For over two decades, FRIENDS has remained one of the most iconic sitcoms in history. Created by David Crane in 1994, the show follows the story of six friends in their 20's, dealing with career challenges, love, and the struggles of adulthood. Even after its last episode aired in 2004, the show remains popular among teens and young adults today.
As a 22-year-old who just finished watching the show, I can see why. FRIENDS was a great show, especially for young people just starting to navigate the adult world. The series was incredibly relatable, depicting the struggles of facing the unknown, the fear of not knowing what the future holds, and the many trials and errors that come with finding one's way in the world.
The show spoke to the reality that life in your late teens and early twenties is a significant transition period. As children, we are used to following the "map" provided by our parents and teachers, and as long as we stick to the path, we're good. However, we suddleny turned 21 and find ourselves must draw our own roadmap from a blank piece of paper. We must make plans for ourselves while there is no clear direction to follow. Whether it works out or not depends entirely on us. This realization can be a significant shock, and it's not always what we imagined or dreamed of as kids.
The series Friends really captures this struggle, telling the story of six friends in their 20s with different backgrounds, jobs, personalities, and love stories who experience the "quarter-life crisis" that many young people face. Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Joey, Monica, and Chandler each face unique challenges, from career setbacks to love life failures. However, through all of their struggles, they stick together and support each other.
What's great about the show is that it tackles societal issues such as LGBT, unplanned children, co-parenting, and age differences in marriage. It tells us that love has no restrictions. Furthermore, the 3 girls in Friends each represents woman becoming a mother in different ways ; pregnant and give birth, through surrogation, and adoption. It is beautiful in any form.
The series is divided into two significant parts of adult life: career and love. It beautifully portrays how everything may not happen as we plan, but we should trust the process. To all young people out there, our lives have just begun, and we still have a long way to go. Remember that good things take times.
