Would I be too far off if I said that everyone’s current mission is to find their next show to binge? We go to work, school, and walk the dog, but really, these mundane tasks are merely to keep us occupied as we search for the next binge-worthy show.
Well, stop your search! Even if you’ve seen it twice already, is that really enough? In no specific order, here are seven reasons why you should watch "Friends" (again), and why it remains the best show after nearly 20 years!
1. The concept
I once heard someone say quite perfectly that "Friends" shows us the type of friendship we all desire as we enter adulthood. One where a small (big) mistake or a bit (lot) of drama isn’t enough to break the bond you’ve created.
Writer/producer of "Friends," Marta Kauffman, described the show as “that time in your life when your friends are your family.”
2. It’s relatable
The beauty of this show is that there is no main character. Every person in the group has their own story and we get to be a part of each one. We follow them through their ups and downs, to work, home, and Central Perk, with each character’s story just as important as the next. This is a rarity to find in sitcoms and I think is what draws in such a diverse audience. We get to see six different lives play out, and odds are you can find yourself in at least one of them.
3. Humor
Can I even mention humor in an article on "Friends" without resorting back to the one and only Chandler Bing? There’s not one episode throughout the entire series where Chandler doesn’t crack a sarcastic comment. He’s the comic relief of the show and the one who can always put a smile on your face, even if it’s at his own expense… could he be any funnier?
All jokes aside (literally), the physical comedy in this show is beyond words. Oftentimes, I find this style of humor to be childish or even unnecessary. But the way the cast of "Friends" is able to execute this so naturally and subtly constantly has me belly laughing on the couch.
They also incorporate a lot of recurring jokes throughout the series. What I love about this concept is that it’s something we see in real life. We don’t simply move on to the next episode and forget what happened yesterday, we reference our past and laugh about the silly things we’ve done. One of my favorite moments this occurs is in Season 6 Episode 17, when Ross recalls his previous exotic roommate, “Hey, remember when I had a monkey? Yeah, what-what was I thinkin'?”
4. David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer, the actor who plays Ross Geller, a goofy, nerdy paleontologist, gets his own spot on my list of reasons why "Friends" is the best show. From creating hilarious facial expressions to unlocking his emotional side, Schwimmer seems to have studied and carried out nearly every detail to bring this character to life. He perfectly captures the depth of Ross in a way that everyone can appreciate and come to love (even if he wasn’t the best boyfriend).
5. Chandler and Monica
Perhaps one of the best romances to come from a sitcom. Chandler and Monica weren't intended to remain a couple throughout the show after filming their debut as a "thing" in front of a live audience. However, the crowd reaction to this turn of events was so great that the writers continued the relationship as far as the audience wanted it to go, and that ended up being a long, long way.
As viewers, we usually watch content that has already been created months ahead of time. But here, we are watching their relationship grow alongside the writers and actors. It was truly unpredictable, just as life is.
6. Chemistry
If you don’t know what good chemistry looks like on-screen, you need to watch "Friends." Though the actors never met before the show, there’s no doubt in my mind when I watch it that Monica and Rachel have known each other for years, Ross and Monica are siblings, and Joey and Chandler are best friends.
7. The Ending
If you want a guaranteed happy ending, "Friends" will not fail you. Though the perfect ending did not come without the experience of hardships, I can assure you that every step of the way was completely worth it. And bonus, you end the show with six more friends than you started with.
I hope these seven reasons will inspire you to begin a new journey with Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe.
P.S. They were definitely on a break.
