When Does Friends Get Good?
Most fans of Friends will probably make an argument that all seasons are great and there’s truth in the show having a consistent run, but there are highs and lows depending on who you ask. Some story threads go off the rails a bit for some diehards, but for the most part the series does its part to keep loyalists happy. For a new viewer, the first season might be a bit more “off” as the series finds itself, but leading into season two and beyond, anyone still watching will likely enjoy the remainder of the show.
What Fans Say
Fans of Friends praise its timeless humor, memorable characters, and feel-good nature. The chemistry between the six main actors—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer—is often cited as one of the strongest aspects of the show. The relatable themes of love, friendship, and career struggles make it appealing to a wide audience. Many viewers appreciate its ability to be comforting, rewatchable, and packed with quotable moments. Episodes like “The One Where Everybody Finds Out” and “The One with the Prom Video” remain fan favorites.
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What Haters Say
Critics of Friends argue that its humor has not aged well, with some jokes perceived as outdated or problematic. Some take issue with the show’s lack of diversity, noting that its depiction of New York City is unrealistic in terms of racial representation. Others criticize the will-they-won’t-they romance between Ross and Rachel as frustrating rather than compelling. Additionally, detractors find certain characters, especially Ross and Joey, to be problematic in their treatment of women.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Most fans and critics agree that Friends begins to decline in quality in its later seasons. The first few seasons focus on grounded storylines, character growth, and realistic struggles, while later seasons increasingly rely on exaggerated character traits and slapstick humor. Some feel that Ross becomes too neurotic, Joey is dumbed down, and Monica’s obsessive nature is overplayed. The show’s final season, while still successful, is often seen as a decline from its peak in Seasons 2-5.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics generally view Friends as one of the best sitcoms of all time, particularly for its cultural impact. It received numerous awards, including Emmy wins for Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow. The show’s ability to blend humor with emotional moments is widely praised, but some critics feel it played it safe in terms of storytelling and representation.
Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb Ratings by Season:
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 78% | 8.0 |
| 2 | 88% | 8.5 |
| 3 | 90% | 8.6 |
| 4 | 91% | 8.7 |
| 5 | 93% | 8.8 |
| 6 | 88% | 8.6 |
| 7 | 85% | 8.5 |
| 8 | 89% | 8.6 |
| 9 | 80% | 8.2 |
| 10 | 75% | 8.0 |
Overview of the Show
Friends debuted on NBC in 1994 and ran for ten seasons, concluding in 2004. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the show revolves around six friends navigating life, love, and careers in New York City. The series is set primarily in two apartments and the Central Perk coffeehouse, where the group frequently gathers.
At its core, Friends is about relationships—romantic, familial, and platonic. The dynamic between Ross and Rachel serves as a central arc, while Monica and Chandler’s evolving romance becomes another key storyline. The series also explores themes of career struggles, personal growth, and the transition from young adulthood to more settled lives.
The show’s humor is largely based on character-driven comedy, with each of the six leads bringing a distinct personality. Chandler’s sarcasm, Joey’s lovable stupidity, Phoebe’s eccentricity, Monica’s competitiveness, Ross’s geekiness, and Rachel’s transformation from spoiled to independent create a well-balanced group dynamic.
With its catchy theme song, “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts, and a host of iconic moments—like Ross shouting “Pivot!” and Joey’s “How you doin’?”—Friends remains a beloved classic in the sitcom genre.
Season-by-Season Highlights
Season 1 (1994-1995): The show introduces the six main characters, with Rachel leaving her fiancé at the altar and moving in with Monica. Key moments include Ross’s crush on Rachel and Joey’s acting career struggles.
Season 2 (1995-1996): Ross and Rachel’s romance takes center stage, culminating in their first kiss. Joey gets his big break in Days of Our Lives, and Monica dates Richard, played by Tom Selleck.
Season 3 (1996-1997): Ross and Rachel’s relationship faces trouble, leading to their infamous “We were on a break!” moment. Phoebe learns about her biological mother, and Chandler’s relationship with Janice resurfaces.
Season 4 (1997-1998): The season includes the group’s trip to London, Ross’s wedding to Emily, and Monica and Chandler’s unexpected romance.
Season 5 (1998-1999): Monica and Chandler keep their relationship a secret before revealing it to their friends. Ross struggles with his failed marriage, and Joey lands a big audition.
Season 6 (1999-2000): Chandler and Monica move in together, Ross dates Elizabeth, and Rachel starts a job at Ralph Lauren. The season finale features Chandler’s proposal to Monica.
Season 7 (2000-2001): Monica and Chandler prepare for their wedding, which becomes a major event. Meanwhile, Joey stars in Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E..
Season 8 (2001-2002): Rachel’s pregnancy is revealed, and the season follows her journey to motherhood. Joey develops feelings for Rachel, leading to a brief and unpopular romance arc.
Season 9 (2002-2003): Ross dates Charlie, Joey and Rachel briefly explore their relationship, and Chandler moves to Tulsa for work.
Season 10 (2003-2004): The final season focuses on wrapping up character arcs, with Ross and Rachel rekindling their romance and Monica and Chandler adopting twins. The finale features the group leaving the iconic apartment for the last time.
Similar Shows
- How I Met Your Mother – A sitcom with a similar friend group dynamic and romance-driven plotlines.
- The Big Bang Theory – Features a group of close-knit friends and humor based on distinct personalities.
- New Girl – A modern take on friends navigating adulthood and relationships.
- Will & Grace – Focuses on friendship and comedy with an ensemble cast.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Though a workplace comedy, it shares a strong character-driven humor style.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Friends
- Cheers – The predecessor to Friends in terms of ensemble comedy and relationships.
- The Office (U.S.) – While a workplace comedy, it features similar character-driven humor.
- Parks and Recreation – Another show with a lovable ensemble cast and comedic chemistry.
- That ‘70s Show – Follows a group of friends with a similar balance of humor and heart.