Rough Draft Jess Martinez

11/3/05

Friends, a Timeless Sitcom

Entertainment is one of the leading industries in the world. Movies, magazines, and television surround society. One segment in particular, television, is especially prevalent, for 98.2% of households contain at least one of these ingenious inventions (Audience Penetration). There are numerous types of programs available for audiences of all ages. For example, sitcoms carry a large role in the business, and many religiously watch, depending on the quality of the show. A good sitcom aesthetically comprises of a strong cast, comedy, relatable situations, as well as practical and moral aspects. A suitable example of such a sitcom is the hit-series, Friends.

Six strong actors/actresses were perfectly chosen to star in the show. As many can see, without a good cast, there is nothing. Each cast member carries distinct and unique qualities. For example, Lisa Kudrow stars as Phoebe Buffay, the out of this world, musician, who is known for her random, hilarious comments. Courtney Cox Arquette plays Monica Gellar, the obsessive compulsive, neat freak who was extremely fat during childhood. Rachel Green is portrayed by the gorgeous, Jennifer Aniston who leaves her father’s care by moving in with her best friend from high school, Monica. She adores her fashion, but learns to live on her own two feet. The men of the show are just as priceless. Ross Gellar, played by David Schwimmer, Monica’s dorky older brother, is a dedicated paleontologist who is known for his wife leaving him for another woman, and his many divorces. Matthew Parry undergoes the role as the sarcastic Chandler Bing who is all about dry humor and taking care of Joey, his best friend who is the last, but by all means, not least Friend. The handsome Matt Leblanc portrays Joey Tribianni, the struggling

actor who loves his sandwiches and also known for his random one-liners. In a miraculous way, although all so different, each carry a piece of the puzzle that fits together. The chemistry is envious, and it is evident that all six members love one another on and off the stage.

Comedy is an essential characteristic of a good sitcom, in which Friends certainly captures. Each character is funny in their own way. Phoebe’s appalling musical abilities result in comedy. For example, the lyrics “smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you? Smelly cat, smelly cat, it’s not your fault” are the most well-known, random lyrics, that viewers adore. Also, Joey is constantly a riot in that things are always over his head, and he never knows what is happening. Ross spasms out, in most episodes and as many can remember, he was the holiday armadillo in order to teach his son, Ben, that Jewish people have Santa’s as well, as armadillos. During Ross and Rachel’s drunken wedding in Las Vegas, they drew faces on each other with black permanent marker, and were meowing and making noises at different statues in the hotel. Clearly, the sitcom has many elements which make it a good comedy.

Another component of a worthy sitcom is there being relatable situations involved in the episodes. Sometimes, it is reassuring to see people with similar problems and situations on television that one may experience in reality. For instance, Chandler’s parents are divorced. 50% of marriages end in divorce, so many can relate to Chandler (US Divorce Rates). To make matters worse, his mother writes cheesy romance novels, and his father is a transvestite. Love, is frequently incorporated on the show. Ross and Rachel are one of the most famous television couples in history. They have been on and

off since season 1. What does being on a break even mean anyway? Many are able relate to their relationship, and the problems they suffered together. In the last season, Monica and Chandler wanted a baby more than anything, but could not conceive. The determination, and desire for a child was heart wrenching. There are six million infertile couples in the US (The Infertility Center). People watch shows that relate to their lives, and watching Monica and Chandler gave them hope. In the end, they were blessed with twins. Watching Friends, allows the viewer to laugh, to cry, and to connect with the characters.

Friends has been nominated and won, many prestigious awards since its debut season in 1994. In the very first season, the sitcom won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite New Comedy Series. The show has received thirty-three Emmy nominations, as well as three Golden Globe nominations. A Screen Actors Guild Award was won by the cast. Once again, the crew won two more times as Favorite Comedy by People’s Choice (Friends Complete Second Season).

Friends, affiliated with NBC, has donated to several charities and foundations. Most recently, NBC, sponsored, “A Concert for Hurricane Relief”. The sitcom belongs to a very honorable and moral company. Also, NBC held a telethon to raise money for the unfortunate victims of the Asian tsunami disaster (Celebs Should Donate).

On an opposing end, some may find the content of the sitcom inappropriate or immoral. In many cases, Christians disagree with some of the adult situations. However, it is on at night, and the TV rating classifies it as TV-14 to TV-MA, depending on the content of the episode. This is a forewarning to the audience, how risqué the material is.

There are several other shows such as: Jerry Springer, South Park, or even Howard Stern that people should be more concerned with, if at all.

In conclusion, Friends is the definition of a good sitcom. It contains a strong, and well portrayed cast. Each character is unique and memorable by their attributes, actions, and words. The characters contribute a piece to the perfectly fit puzzle. Secondly, audiences love to be entertained and amused. Friends is composed of hilarity. Not only are the situations and dialogue comical, but the roles each person plays are very humorous. In addition, there are many situations throughout the seasons, that the viewers can relate to, whether it be family life, divorce, love, or even children. Also, when sympathy or emotion is felt, the viewer can share or release feelings because of the show. In a practical sense, Friends should be very proud of the many well-known awards they have been nominated for and received, for it is quite an accomplishment. Finally, Friends airs on NBC, who has donated to many charities and disaster funds such as tsunamis, and most recently, Hurricane Katrina. All in all, it is a wonderful sitcom, and the reruns continue to air because the fans love the show.