Is Friends Still Popular Among Gen Z?
This article was written by a guest writer, Verónica Rolewicz
Despite being released way back in 1994, Friends is still very popular among all
generations, including Gen Z. Friends is an American television sitcom that revolves
around six 20-something year olds living in New York. It was created by Marta
Kauffman and David Crane. It lasted 10 seasons, with the series finale airing on May 6,
2004. This series finale was the most watched television episode in the 2000s.
If the show ended more than fifteen years ago, why is it still so popular? One of the
reasons might be its believable and relatable characters. Phoebe is a masseuse and a
self-taught musician. Next, Joey is an actor and food lover. Joey’s roommate for most
of the show is Chandler, an executive in statistical analysis, but barely anyone ever
remembers that. Living across from Joey and Chandler’s apartment, we find Monica’s,
a chef known for being quite a perfectionist. Alongside Monica, we can find Rachel, a
fashion enthusiast who struggles with getting a job while making ends meet as a
waitress. Last but not least, we have Ross, Monica’s elder brother and a paleontologist,
who has had a crush on Rachel since high school. All of these characters struggle at
some point in the show with their careers, which is something very believable as they
are in their 20s and are yet to figure out what they are doing with their lives- a concept
that resonates with youth from all eras.
Another reason might be the consistent humour in the show. The episodes are short and lighthearted, which makes them really easy to binge-watch. Throughout each season, we see each characters evolve and find out who and what they want to be in their life.
To the left is a poster for the sitcom.
Whichever reason might make the show so popular, up until today it continues to be a
very beloved show, even with Gen Z. According to Hollywoodreporter.com, in 2018,
Friends was the second most-watched show. So, for everyone that continues to watch
this sitcom in 2021, there’s good news for you! In February 2020, the actors confirmed
there was going to be a reunion special. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the filming
had to be postponed and until recently, it was unclear when the shooting would start.
Thankfully, David Schwimmer, who portrayed Ross Geller, revealed that within a little
over a month the shooting would finally start. However, the release date is yet to be
announced. The reunion will include all of the main original actors, like Jennifer
Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox and, as already
mentioned, David Schwimmer.
A question you may now be asking is: where will we be able to watch the Friends
reunion? The sitcom’s reunion will premiere on HBO Max. Until then, you can enjoy
the show on the same platform.
I’m sure you’re just as excited for the reunion as we are here at Gen Z: We Are The
Future, if not more!
An photograph of the friends reunion.
SOURCES:
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends#Cast_and_characters
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/how-watch-friends-it-leaves-netflix-
1265400
https://www.insider.com/friends-reunion-special-details-information-2020-
3#:~:text=The%20actors%20confirmed%20the%20reunion,be%20filmed%20at%20War
ner%20Bros.
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/david-schwimmer-confirms-
friends-reunion-start-filming-month-76249369
IMAGES:
[1] Friends The Reunion: Trailers and cast reactions [Marca]
[2] Friends (TV Series 1994-2004) [IMDb]