I'll Be There For You: The One About Friends by Kelsey Miller

"When Friends debuted in 1994, no one expected it to become a mainstay of NBC's Must See TV lineup, let alone a global phenomenon. In the years since, Friends has gone through many phases of cultural relevancy, from prime-time hit to 90s novelty item to certified classic. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe have entered the pantheon of great television characters, and millions of people around the globe continue to tune in or stream their stories every day.

I'll Be There for You is the definitive retrospective of Friends, exploring all aspects of the show from its unlikely origins to the elusive reasons why we still watch it. Journalist and pop culture expert Kelsey Miller relives the show's most iconic moments, analyzes the ways in which Friends is occasionally problematic and examines the many trends it inspired, from the rise of coffee-shop culture to Friendsgivings to the ultimate 90s haircut, the Rachel." (goodreads)

 My Review:
 

This was an incredible read, as a die hard Friends fan that I couldn't stop reading or smiling at. It was like a walk down memory lane and I learned some new, interesting things that finally clicked (Ursula was first a character on a show called Mad About You- news to me! But now that Friends scene makes sense with the two ladies coming into Central Perk and confusing Phoebe with their waitress from the night before, Ursula).

 

I've loved Friends for as long as I can remember. In May 2004 at 12 years old, I sat in my grandmother's spare room and cried over the finale of a show that had already been such a part of my life. As a teenager, I rewatched these 10 seasons over and over and began to laugh and understand more and more of the references. I had a group of friends in high school and we planned out our college life together. I lost those friends later in high school and turned to the TV I already loved for comfort. I began to collect the seasons on DVD and watched the series on repeat. I never wanted their lifestyle, I only wanted their strong friendships. I am now in my mid 20's and find this show relates to me in such a personal way as I go through similar challenges of early adulthood.

 

Growing up from a younger age watching Friends, I always viewed it for what it was pure, fun, entertainment. I think that's one of the main reasons it is still my favorite show. As I got older I saw, debated, and defended the show and politic problems, something that now as a mature adult I do a lot in current TV and entertainment media. Those conflicts don't exist to a younger person. As I got older I personally began to poke holes in the show and point out it's flaws and mistakes (like confusing their own birthdays, or how Monica & Chandler could be shocked about twins when they saw a sonogram photo when first meeting Erica). That is I think when people put too much real life into something meant to be an escape.

 

I still rewatch Friends (now on Netflix Canada while I preserve my DVD collection), usually twice a year and it has still never lost it's magic on me. It's a show I always come back to but don't need to pay attention to, it's just there in the background and I know it like the back of my hand. I know their episodes, lines, expressions and reactions. These characters have always felt real to me.

 

It was clear this author had a connection to Friends and spoke about it with such care. I'll Be There For You: The One About Friends was SUCH an enjoyable and special read. This book read like something familiar and has made me desperately need a rewatch.

 

 

My Rating: 5/5 Stars