Everyone Can Relate to F*R*I*E*N*D*S

Friends ran for 10 seasons (from 1994-2004) and is considered one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. The show has fans all over the globe, and people never get tired of watching the reruns. The show is witty, funny, and overall entertaining. Many shows have those same qualities though, so what set this show so apart from the others? Why did it gain such a large, diverse fan base?
In my opinion, I think the reason so many different people got into the show is because the show did a really great job of representing various different identity groups. After reading Franco’s article, we saw how fans engaged with k.d. lang’s performance of masculinity and lesbianism. How the different people could relate to lang in different aspects of lang’s traits, which made it more appealing. When people find they can relate to a person or a character, it tends to draw them in. Friends allows for dozens of different types of people to relate in one way or another.

If you look just at the six main characters, they are so different from each other. Joey comes from a very large family background, whereas Chandler comes from a small family, and is an only child. Rachel grew up a privileged young girl, and Phoebe was pretty much the opposite, having to raise herself in the streets of New York. Then, of course, outside of the six main characters, there were so many different outside characters that came from all different group identities. For example, Ross’ ex-wife Carol was a lesbian, and she was raising their son with her lover, Susan. Visibility of homosexuality in the mid-90s wasn’t as common as it is today. Overall, the characters were developed very strongly, and in one way or another, most people find themselves relating to them.
In many ways, the show did have a cultural impact. Jennifer Aniston’s hairstyle was nicknamed “The Rachel”, and led to several people going for the same look. Joey’s catchphrase “How you doin’?” became a popular phrase in Western slang. The Central Perk coffeehouse even made an impact, as several coffeehouses worldwide were inspired by it’s image. Friends has one of the largest fanbases worldwide. It’s a classic show that will never really get old.