Six simple people in
their 20s, with different backgrounds, traits and
qualities, managed to strike a chord with viewers 25 years ago. The hit US
sitcom ‘Friends’ ran from 1994 to 2004 and the iconic series is celebrating its
silver jubilee on September 22, 2019. The show has been so popular that it has
been telecast on all major English channels on TV as well as online streaming
channels. Most youngsters have grown up watching this show and it still
continues to entertain the masses.
Clive Almeida from Varca loves the interaction between Chandler
and Joey the most. “Chandler’s sarcasm and Joey’s unintelligent responses were
some of my favourite moments. Chandler is my favourite character. Phoebe used
to be my least favourite character, but as I grew up with the show, I started
to like her more as I could understand her a lot better,” says Clive, who has
watched the show over 20 times.
Film director Milroy Goes is a huge fan of Jennifer Aniston and
Matt LeBlanc, who he still refers to as Joey. “What I loved the most about the
series is its spontaneous humour. They always had great situational comedy. My
favourite episode has to be the one in which Bruce Wills come in as Elizabeth’s
father. I still watch the show on Netflix. It never gets old. I have almost
followed all their works after ‘Friends’,” says Milroy.
Dianne Mendonça, a manager at Soundemic Entertainment, says, “I
think it’s one of the best written shows I’ve come across. It’s my go-to show;
it’s relatable and can make me smile instantly. Each character is so original
that they have their own traits. Rachel Green’s wardrobe in every season is
spot on. I love all of them but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be Chandler
Bing. I even have a Friends’ trivia game. If I could relate to any episode it
would be the one where Monica is planning Phoebe’s wedding and is a complete
control freak,” says Dianne.
Deidre Reys from Verna can keep watching the show over and over
again and laugh at the same jokes. “You can never get fed up watching it as it
never gets old. It teaches so much about friendship, and that it’s ok not to be
perfect. Rachel Green is my favourite character because her friends taught her
not to live on her father’s money so they helped her get rid of her credit
cards and find a job. Her character is all about fashion and working in the
fashion industry and she’s always been supportive to all her friends. I also
like Monica Geller’s character because she’s a perfectionist and it describes
me because I like everything to be perfect and clean. I still watch the show
every day on Netflix,” says Deidre.
Purti Satardekar from Ponda likes the fact that you can pick out
any episode at random and watch it to have a good time. “The show is timeless;
it never ages. The actors and writers are so good, you laugh at every joke no
matter how many times you’ve watched it before. The characters’ on-screen
relationships are reflect their off-screen connect. My favourite moments are every
time Janice makes an entrance; it’s hilarious. Chandler and Phoebe without a
doubt are my favourites for their comic timing but I love all of them. The show
ended on a very good note and a movie will only spoil it,” says Purti.
“The fact that at the end of each day, this bunch of friends would
meet no matter what, that’s what makes connections and relationships. Also the
fact they were candid as ever without having any malice of any kind is
something you don’t see so much now. My favourite would have to be Monica and
Joey. It’s such an easy watch and the jokes never get old,” says Diana Braganza
from Old Goa, who watches the show anytime she gets a chance.
Illustrator Malcolm Rebello was inspired to do an artwork of Joey
after watching the series. “The show never gets old. The cast is just perfect
and the script is great. It covers multiple moments that are relatable to
everyone. My favourite moment would be the time when Ross goes to the gym to
help Chandler cancel his gym membership and ends up joining the gym. Whenever
I’m low or tired, any random episode can just cheer me up,” says Malcolm.
In honour of Friends’ 25th anniversary, Google has hidden seven
show-inspired Easter eggs across search results. All you have to do is search
for your favourite characters and laugh away!