So no one told you… it’s been two decades since the finale of “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” aired. So, it’s about time to let the rose-tinted glasses for the TV show go. One can not deny that “Friends” has accompanied many millennials and early Genz in their journey to adulthood.
It has provided them a dream of a New York City, local community, and dating life. However, as a fan of the show, I believe it’s time to consider that this era has passed and move on.
The Central Perk, while it feels like a second home, is an escape to days gone by. These nostalgic pieces of the past, especially the ones in sitcoms, appear a bit more sparkly than they were. So, in 2024, it is time to write the chapter where we finally let the “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” craze die down, and I’ll be there to tell you why.
1. Outdated Humour and Problematic Themes
“F.R.I.E.N.D.S” fashion might have returned with the Y2K and retro boom, but its humor doesn’t have a place in current times. The series frequently relies on body-shaming, particularly with Monica’s “Fat Monica” flashbacks, which don’t align with the self-love and body neutrality ideologies.
Additionally, the show includes instances of sexism, such as Joey’s remarks and behaviors. They might have been amusing in the ’90s, but now, they come across as icky at best and offensive at worst.
Not to mention the lack of diversity in the cast. Friends predominantly feature an all-white cast with minimal representation of other people. This is a stark contrast to the more inclusive and diverse casting seen in contemporary shows, some of which explore the same period of time from different perspectives.
2. Stagnant Character Development of F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Over ten seasons, “Friends” characters never change to a flaw. Sure, enjoying the same dynamics is comforting, but we do need a dose of change time and again. Try and watch a random episode from two different seasons of the show. There is hardly anything that can tell them apart.
Perhaps, the celebrity cameos would provide a sign that it is from the seasons when the creators no longer had anything to do with the main characters and required fresh faces to spice things up. Apart from that, the show is repetitive of things that worked in attracting mass audiences.
However, the basic point is that people change, and that is a key ingredient in making any character’s journey more engaging and realistic. Therefore, one can remember “Friends” as a nostalgic piece but surely not hold onto it decades later.
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3. Unrealistic Portrayal of Life
“Friends” paints a highly unrealistic picture of life in New York City, especially concerning the characters’ living situations. The gorgeously purple apartment that Monica and Rachel live in is far beyond what young adults working in entry-level jobs could afford in real-life Manhattan.
Additionally, the show often depicts a carefree lifestyle where professional ambitions take a backseat to personal relationships. While this makes for light-hearted comedy, the un-balanced work, personal growth, and friendships become the elephant in the room that one just can’t ignore.
After some rewatching, anyone would become curious to learn more about Phoebe’s mysterious lifestyle and those multiple storylines that were introduced only to have dropped as if they never happened.
4. Nostalgia of Friends TV show vs. Reality
The unwavering popularity of “Friends” is largely enhanced by nostalgia. For many, the show is a comforting reminder of better times. Its episodes and familiar music trigger personal memories of watching it during its original run or re-telecasts.
However, nostalgia can sometimes perch itself upon our noses clouding the judgement. It makes us overlook the show’s flaws and problematic aspects while hyping its pop-corn comedy as something special.
This makes it important to appreciate “Friends” for what it was—a successful show for its time. What it shouldn’t do is stop us from embracing new narratives that better reflect today’s world. One can always visit the past, but one mustn’t remain there longer than the moment.
5. Availability of Better Alternatives
There are numerous other sitcoms that have found renewed success in the era of streaming platforms, including “Seinfeld.” Some of them offer better storytelling, diverse casts, and contemporary humor.
Shows like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Good Place,” and “Schitt’s Creek” are new all-time fan favorites. Meanwhile, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Frasier,” and “Animal Control” are some of the recent top-rated shows.
While none of them can truly replace “Friends,” they can provide entertainment beyond the mass entertainer’s formulas. It’s time to acknowledge the show’s limitations and move on to content that offers a more inclusive and relatable portrayal of life and relationships.
We have and can always celebrate the legacy of “Friends” without letting it hoard space belonging to the next generation of shows. Afterall, nostalgia is only created by living in the moment.
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