The TV Classic: "Friends"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that some viewers think the content of ?Friends? was groundbreaking for a sitcom comedy and a potential source of ?enlightenment?, but others take a more dim view of the sitcom by stressing its formulaic nature. The author points out that ?Friends? offers a kind of American 'enlightenment' of correct feelings rather than correct rational thoughts. The paper relates that the ostensible liberation of morals on ?Friends? merely conceals the traditional agenda of television, which is to sell a lifestyle and to sell products to an unwary audience, rather than to change, substantively, the audience?s collective mindset.

From the Paper:

"Perhaps one potent metaphor for the controversy over "Friends" potential to enlighten the viewer as to these topics may be found in a relatively early episode. As a kind of revenge against his then-roommate the fastidious Chandler, the jock-like character of Joey puts on all of Chandler's clothing. He proudly announces to his roommate that he is "going commando," that is, he is not wearing any underclothes. The sexual implications of this could be read as homoerotic?on the other hand, the shame comes from the fact that this heterosexual man is shaming another heterosexual man by coming into contact with his clothing in a state of nakedness."

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• Analytical Essay # 123584 : "The Making of Friends"
• Comparison Essay # 16339 : "The TV Father"

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