The 'FRIENDS' Formula...

Hello, again, people of the Internet!

After a busy few days rushing around, frantically, trying to get the bulk of 'necessities' I will need for Uni, I am taking the time to relax with a new blog post. So here it is!

In watching sitcoms and comedy shows recently, I have discovered in many cases a strong parallel can be drawn between what is shown on comedy television today, with the much-loved show 'FRIENDS' that ran from 1994 until 2004. However, as one of my personal favourites, it is far from a negative to see the blatant inspiration David Crane and Marta Kauffman's show has had on this television genre. I literally grew up with 'FRIENDS', watching it whilst I was too young and probably far too early compared to what was appropriate. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that 'Friends' will always 'be there for you', whether its appreciated or not, as storylines reminiscent of the sitcom's own episodes, arise in more modern and recent shows. Below are a few examples of links and interactions between recent sitcoms and 'FRIENDS' that I find particularly interesting. Read and enjoy!

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

     Possibly, when discussing the links between 'HIMYM' and 'FRIENDS', the most significant similarities reside in the male characters. For example, Ted Mosby (portrayed by Josh Radnor) is a somewhat 'geeky' character. With a boring job as an architecture professor and an 'on-off relationship' with character Robin (COBIE SMOULDERS!!), Ted Mosby is almost a mirror reflection of 'Friends' Ross Gellar (David Schwimmer). Ross Geller, also a 'Star Wars' fan, similarly has a job as 'Professor of Palaeontology', and has an almost comical endless string of failed relationships, specifically three divorces. Importantly, there is also the first renowned 'on-off relationship' with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) stretching over all seasons. Both characters are portrayed as highly intellectual, the classic sitcom convention seen in how this intelligence often generates humour when the characters are socially isolated and differ from the norm, thus consequently made fun of. Ross can be considered the inspirational template for Ted Mosby as a character. 

     Furthermore, Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) became 'HIMYM's' 'ladies-man' and main comic relief whenever the drama threatened to suffocate the lighthearted appeal of the sitcom genre. Using significant charm to deceive vulnerable women, Barney emulates the incorrigible Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) and his many 'one-night stands' with women. Joey's catch phrase "How you doin'?", becomes an instance of dialogue that has invaded Western English slang and vernacular. Both characters can be considered devices to offer breakaway humour, often establishing a subsidiary plot to the story. On the other hand, both are actually given more depth in later episodes. It seems that the aspects that made 'HIMYM' as a sitcom greatly appreciated amongst fans of the genre, can be derived or at least were based upon the style of 'FRIENDS'. Down to each characters' personality, it can be seen how the success of 'FRIENDS' has very literally moulded, if not the whole sitcom genre, then the basic conventions of 'HIMYM'. No character arc rises above any other in importance, both shows are clearly centred on equal friendship. Whether it the setting of 'Central Perk' or 'MacLaren's Pub', Manhattan offered the perfect city for both shows; a city of possibilities was depicted, first in 'FRIENDS', where numerous opportunities for humour were seen and available to the writers.

 Happy Endings (2011-2013)

     Before its cancellation, 'Happy Ending's greatly resembled the earlier sitcom of 'FRIENDS', a fact it did not attempt to hide or shy from. I could discuss numerous sitcoms that emulate 'FRIENDS', for example a sick Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) in bed with husband Howard (Simon Helberg) in episode 'The Re-Entry Minimisation of 'The Big Bang Theory' (2007-), reflecting Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) in 'The One with Rachel's Sister'. However, in choosing 'Happy Endings', my attempt at highlighting that a pseudo 'FRIENDS' formula has been created within the sitcom genre, is much more clear. One only has to watch, season 2 episode 4 of 'Happy Endings' dubbed 'Secrets and Limos', to see how the creators 'own up' to their similarities with their more popular predecessor. With dialogue, such as 'Don't patronise me Monica!', the creators have blatantly played upon the undeniable comparisons viewers often make between shows, sitcoms specifically. Any fan of 'FRIENDS' would be crazy to deny giving this show a chance, simply because it was cancelled. The show begins as a wedding collapses, as with Rachel in 'Friends', not just to capitalise on the popularity of the earlier sitcom, but also to seemingly begin where romantic comedies normally finish. The sitcom has an increasingly modern atmosphere and tone when compared to 'FRIENDS' directly. 

      This show is worth the chance, seemingly offering a more 'down to earth' and 'real' representation of young adults. As expected of modern media, due to 'scopophilia' or the 'pleasure derived from looking at beautiful people', the cast is unrealistically beautiful, however they are not all surviving in luxury in one of the most expensive cities in the world either, as sometimes in 'FRIENDS'.

Now, the aim of this post is not to accuse all recent sitcoms of being pale imitations of the earlier 'FRIENDS', lacking any originality and just copying humour already seen. Instead I simply propose an idea that the cultural impact of 'FRIENDS' is much wider then many people initially believe. It is undeniable that 'FRIENDS' was an incredibly successful series. 'The Last One' alone, had 52.5 million viewers and all the cast were paid $75,000 per episode in season three, $85,000 in season four, $100,000 in season five, rising to an incredible $1 million by seasons nine and ten. Aniston, Cox, and Kudrow became the highest paid TV actresses of all-time. However, recent sitcoms do not reflect 'FRIENDS' merely to capitalise on its success and popularity. Simply, the modern sitcom genre has been influenced greatly by Crane's creation. 'FRIENDS' has set the precedent of 'being funny'; shows only resemble the series because it found what was funny amongst viewers, the formula for success, and exposed it to the world. Conventions may change, 'canned laughter' VS live audiences or the 'feminisation' of male characters, but 'FRIENDS' hit on something deeper and more culturally funny. Ensemble sitcoms now know what they must do to reflect this humour. When they find the right cast...the rest simply follows.

Thank you for reading! Until next time, keep on watching random stuff...go for all opportunities offered to you...and just keep smiling.

NOTE: Images are not mine.