We all know them, we all love them, we all secretly see ourselves in each of them —the characters of "Friends" created something amazing about 21-ish years ago. Right when I was popping out of that cozy room in my mom's tummy, the first episode aired. I would give you the "air" date, but I am going to pull a Joey and pretend I don't know what you're talking. The show takes place in New York City, "the city that never sleeps," so one can already tell it will be full of adventure and excitement. A variety of unknown (at the time) actors made up the cast to a show that would be around for years and years to come, played over and over again by fans of all ages, and its seasons re watched multiple times.
"On May 6, 2004, more than 50 million viewers reportedly tuned in to the final episode of Friends, making it one of the most-watched TV finales in history," according to History.com. If that is not amazing, then I don't know what is. This show got us to care about these characters like they really were our friends that we knew personally.
But why? Why is this a show that never goes out of style? Why do we all quote each character on a daily basis? Why do we continue to rewatch episodes we have seen the day before on TV, because it plays on every big television network?
You know a show is going to be good when the intro and theme song already rock before the show even starts. "Friends" opens up with all the characters in a video montage, just being themselves with each other. I love it. Also, the lyrics to the theme song really just make sense.
(The REMBRANDTS, "I'll be there for you")
Theme song:
So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, but
I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)
I have done some research and by research, I mean watching all 10 seasons again within the span of a week. People are so drawn to the show for four (I'm condensing) simple reasons.
This is the most simple yet meaningful reason of why we still all know and love this show:
1. It is freaking hilarious.
The characters each contribute a different sense of humor to the show, some of the dry variety, and some more blatantly hilarious. I have a very sarcastic and dry sense of humor, so I can bank on Chandler's sense of humor to make me cry laughing.
2. It is relatable and understandable to its audience.
Yes, I know some of the situations in the show may not be super realistic, but this show follows the lives of people who may not always like their job, who may get their heartbroken, and who maybe even have a crazy family member. "Friends" does a great job of poking fun at real-life situations and that can be comforting to viewers, too.
3. It is genuine and real.
Each character creates an aura of genuine emotion and feeling, no matter what the situation. When a loved one dies and the cast gets serious, you feel that pain. For example, Ross gets dumped for the third time in marriage, and all his friends are by his side through it all. Each episode shows how the characters care about each other, and you can really feel that; plus, you may even feel that they would be there for you too!
4. This show is timeless.
This show can be played on a loop and still never get old—I mean, there are enough episodes. You can appreciate every episode for what it is: a lesson in love and relationships as it unfolds between friends, and the escape it provides from your own problems.
So no one told you that you would love this show so much, but we all do.
