Friends Review: The Sitcom That Defined a Generation
8.5/10 — Friends (1994)
Pros
- Great ensemble chemistry
- Warm, rewatchable
- Memorable episodes
Cons
- Dated jokes
- Lack of diversity
Six friends, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross, navigate relationships and careers in Manhattan across ten seasons. It was one of the most popular sitcoms of all time.
What works
The chemistry between the six leads is the key, and the writing balances jokes with heartfelt storylines. The ‘will they, won’t they’ romance of Ross and Rachel kept viewers hooked, and many episodes remain endlessly rewatchable.
Where it falters
Some jokes about weight and sexuality have aged badly, and the lack of diversity in its New York is glaring.
Verdict
A funny, comforting classic with some dated edges.
