Friends first aired in 1994 and continued for the next 10 years. The show is about a group of six friends living in Manhattan. Once you watch it, it becomes so much more than that. This show has been named one of the best television shows of all time and is adored generations of viewers. This show is incredible because of...
1. The theme song.
There is something about when you see all the characters dancing in a fountain and sitting on the couch from Central Perk, that makes us smile. After a couple times hearing it, you’ll start singing along. And we’ve all tried to perfect the clapping part, "...so no one told you life was gonna be this way..."
2. The main characters.
How can you not love this perfect mix of friends. Three guys, three girls. Each is unique and adds a little something to the story. Individually the friends are so drastically different and yet their chemistry brings them together to create a group unlike any other. They are lovable and funny in their own ways, and viewers can always find a way to relate to them. As you watch, you start to care and feel a part of their lives.
3. The additional characters.
The way the six main friends interact with other memorable characters make the show even more interesting. Characters like Gunther, Richard, Janice, Frank Jr., and Ugly Naked Guy all have an impact on the group of friends across the seasons. Many celebrities have cleverly made their appearances on this show to add to the stories. They have featured Brad Pitt, Fergie, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Selleck, Paul Rudd, George Clooney, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, John Stamos, Julia Roberts, and Bruce Willis, to just name a few. They also have pets that come and go during the show: Maurice, Ross’s monkey, Rachel’s cat, and you can’t forget about the chick and the duck. These additional characters make the show more complex and compelling.
4. The reality.
The show follows these six characters through their ups and downs. Throughout the 10 seasons, you see the characters grow and mature and make lives for themselves. They go through real struggles and deal with real problems. Ross gets divorced, once or twice... Rachel has to work hard to step out of a life of privilege into the real world. Chandler has to deal with his smoking addiction for a while. Monica has to battle with the feeling of constant disapproval from her mom. Joey has to deal with the difficulties of starting an acting career. Phoebe has to wrestle with commitment due to being abandoned by both her parents when she was a kid. They deal with heartbreak, death, and the struggle that comes with having children.
5. The humor.
While you see real life and many times, it is difficult or sad, the writers of the show are able to create incredible humor in how they deal with everything. The show was filmed in front of a live audience, so the writers were able to test out if their jokes would land with their viewers. After a while jokes that are told over and over again, usually get old, but not with this show.
6. The flashback episodes.
Every once in awhile, the writers throw in an episode that has throwbacks to the characters’ high school or college years. These are some of the best episodes because they give us a glance into how the characters have evolved into who they are now. We get to see Ross and Chandler wearing ridiculous outfits, Rachel’s funny hair and pre-surgery nose, and fat Monica of course.
7. The quotes.
This show is memorable and full of one-liners. The show teaches you a unique language full of quotes or sayings to use around other Friends-watchers. Phoebe’s Smelly Cat song, Janice’s “Oh my gawd,” “How you doin’?,” “We were on a break!,” “Pivot!”... the list goes on and on.
8. The friendship.
No question why this show is called Friends. The way the six friends support and stand by each other to support during heartbreak or to celebrate during their successes, is a testament to being a good friend. They spend holidays with each other. They meet each others' families. They take care of each others' children. They live life with one another by their side. While boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, and fiances come and go, they stay together.
9. The love.
The show progresses to where most of the characters find their match, but one couple stands out. Monica and Chandler’s relationship is a perfect example of what true love looks like. They began as friends, and ended up dating, then get engaged, married, and start a family together. They are nowhere near a cookie-cutter couple with no problems. They have to experience real fights and have to create resolutions. They accept each other in their differences. They show that love takes work, but when you find someone who is willing to put in that work with you, it will create a strong and beautiful relationship.
10. The timelessness.
My parents watch this show, I watch show, and I’m sure my kids will watch this show. No matter how many times you watch this show, it has a way of staying relevant and funny. It stays with you forever.
This show was created with real heart. It is able to touch you and make you laugh. From beginning to end, this show does not disappoint. The show teaches us some real life lessons. It shows the importance of being a friend, enjoying life even when it’s hard, and loving others with your whole heart. Watch it, re-watch it, and then watch it again.
