Why has ‘Friends’ stood the test of time?
This week marks the 25th anniversary of ‘Friends’ being aired in the UK, yet it remains a hit. As everyone finds themselves in lockdown one can only assume many will reach for the sitcom again, finding comfort in Chandler, Monica, Joey, Phoebe, Rachel, Ross on Netflix or through the seemingly endless repeats shown on TV. Few shows appear to have this timeless quality so what sets ‘Friends’ apart?
This has been speculated on for a while especially with those who perceive it as yet another 90’s sitcom. Some argue that we look to it now as a reminder of simpler time. As a result of dominating pop culture 20 years ago, ‘Friends’ has become the equivalent of that song that reminds you of school or the book you sob at from just hearing the title due to it’s connection with that particularly bad break-up. Its huge popularity from a time gone by keeps it in our collective conscience. But then the question becomes why is it popular with the young who never experienced it at the peak of its popularity?
I’ll admit that I have binged every episode on Netflix despite the fact I was not even born when ‘Friends’ first hit the silver screen. Further than that, I actively enjoyed watching it and would reach for it again to be entertained. Again, theories have spiralled that this demonstrates wish-fulfilment in the young. We have a certain longing for a time before the internet consumed life and you had to hang out with your friends to have contact with them.
However perhaps the truth is simpler. ‘Friends’ is enjoyable. The cast and premise of six friends hanging out remains solid as does the jokes for the most part - we don’t look at Ross stopping his son playing with dolls in quite the same way anymore for example. Maybe the truth behind such a success is simply it is a fun show and all other theories are just complicating the matter?
By Eleanor Kirkland, Esher College.
