Sarawak State Library -

FRIENDS: A Cultural History

Call no.: : 791.4572/DUN
Author: : Jennifer C. Dunn
Contributor: : Safwan Hanif Bin Osman
Summary: The award-winning sitcom focusing on the relationship between six friends for ten seasons had impacted an entire generation of tv-watchers all across the world. In the late 90s to early 20s, people looked forward to the end of their days to watch their favourite TV shows as these shows become conversation starter for the next day. The continuing cultural legacy of FRIENDS persists as the actor’s and their character’s relationships become prevalent and relatable to the audience. The characters’ attitude toward work and parenting reflected then current generation of adults. The popularity vs intellectualism, working class, white privilege, gender roles, sexuality was often portrayed as jokes rather than serious conversations which would never be approved to be screened today. Nevertheless, FRIENDS never failed to appeal to multiple generations due to its entry to streaming services, years after its’ series finale, gaining new audience which the readers can start by watching the 25 best episodes listed in the books’ appendices.