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Friends not only ruled the TV screen but also molded the whole generation’s concepts of friendship, growing up, and living in a city!
Throughout the years, the show has been a source of comfort, laughter, and nostalgia. However, slowly but surely, Friends has been looked at more critically, unearthing the problems that were previously overlooked or taken as normal during its original telecast.
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The series is still very much viewed by a large number of people, and the talks about Friends nowadays are less about the famous lines and more about the circumstances. From the issues of representation to the factors behind the scenes, the changing social norms, these little-known truths are giving a more complete view of a sitcom that is still culturally important but complicated.
Here are 7 dark facts about Friends that will leave you shocked
1. Friends faced criticisms for its absence of non-white characters
One of the initial criticisms of the show when it launched was its extremely white cast encircling a representation of New York City. In the course of ten years, it was rare if there was a sign of the colored characters, and if there was, it was only in a nonchalant manner.
It has been steadily acknowledged in the public discourse of the past few years that there was a void that was not captured in the series. The characters in the series and the creators have readily acknowledged that the series did not reflect the multicultural society in which it was positioned.
Friends was a product of the period in which the television industry was not quite liberal enough; therefore, the portrayal of Manhattan was not quite equated with reality.
2. The cast did not come in at the same salary
The phenomenon of $1 million per episode in Friends has become a part of history in television, but members of the cast did not come together in terms of salaries at the outset. The initial shows had salary disparities based on the choices of the guests and industry status.
Ultimately, the six leading actors decided to skillfully negotiate together rather than negotiate individually. This move led to the start of the reshaping of the television pay norms and eventually the concept of equal pay. However, the original pay inequality has been a documented historical fact in contrast with the themes of equality and togetherness presented in the series.
3. "Fat Monica" storylines generated a backlash that lasted for years
The former overweight experiences of Monica Geller revealed in flashbacks became one aspect in which flashbacks are used as a device in Friends, and a home to extreme costumes and jokes in relation to the size of people’s bodies.
It was years later when the repercussions of the depiction started being questioned by critics as well as audiences alike. The fun actually promoted the act of body shaming as opposed to character building. It has been one of the many debates that are rekindled as Friends is being critiqued as a whole show.
4. LGBTQ+ representation was limited and often dated
Friends was one of the few network comedies featuring same-s*x relationships or LGBTQ characters, although by present-day standards, it appears as if the storylines received considerably less attention in terms of depth than jokes.
The skits that entertained questions of masculinity in relation to Chandler Bing, in particular, have been criticized for the use of stereotypes. Certain examples were seen as progressive at the time, though in hindsight, the series’ treatment of LGBTQ+ issues is erratic in its adherence to the values of the time.
5. Humor around gender roles has been reassessed
Friends has also received criticism for its treatment of LGBTQ+ themes in addition to its gender-based jokes. Certain story lines, such as those based upon jealousy, possessiveness, and being macho, have now been given as examples of humor that do not match the modern sensibility toward humor, even in comedy.
This highlights the fact that such aspects were commonly seen in the sitcoms of the 1990s, but these are now more evident because of the shift in cultural norms. This is not confined to the show Friends; it is often cited in general conversations regarding the development of comedy.
6. Matthew Perry's difficulties are associated with the period of fame
Matthew Perry, during the peak of the show Friends, was candid about his long-term battle with drug addiction. Documentaries and journalists have said that it was sudden fame, together with the personal trials, which made the actor's experience in the show and after the show so complicated.
Perry's life saga has become one of the most lamentable truths associated with Friends, suggesting that fame could not save people from going through, and sometimes very serious personal issues. His death was marked by media coverage that only showed how closely connected fame, pressure, and addiction were in his life.
7. Friends have been reconsidered even after a couple of decades
Friends, despite being concluded in 2004, is still a topic for many debates. The streaming media platforms have allowed new audiences with perceptions of the present social and cultural surroundings to view this series.
Mainstream media sources have published news reports on Friends that highlight the sitcom’s status as both a defining work in its genre and a problematic production. The fact that Friends remains in perpetual conversation, coupled with the series’s timeless popularity, ensures that not only are there controversies surrounding the series’s success, but there are also concerns about the series’ shortcomings. The pertinent criticism thus embodies the series’s impact.
Why do these facts still hold significance
The perpetual mention of Friends makes the assessment inevitable. When a program is a part of world pop culture and for ages is a component thereof, a reevaluation of material is almost an inevitable occurrence.
It is important that these shadowy facts be noted to put the series in context. These facts highlight how the television industry reflects the value system of the period.
Although Friends is a prominent sitcom series on television, its popularity does not necessarily mean the lack of criticism towards the series. The evaluation of the shortcomings, in addition to the cultural impacts of the series, provides a fairer assessment of the series’ legacy.
Indeed, as an audience, their gaze can be on the truths that were spelt out, and not on nostalgia, because they can identify with Friends as it actually was, something that influenced the period, loved, questioned, and spoke about with increased awareness today.
Also read: 5 most emotional Friends episodes fans don't like to re-watch (other than The Last One)
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