Friends
By KEVIN THANT and MELIA THIBAULT
We often take comedy for granted. Friends is the perfect example of this. Nobody would go up to you and tell you that a sitcom is the epitome of comedy and screenwriting. They would tell you that it lacks the emotion and acting flair necessary to be considered one of the greatest TV shows ever. After 236 episodes of almost-perfect comedy, it is easy for us to say that Friends isn’t that special because it lacks impressive scenery and heart wrenching acting. But there is no better comfort show and “easy TV.”
It’s a simple premise, highlighting the dynamics of a group of Friends. It’s truly incredible what they’ve created using nothing but character dynamics. The plot is such that you can watch the first episode of the 27th and still not miss a beat. Friends relies on its character dynamics, which would be impossible without the chemistry of its cast. It’s an American sitcom at its best, disjointed at times and lacking plot and sensibility, but it makes us laugh.
One of the other virtues of Friends is its timelessness. Unlike shows from around the same time like Seinfeld, Friends is a truly timeless show. In shows like Seinfeld, which is also set in New York in the nineties, there are a lot of obscure references to New York at that time, and a lot of the plot surrounds those same things. Because of this, when you sit down to watch Seinfeld today, a lot of it doesn’t always make the most sense. However, with a show like Friends, While it is also set in New York in the nineties, it is not just about New York.
Instead, most of the plot at its core revolves around the friends themselves. And it is that idea, the idea of getting up to antics, going through love, loss, and life with a core group of best friends that makes this show so appealing. It is the fact that this show really leans into the universal experience of having friends that are there for you that makes it so appealing for so many people, even 20 years later.
The reliance on actors and not plot is what makes it a truly memorable show for people. Friends utilizes cast and actor chemistry to the highest degree. The hysterics and high-energy comedy seem natural and draws us in so far it’s impossible to be serious while watching this show.
While the show is full of loveable, hysterical, endearing characters, one really stands out. Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry is one of, if not the best character on the show. Chandler is a little bit of all of us when he acts sarcastic, when he shows fear of relationships, or when he cracks a joke when uncomfortable. Chandler’s relationship with Monica makes him all the more loveable. As their relationship develops, Chandler is seen growing and maturing along with it. From friends who seemingly aren’t close to everyone’s favorite TV couple. Another one of Chandler’s relationships that deserves a mention is his with Joey. Although Ross and Chandler have been friends longer than Joey and Chandler, there is no other relationship quite like the latter. Whether their roommates or living across the hall from each other, whether they’re happy or heartbroken, or whether they’re broke or rich, the relationship between Joey and Chandler conquers all. I think there is not a single person who wouldn’t want a die hard friend like Joey or Chandler.
Although on its face, Friends seems like just another sitcom, Friends is so much more than that. It highlights the experiences of young people trying to figure themselves and the world out, and holding on to each other through it all. There is something about this show in particular that makes you want to laugh, cry, and hug your friends at the same time, and that is what makes it so special. So if you haven’t watched it yet, go watch it, and if you have watched it, go watch it again.