is amazing that someone can be so talented. I wish that he were given more roles than just the few comedies he's been in, including Friends. But, he is such a great character on the show, it's hard to picture the program without him. With that being said, I would also like to add that he is not only the best actor on the show, and one of my personal favorites, but I also believe that he would be such a great dramatic actor if given the chance. If you've seen him in 'She's Out Of Control' you'll know what I'm talking about.
So, with that I give this show a definite 10/10. It's one of the best shows to come out within the last ten years, and definitely on my top five best shows of all time list.
And that's my review.
The One that started it all!!!!!!!!
RahulM00725 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I started watching Friends this year and found it hilarious and amazingly written. The writing of the show is flawless. It truly is the funniest comedy I have ever seen. Each character is unique in its own way. The levity in the show is not what you would expect.
Joey is the funniest character and his quirks and funny one liners never get old. He taught me to always have a humorous mind set in life and to not worry about what other people think if I do not understand something. Joey is in many ways the womanizer of the group and does not care too much what other people think and perceive of him. It is strange seeing him on the Joey show without Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe. He was a much better and funnier character on Friends. To be candid, I am not surprised that the Joey show got cancelled after two seasons.
Ross is a character who got funnier over the course of the series. Introduced as a guy who got divorced by his lesbian wife, Ross built up quite a reputation. His relationship with Rachel had its ups and downs, but I always knew they were meant to be together. The writers and producers even teased their relationship in the series premiere. Ross's funniest line of the entire series is undoubtedly "We were on a break".
Chandler is a character who changed and evolved the most. He was introduced as a guy who made sarcastic jokes about literally everything and never wanted to settle down with someone. He underwent a massive change in his life in the sixth season of the show. Season 6 was a major status quo shift for him.
Rachel is a character who was introduced as this spoiled rich girl and slowly became successful and independent. She taught me that it is never too late to grow up and to never give up.
Phoebe taught me to seize the day and savor every moment of life. Introduced as a person who never wanted to settle down with someone, that changed dramatically when she met Mike.
Monica is a character who developed as a character and really found herself in season 5 when she started dating Chandler. I never expected Chandler and Monica to end up together. The phrase "opposites attract" is particularly true for them. Monica taught me to have an open mind and be bold.
In a nutshell, Friends has something for everyone. It sheds a light on a variety of issues that are topical today. It is the funniest comedy I have ever seen. It is better than Two and a half men and The Big Bang Theory combined. Every episode is hilarious and makes you happy. For me, it does not decrease in quality nor are there terrible episodes. To be candid, no show can surpass Friends for its hilarity.
Joey is the funniest character and his quirks and funny one liners never get old. He taught me to always have a humorous mind set in life and to not worry about what other people think if I do not understand something. Joey is in many ways the womanizer of the group and does not care too much what other people think and perceive of him. It is strange seeing him on the Joey show without Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe. He was a much better and funnier character on Friends. To be candid, I am not surprised that the Joey show got cancelled after two seasons.
Ross is a character who got funnier over the course of the series. Introduced as a guy who got divorced by his lesbian wife, Ross built up quite a reputation. His relationship with Rachel had its ups and downs, but I always knew they were meant to be together. The writers and producers even teased their relationship in the series premiere. Ross's funniest line of the entire series is undoubtedly "We were on a break".
Chandler is a character who changed and evolved the most. He was introduced as a guy who made sarcastic jokes about literally everything and never wanted to settle down with someone. He underwent a massive change in his life in the sixth season of the show. Season 6 was a major status quo shift for him.
Rachel is a character who was introduced as this spoiled rich girl and slowly became successful and independent. She taught me that it is never too late to grow up and to never give up.
Phoebe taught me to seize the day and savor every moment of life. Introduced as a person who never wanted to settle down with someone, that changed dramatically when she met Mike.
Monica is a character who developed as a character and really found herself in season 5 when she started dating Chandler. I never expected Chandler and Monica to end up together. The phrase "opposites attract" is particularly true for them. Monica taught me to have an open mind and be bold.
In a nutshell, Friends has something for everyone. It sheds a light on a variety of issues that are topical today. It is the funniest comedy I have ever seen. It is better than Two and a half men and The Big Bang Theory combined. Every episode is hilarious and makes you happy. For me, it does not decrease in quality nor are there terrible episodes. To be candid, no show can surpass Friends for its hilarity.
Goodnight Chandler Bing
dee-regan29 October 2023
I must've have rewatched these 10 series dozens of times since it first aired.
After hearing the devastating news this morning that Matthew Perry had passed away, I'm watching it with a new pair of slightly sadder eyes.
'Friends' got me through a sad and difficult childhood. Sitting down to watch the new episodes at 9pm every Friday on channel 4, was one of the only things I can remember my family did together with no arguments.
First watched as a 12 year old, not getting most of the jokes, but laughing (mostly at Chandler!) all the way through each episode ....and now watching as a 40 year old, understanding far too well all the troubles of love and work, and life and friendship.
What a brilliant show.
After hearing the devastating news this morning that Matthew Perry had passed away, I'm watching it with a new pair of slightly sadder eyes.
'Friends' got me through a sad and difficult childhood. Sitting down to watch the new episodes at 9pm every Friday on channel 4, was one of the only things I can remember my family did together with no arguments.
First watched as a 12 year old, not getting most of the jokes, but laughing (mostly at Chandler!) all the way through each episode ....and now watching as a 40 year old, understanding far too well all the troubles of love and work, and life and friendship.
What a brilliant show.
My Friends on T.V.
midz12 August 1998
There never has been a sitcom that truly pictures life among the singles (twenty-something) as good as this show does. It's not just comedy, it presents the episodes in such a way that one can truly identify with the situations they face so the audience has something to talk about in coffee shops too. The humor is universal. I feel like I'm part of the group every time I watch it because I feel the different emotions they go through. Plus, of course, it is so much fun because it's fast-paced. Every scene and every moment is relative to what is going to happen next so you don't feel like it is dragging you onto nothing. Just like how a sitcom should be. Funny!
The Best Show Ever
Fabrizio0320 February 2005
Everyone says that Seinfield is the greatest show ever. I love Seinfield but it doesn't come close to Friends. Every episode of Friends will make you laugh non-stop. We have grown to love the characters and what happens to them. The fitting personalities of these characters are absolute genius. Rachel the spoiled yet sweet girl, Monica the mother figure, Phoebe the hippy chick, Joey the dopey yet cool Italian, Chandler the sarcastic loser and Ross the neurotic victim stay together to help each other with their problems in the big city. I've got every season on DVD. This sitcom, in my opinion, is the greatest sitcom of all time and it changed the TV world forever. It's a great show.
They'll be there for you!!!
yaxleycratler6 August 2018
Friends is without a doubt the best American TV show ever to air. It has sad and hilarious storylines and makes you feel the sadness and jot out of any situation. The actors do fantastic and you really feel like you know a part of them by the end of the show. This will be a show I will never forget as I make constant references to the episodes. I wish the show could come back on air because I miss them so much, but I'm glad it got all the fame it did because it deserved it.
A timeless and endless classic
manojmagecha25 March 2020
I cannot remember the amount of times I've sat down and thought "I want to watch a new series on Netflix and start a new film!" And after 5 minutes of watching something new I thought, why bother?!? And switch over to watching friends 😂 easy to watch, great comedy and full of content that's completely original. The more I watch it the more I learn about the characters I grew up with, and how I would respond to certain situations, with or without the overhead laughter in the background. I don't know a single person that hasn't seen this, so if your one of them reading my review, do yourself a favour and grab a glass of wine, or whatever, and prepare for back to back television greatness.
Thank you "Friends"
MAKES ME FEEL HAPPY AND CALM
alizafatyma27 September 2022
Okay, so i watched friends 3 4 years ago and now it has become a daily part of my life. Im engineering student so i often come home exhausted from uni and watch friends with my sister all day to relax . I love the show the characters make me laugh and i forget my worries. A lot of people have complaints about the show saying it doesnt having enough POC characters and being unfunny? As POC i literally have no problem with the show's lack of POC characters honestly, i mean it doesnt bother me that much and i agree Seinfeld has better jokes than friends but it doesnt mean that friends isnt funny, its different and simple and flawed and that what makes the show so good to watch. A lot of people watch friends to learn english too so its fun. Not everything has to be "woke" and a masterpiece for people to enjoy and cherish and please do not forget the show came out in 90s and back then creators didnt focus that much about different agendas.
G.R.E.A.T.
ramtrishan12 September 2019
Just finished watching whole series on Netflix
embless13 August 2018
I am such a fan of the Friends tv show. The characters are well developed independently and together they play off each other well. Some moments are cheesy while others are funny, while the rest is just very well acted and dialogued by the cast.
At least give the first season episodes a go, if you still don't like it, don't watch it. But for those who enjoy a well developed multi character show..... Friends is sure to make you laugh and want to get to know each character more.
Its a television show.... there are bound to be goofs or inconsistencies, no television show has ever ever in the history of tv been 200% perfect.
I plan on buying the whole series on Blue-Ray soon to add to my dvds.
Watched in 2020 for the first time!
imdb_girl9029 March 2020
I turned 30 this year and I watched this series for the first time! Yah that's true.
I started watching from mid Jan 2020 and completed today the 29th March 2020. All I can say to the cast and team of F.R.I.E.N.D.S is THANK YOU!
Thank you for making this gem. Thank you for giving me 6 new amazing friends. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful family for life.
Thank you for showing that being a single mom, being a mom via adoption, being a surrogate mom is all wonderful and normal. Thank you for making me understand that I must do what I love and love what I do. Thank you for making me understand that with all the traits of mine, if I'm also kind and beautiful from the inside, then am wonderful, am loved, am accepted, AM ENOUGH.
Am sad that the series is over and I now understand why so many people are asking for a reunion. Well! Here's another person added to that list.
Team! Thank you once again. You all are loved. FOREVER!
I started watching from mid Jan 2020 and completed today the 29th March 2020. All I can say to the cast and team of F.R.I.E.N.D.S is THANK YOU!
Thank you for making this gem. Thank you for giving me 6 new amazing friends. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful family for life.
Thank you for showing that being a single mom, being a mom via adoption, being a surrogate mom is all wonderful and normal. Thank you for making me understand that I must do what I love and love what I do. Thank you for making me understand that with all the traits of mine, if I'm also kind and beautiful from the inside, then am wonderful, am loved, am accepted, AM ENOUGH.
Am sad that the series is over and I now understand why so many people are asking for a reunion. Well! Here's another person added to that list.
Team! Thank you once again. You all are loved. FOREVER!
One of the better American sit-coms
TheLittleSongbird24 May 2010
I have nothing against sit-coms in general, as long as they are funny. In America, there is Frasier and Will & Grace, in Britain, there is Only Fools and Horses and Last of the Summer Wine, they are great sit-coms. There was a time when I didn't like Friends very much, then again it was also at a time when I wasn't into sit-coms. My brother and sister, who absolutely adore the show suggested I should try the show again, so I did. Well, my initial reaction of the show was wrong, this show is great, it is funny and smart with appealing characters. It is by far one of the better American sit-coms and I do think it is better than Everybody Loves Raymond.
First and foremost, I love the theme song. It may get on some people's nerves, but I find it irresistibly catchy, memorable and fun, with a simple melody and nice lyrics that are relevant.
I also love how funny and smart Friends is. Some of the episode titles alone are hilarious and clever. That reminds me when I see and review When Harry Met Sally, maybe the title of the review should be "The One With the Scene in the Diner". Along with this the writing is consistently funny, with some wit and intelligence and very rarely becomes clichéd and cringe worthy. I even like the plot lines, I don't find them boring, predictable perhaps occasionally but the funny situations that the characters get into make them absorbing and worthwhile.
The direction is also really solid, and the photography and scenery are striking.
I love the characters, they are unique and engaging, even with their flaws they manage to be likable. Rachel does have moments when she is spoilt, but she is also the epitome of sweetness. I know there are people who have problems with Jennifer Aniston, the thing is I don't and I find her at her prettiest and most appealing here. Monica is another strong character, not the funniest by all means, but because she is almost like a maternal figure to the other characters with her caring and sympathetic attitude. I loved how Courtney Cox portrayed her. Phoebe is my favourite female character, she is hilarious; I especially love her songs, they are the sort of songs that are so bad they are great. Lisa Kudrow couldn't have been the more perfect choice for her, she pulls off Phoebe's personality to perfection.
Joey is stupid admittedly, but I love him anyway because he is also cool. I am not a huge fan of Matt LeBlanc, but he is really good as Joey. Matthew Perry is great as Chandler, who is like a clownish and sarcastic sort of character, who makes jokes that are almost as bad as Phoebe's songs, but he is still a likable character in his own right. Ross is deliciously neurotic, I constantly love his priceless facial expressions and David Schwimmer's delivery is absolutely perfect.
There have also been some wonderful guest stars, Elliot Gould as Jack Geller, Gary Oldman(who I really like in films like Dracula and Immortal Beloved) as Richard Crosby, Michael McKean and Danny DeVito as a stripper who arrives at a party in a policeman's outfit, all but to name a few. Overall, I love this show, not only for the writing but for the characters. 10/10 Bethany Cox
First and foremost, I love the theme song. It may get on some people's nerves, but I find it irresistibly catchy, memorable and fun, with a simple melody and nice lyrics that are relevant.
I also love how funny and smart Friends is. Some of the episode titles alone are hilarious and clever. That reminds me when I see and review When Harry Met Sally, maybe the title of the review should be "The One With the Scene in the Diner". Along with this the writing is consistently funny, with some wit and intelligence and very rarely becomes clichéd and cringe worthy. I even like the plot lines, I don't find them boring, predictable perhaps occasionally but the funny situations that the characters get into make them absorbing and worthwhile.
The direction is also really solid, and the photography and scenery are striking.
I love the characters, they are unique and engaging, even with their flaws they manage to be likable. Rachel does have moments when she is spoilt, but she is also the epitome of sweetness. I know there are people who have problems with Jennifer Aniston, the thing is I don't and I find her at her prettiest and most appealing here. Monica is another strong character, not the funniest by all means, but because she is almost like a maternal figure to the other characters with her caring and sympathetic attitude. I loved how Courtney Cox portrayed her. Phoebe is my favourite female character, she is hilarious; I especially love her songs, they are the sort of songs that are so bad they are great. Lisa Kudrow couldn't have been the more perfect choice for her, she pulls off Phoebe's personality to perfection.
Joey is stupid admittedly, but I love him anyway because he is also cool. I am not a huge fan of Matt LeBlanc, but he is really good as Joey. Matthew Perry is great as Chandler, who is like a clownish and sarcastic sort of character, who makes jokes that are almost as bad as Phoebe's songs, but he is still a likable character in his own right. Ross is deliciously neurotic, I constantly love his priceless facial expressions and David Schwimmer's delivery is absolutely perfect.
There have also been some wonderful guest stars, Elliot Gould as Jack Geller, Gary Oldman(who I really like in films like Dracula and Immortal Beloved) as Richard Crosby, Michael McKean and Danny DeVito as a stripper who arrives at a party in a policeman's outfit, all but to name a few. Overall, I love this show, not only for the writing but for the characters. 10/10 Bethany Cox
A really helpful during my hard times
sinhaabhinav-0049818 March 2020
This is the first time I'm writing my views about any movie/series and it does feels to me that this one surely deserves my words as it really helped me during my hard times which I was having lately
I never had expected that nothing but a series of which I had no idea about would me some very good memories
I loved this one a lot
Rachel Monica Phoebe Ross Chandler and my favorite Joey I love them all
I have no long long words or some monologues to describe their impact on me and many others like me
and by the way I completed this one in almost 14 days between (4March - 18 March)
Oops!! Addiction I hear it!!!
Clap clap clap clap clap
bevo-136785 June 2020
Can this show be any better?!
salokurdovanidze12 November 2020
Probably the last and the longest of the great network sitcoms
AlsExGal2 October 2010
Suffice it to say that Friends is a classic comic treatment of what I have always called the "post-college adolescent phase" of life, which is roughly the ten years immediately following college graduation as you strike out on your own and try to find your place in life. It is the time in life when you are likely to have the best health, the most freedom, the most disposable income if not necessarily the most total income, and the most fun if you are fortunate enough to have people to share it all with. This phase ends when you "settle down" both career-wise and family-wise, and I always found Friends to track this time in life quite accurately and with both drama and great humor.
It follows the life of six young people living in New York City from 1994 to 2004, so even now a few of the cultural references will be stale, but the relationship truths never will be. Ross is the nerdy guy who grew up to be a little uncomfortable in his skin but still very good looking. Ross' sister Monica is an aspiring chef who is now thin but was obese up until the middle of high school. Rachel has been Monica's friend since high school and is adjusting to life without daddy's credit card when the series begins, and is looking for a career in fashion. Chandler, Ross' friend since college, is successful in his budding career in business. Rounding out the group is Joey, not the brightest bulb in the room, who wants to be an actor and as a result works a series of odd jobs and stars in a series of odder commercials and the occasional appearance on a TV show. Finally there is Phoebe. Her history with the group doesn't go much past the beginning of the series as she's had a rather Bohemian upbringing that has led to a Bohemian adulthood. Complicating factor as the series begins - Ross' wife has just declared she is gay and left him for another woman, Ross now and always has had a crush on Rachel who doesn't know he's alive, and Ross' wife discovers she is pregnant by Ross shortly after the separation.
One of the best shows on TV with the most heart and the most laughs. Highly recommended.
It follows the life of six young people living in New York City from 1994 to 2004, so even now a few of the cultural references will be stale, but the relationship truths never will be. Ross is the nerdy guy who grew up to be a little uncomfortable in his skin but still very good looking. Ross' sister Monica is an aspiring chef who is now thin but was obese up until the middle of high school. Rachel has been Monica's friend since high school and is adjusting to life without daddy's credit card when the series begins, and is looking for a career in fashion. Chandler, Ross' friend since college, is successful in his budding career in business. Rounding out the group is Joey, not the brightest bulb in the room, who wants to be an actor and as a result works a series of odd jobs and stars in a series of odder commercials and the occasional appearance on a TV show. Finally there is Phoebe. Her history with the group doesn't go much past the beginning of the series as she's had a rather Bohemian upbringing that has led to a Bohemian adulthood. Complicating factor as the series begins - Ross' wife has just declared she is gay and left him for another woman, Ross now and always has had a crush on Rachel who doesn't know he's alive, and Ross' wife discovers she is pregnant by Ross shortly after the separation.
One of the best shows on TV with the most heart and the most laughs. Highly recommended.
no other show comes close
renaldo and clara6 October 2000
Warning: Spoilers
I try........not too hard, but I try.........to watch other sitcoms and actually try to "hee-hee" and understand the humor, but I can't! Will & Grace, and their annoying "who's your daddy cr@p", Two-Men-And Whatever-And-A-Pizza-Place, ohmigod... give me a friggin' break!
It's not just that there is so much chemistry between the "Friends" cast that the TV could explode, though this is true. Actually, maybe that's the main reason it is as good as it is. What I mean: Although it is a show full of inside jokes that you understand a lot better if you've seen every episode before the one you're watching, it isn't *essential* to have seen any episodes before to start liking it and being hooked instantly. That's how it happened to me.
I didn't start watching until season 4!! But once I did, I thought Rachel Green, Jen Aniston's char, was the coolest, and the cutest character. Now, it's more generic. I especially adore Joey and Chandler of course, and I also like the other three. Each character, except unfortunately for Monica, has grown positively in their own way.
On a sidenote, I really do hope that the "anchor" quality Monica's character used to have can come back a bit in season 7. Especially as Chandler's fiance/ now, it would be a terrible thing to waste her character on just simple humor they exposed her character to in the last few seasons.
Being a Friends fanatic, allthesame, I wouldn't want this awesome show (especially) to have even the *slightest* chance of wearing out its welcome. As it is, the cast agreed to sign for 2 more seasons(this one and an 8th), and I really hope it can keep up the quality it's always had in these to come. Although I adore Friends, I don't see any reason why they would want to tire a sitcom after these seasons are over. Especially since all 6 are extremely talented actors in their own right.
-----***WATCH FRIENDS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT, ONLY ON -- NBC -- !!!**----------
Could I *be* any more emphatic? =)
It's not just that there is so much chemistry between the "Friends" cast that the TV could explode, though this is true. Actually, maybe that's the main reason it is as good as it is. What I mean: Although it is a show full of inside jokes that you understand a lot better if you've seen every episode before the one you're watching, it isn't *essential* to have seen any episodes before to start liking it and being hooked instantly. That's how it happened to me.
I didn't start watching until season 4!! But once I did, I thought Rachel Green, Jen Aniston's char, was the coolest, and the cutest character. Now, it's more generic. I especially adore Joey and Chandler of course, and I also like the other three. Each character, except unfortunately for Monica, has grown positively in their own way.
On a sidenote, I really do hope that the "anchor" quality Monica's character used to have can come back a bit in season 7. Especially as Chandler's fiance/ now, it would be a terrible thing to waste her character on just simple humor they exposed her character to in the last few seasons.
Being a Friends fanatic, allthesame, I wouldn't want this awesome show (especially) to have even the *slightest* chance of wearing out its welcome. As it is, the cast agreed to sign for 2 more seasons(this one and an 8th), and I really hope it can keep up the quality it's always had in these to come. Although I adore Friends, I don't see any reason why they would want to tire a sitcom after these seasons are over. Especially since all 6 are extremely talented actors in their own right.
-----***WATCH FRIENDS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT, ONLY ON -- NBC -- !!!**----------
Could I *be* any more emphatic? =)
Ultimatus!
saivenkat0216 August 2022
I started watching this show for the first time in 2020, which is 16 years after the final season aired on TV! Never could buy into shows that used laughter tracks (found it repulsive) but somehow the hype for this show always kept growing louder and louder around me, and after 5-6 failed attempts, I tried one more time... And VOILA! Season 1 took time to get into, but once past it, Seasons 2-6 were just freakingly amazing!! The best seasons of the show! By the end of S6, you develop deep attachments towards the cast and the remaining seasons, though not as great, still have a lot of good stuff. The acting in this show is truly exceptional and the comedy is priceless! And its also beautifully complimented with family drama to keep it well rounded! Will always be a fan favorite! I've finished possibly 4-5 reruns of this by now.
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