Friends
Introduction
Friends is an American sitcom about a group of friends in the area of Manhattan, New York City. It was originally broadcast from 1994 to 2004 in a total of 236 episodes. It was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, and produced by Kevin S. Bright for Bright/Kaufman/Crane Productions, The Friends Corporation LLC, and Warner Bros. Television. The show has been broadcast in dozens of countries and still continues to attract good ratings for its episodes in syndication. The final episode of the show was watched by an estimated US audience of 51.1 million. During the show's 10 year run, it won 7 Emmys (including one for Outstanding Comedy Series), a Golden Globe, 2 SAG Awards, and 56 other various awards with 152 nominations.
Cultural impact
Friends has made a notable contribution to some areas of popular culture - in particular fashion. The series has been noted for its impact on everyday fashion and hairstyles. Aniston's hairstyle was nicknamed "The Rachel" and copied around the world. In the episode "Speechless" during the 6th season of Will and Grace, Will is cutting Jack's hair and comments that Jack had initially wanted The Rachel.
Joey Tribbiani's catchphrase "How you doin'?" has become a popular part of Western English slang, often used as a pick-up line or when greeting friends. The show also popularized the idea of the "laminated list", a list of celebrities that a person's partner will permit them to sleep with if they were to ever meet them. In "The One with Frank Jr." the characters exchange "lists" verbally, while Ross creates a physical list and laminates it, making his choices permanent. The concept of the laminated list has been adopted by the Hollywood Stock Exchange website.
The phrase "Ross and Rachel" has appeared as a joke in Scrubs: the janitor describes J.D.'s relationship with Elliot as "not exactly Ross and Rachel." Friends has been referenced again in the Scrubs episode, "My Cold Shower"; Carla describes J.D and Elliot's relationship as being, "On and off more than Ross and Rachel, from Friends." On the 100th episode of the television show One Tree Hill (Lucas' and Lindsay's wedding), Skills references Ross saying the wrong name at the altar when he was marrying Emily. In one episode of the British show Skins, a Russian girl learns English from Friends, and uses many of the catchphrases (such as "How you doin'" and "We were on a break") as a recurring joke. In The Nanny Margaret Sheffield protests by saying "but I'll never know if Ross and Rachel will be together again!" In the 30 Rock episode "Jack-Tor", Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) says he is watching Friends to learn about comedy. He asks "What happens with Ross and Rachel?" but then asks not to be told, he then tells Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) that's she's "such a Monica". In the "Family Guy" episode Petergeist, Stewie is in a conversation with the TV people saying "Yeah. Uh-huh. I don't know. I don't know. Oh, you didn't see it? Uh, Ross and Rachel got back together. It wasn't that great... What? No, they did a spin-off. Um, he's still playing Joey, but... ehhh, it's not doing so well."
The Central Perk coffee house, one of the principal settings of the series, has inspired various imitations worldwide (the coffee house is based on Cholmondeley's, a coffee shop and lounge in Usen Castle at Brandeis University, the alma mater of the show's creators), including the now-defunct "Phoenix Perk" in Dublin (named for the park in the city) and the "Riverdale Perk" in Toronto. In 2006 Iranian businessman Mojtaba Asadian started a "Central Perk" franchise, registering the name in 32 countries. The decor of his coffee houses is inspired by that in Friends. James Michael Tyler, who plays Gunther, the Central Perk waiter in love with Rachel, attended the grand opening of the flagship Dubai café and is the spokesman for the company.
The name of every Friends episode, with the exception of the very last and very first episodes (titled 'The Pilot' and 'The Last One'), starts with 'The One...', e.g. 'The One with Ross's Inappropriate Song', though the Pilot is sometimes called 'The One where Monica gets a Roommate', or 'The One Where It All Began'. In continuing with this tradition, a boxed set containing all ten seasons on DVD was called "The One With All Ten Seasons". This tradition is based on the way people, when unable to remember the actual title of an episode of a TV show, will describe it as "it's the one with..." and then state the main storyline of the episode.
Source: taken on Dec. 24, 2008
Plot summary for "Friends"
Written by haz-arm
When we start the show, Rachel Green comes in wearing a wedding dress after leaving her fiancée at the altar. Rachel worked at Central Perk for a while and finally gets a job at Bloomingdale's and later Ralph Lauren. She has a baby with Ross Geller and they decide to keep the baby. Ross Geller is a paleontologist, and has had three wives. His first wife, Carol, finds out she is a lesbian and is pregnant with his baby. His second wife, Emily, is crushed when he calls this new wife Rachel instead of Emily. His third wife, Rachel, happens when they get drunk and decide to get married. Ross's sister, and Rachel's best friend, Monica Geller-Bing is a chef, and finally marries Chandler Bing. Chandler Bing is Ross's best friend, and secretly dated his sister for about 6-7 months. Monica and Chandler want to have a baby after Rachel has hers, but they can't have any. They decide to adopt a baby. They are shocked to find out that the pregnant mother is having twins. Chandler's former roommate, Joey Tribbiani, is a not so bright, but sweet actor. We played on Days of Our Lives has Dr. Drake Ramoray. Monica's other former roommate, Phoebe Buffay, is a masseuse, and a singer. Her most famous song is "Smelly Cat." Phoebe at the end marries a guy named Mike Hannigan. Phoebe was also was a surrogate mother for her brother's triplets. Ross and Rachel find out that they love each other when Rachel is assigned to live in Paris for a job that pays a lot. Monica and Chandler decide to move to a suburban house to raise the babies. The show ends when Monica and Chandler are moving to their new house, Ross and Rachel are living together again,and Phoebe is married to Mike. Written by anandjones
Six young people, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life. Written by Kevin Ackley {}
Rachel Green, a former popular girl in high school living off of daddy's money, is independent now with a baby of her own that she had with Ross Gellar, a former flame that was temporarily rekindled after a drunken night which resulted in the baby. Ross is a paleontologist, he now lives in an apartment with Rachel, across the way from his sister, Monica Geller-Bing, a chef, and her new husband, Chandler Bing. Monica is a clean freak and very neurotic about it! and Chandler is laid back and uses humor as a defense mechanism. Across the hall from Monica and Chandler is Joey Tribbiani, who now lives alone after Rachel moved out to move in with Ross because of the baby. Joey is a not-so-bright but sweet actor who recently made a big war movie and is on Days Of Our Lives. Another friend who we can't forget about is Phoebe Buffay, who is now engaged and soon to be married to Mike. She is a free spirited masseuse who sings crazy songs like "Smelly Cat". Their relationships with each other: -Rachel Green and Monica Gellar were best friends in high school, and after Rachel ran out on her wedding with Barry, she moved in with Monica, this was in the first season. -Monica Gellar and Ross Gellar are brother and sister. So Ross knew Rachel also from high school, when he had a crush on her. -Ross Gellar and Chandler Bing met in college and became best friends, Chandler met Rachel and Monica when Ross brought him home on Thanksgiving. Phoebe Buffay was Monica's old roommate before the show started and Joey Tribbiani came into the picture when he moved in with Chandler, also before the show started. It's complicated, but one thing is for sure, they are all best "Friends." Written by Holly Murray {}
A Comedy Series based in Manhatten about 6 young friends, in the struggle to find success and happiness in life, but it is never that straight forward, is it? Rachel Green - A popular schoolgirl of the past, is now a spoiled brat living off her father’s finance. In an attempt to start a new life after running out on her wedding, she shares an apartment with an old best friend Monica Gellar, and eventually befriends the other 4 and Monica's older brother, Ross. Monica Gellar - A compulsive neat freak, who has trouble with her love life. Monica was teased when she was in high school for being overweight. However, now a head-chef at a top restaurant in Manhatten, she has lost all her excessive weight, and just wants to start a family with 'the right guy' to complete a happy life. Ross Gellar - Older Brother of Monica, he has always had strong love feelings for Rachel. A successful professor of science leads him to be often teased by the other 5 friends about his profession. Ross has experienced many misfortunes in life, including 3 divorces and bringing up a child with his lesbian ex-wife. Ross now is devoted to finding a girl to settle down with, without a divorce, and makes it his personal goal to share happiness with Rachel. Phoebe Buffay - Brought up as a fatherless child, Phoebe is a ditzy yet loveable hippy, who has become a personal masseuse. Despite liking her profession, her dream is to become a star in the music industry and bases her songs on her life experiences. The other 5 friends secretly believe that Phoebe will never make it, but still encourage her to write. Phoebe often performs at the 'Central Perk' coffee house, and strongly believes in herself. Chandler Bing - A financially secure data processor, who relies on humor as a defense mechanism. Despite being rich, the other 5 have no idea what his profession is, and Chandler is a wimpy, average looking cigarette addict, who has never had a serious relationship. Will he ever get it, and is she just round the corner from him? Joey Tribbiani - Despite being close to all the friends, he is especially open with Chandler, who his also his roommate. Joey is a small time actor, who desperately wants fame and fortune, and Chandler has high hopes of Joey, so helps Joey with money for acting lessons and professional photographs. Despite being a relatively bad actor, Joey is an adorable, sensitive guy, who is very successful with women, but needs to become famous and rich to complete his successful life. A Side Splitting Series, with emotion and drama. Definite One To Watch! Written by Mekaeal Chaudary
Friends- The story of 6 very different people , growing up together in New York City. Rachel Green , a spoilt rich girl who relies on daddy's credit cards, finds her life suddenly changing , when she leaves her cheating fiancée Barry at the altar and finds comfort in her best friend from High School Monica. Rachel is a fun-loving , friend who's look on life changes through -out the show. Monica Gellar Bing, a very paranoid , neat and clean but yet funny and lovable person , who marries Chandler Bing . Monica is a chef , and the brother of Ross. At the end of the series Chandler and Monica , finally fulfill their dream by having two adopted children. Phoebe Buffay, the lovable , ditzy and adorable Phoebe , who finally finds love with her Mike Hannigan (who ends up her husband)Phoebe is a masseuse and aspiring musician. Joey Tribbiani , the fun , women loving , adorable , kind and hilarious actor. Joey has a reputation of being a ladies man. Joey has finally found his break on Days of our lives, until he gets fired , Joey loves acting but doesn't have that much talent , but always believes in himself. Chandler Bing , the kind of one liners and technician , who no-one is ever to sure of what his job is , is the funny guy who brings comic relief to all situations. Unlucky in love until he marries the love of his love Monica. Ross Gellar, the poor guy who has been divorced 3 times , with two children with two very different women. He is a paleontologist , who is also unlucky in love , until he gets together with the love of his life Rachel. Everybody needs Friends!
Source: taken on Dec. 24, 2008
Watch Friends Episodes Online:
Friends Scripts:
The two Episodes we plan to watch at class:
“The One After Vegas”
Plot
Ross and Rachel wake up in bed, unaware that they got married the night before. Joey joins Phoebe for breakfast, telling her his movie has been cancelled. Monica and Chandler arrive and, at the buffet, Chandler tells Joey he and Monica were also planning to wed and expresses worry that the relationship is moving too fast. Monica shares the same concern with Phoebe but they are interrupted when Ross and Rachel arrive. When the others tell them they are married, they decide to get an annulment.
Joey encourages Phoebe to go with him on the long drive back to New York, to stop him from being lonely. She agrees but she is annoyed when Joey spends the whole first day asleep while she drives, and they switch over. As Phoebe sleeps, Joey picks up a hitchhiker. Initially outraged, Phoebe soon strikes up a friendship with the man, and gives him her number when he leaves. Joey asks for her forgiveness and they play car games.
Monica and Chandler are still undecided about where their relationship is going, and look for signs that they should get married. They grow increasingly alarmed when all the signs are positive, and eventually Chandler suggests he just move into Monica's apartment with her, which she agrees to. Ross tells Rachel that he does not want three failed marriages but she pressures him to get the annulment. He concedes and later tells her he took care of it, but reveals to Phoebe that he lied: They are still married.
“The One Where Ross Hugs Rachel”
Plot
Ross hasn’t gotten the annulment yet… but he has gotten a little crazy. It seems the idea of a 3rd failed marriage has pushed him over the deep end. Phoebe (and her panel of women) decide Ross is still in love with Rachel. Ross is in such denial about this that to prove them wrong he goes to his lawyer (Russell) to take care of the annulment… but finds that it’s more complicated than expected, and Rachel will have to be told the truth. Chandler and Monica break the news of their live-in plans, first with Joey (who is happy for them, but sad to be losing Chandler) and then to Rachel (who doesn’t seem to have much of a reaction at all… until she takes it seriously). Rachel is so sad that Ross still can’t tell her the truth. Phoebe foretells the future marriages of the entire group.
A Critical Media Analysis of "Friends"
Mar 17, 2000
by Brock Etherton
Friends, Drew Carey, Dawson's Creek, Seinfeld: all popular American television programs portraying white America. Ross, Chandler, Joey, Rachel Monica, and Phoebe: all white characters on the television show Friends. Why don't these characters have any minority "friends"? What happened to programs such as the Cosby Show or the Fresh Prince? Why are all-white television shows so popular in America and what happened to minority-based shows? Today's television depicts popular white America while leaving out minorities. The lack of ethnicity on television gives America an inaccurate idea about minorities.
We live in a society where ethnicity is always depicted as sinful. When you sit down to watch television you don't expect to see minorities on television shows. At the same time people are not shocked to see minorities being arrested or convicted on the news. What would be the public's reaction if they went to watch television and saw six minority "friends" on a show just after watching an all-white neighborhood rioting on a news program?
Friends reinforces the humorous "all-American" lifestyle. Six white, unmarried, young Americans living and interacting together, reinforcing the idea that it is okay in today's society to be racially biased in choosing friends. By viewing this particular show and others like it, our society may or has come to the wrong conclusion about different ethnic groups. If people want to diversify their children, how do they let them watch programs like Friends? The group of "friends" are never seen with any minorities. They hang out at a cafe/bar in a large city. On occasion, if you pay close attention, you just might see an African-American or Mexican -American in the background. In one episode Joey has a part in a play. When the scene was over I had counted three minorities' heads in the background, while I didn't have enough time to count the crowd of whites. In the same episode, Rachel finds a new boyfriend (guest Ben Stiller) who is also white. Thus, all relationships portrayed on Friends are of white couples. This strongly reinforces the immorality of interracial relationships. People in society today do not see a homogenous portrayal of all-white society as they walk down a city block. Why do television shows, for the most part, display a perfect white homogenous society?