ing having a child together, captivated viewers
through the show’s last episode on May 6, 2004.
Ross’s attempt to be part of his son’s life, even
though this means accepting that his ex-wife left him
for another woman, brings in another aspect of ex-
tended family. Joey’s support of the pregnant Ra-
chel, as well as Monica and Chandler’s desire to keep
their developing love a secret, kept viewers emotion-
ally committed to the show. End-of-season cliff-
hangers, such as Monica and Chandler getting to-
gether at Ross’s wedding, as well as Rachel’s
pregnancy, helped maintain enthusiasm for the
show during the summer hiatus.
The series also included guest artists, some play-
ing recurring roles, such as Marlo Thomas as Ra-
chel’s mother and Elliott Gould and Christina
Pickles as Ross and Monica’s parents. That America
loved the show is illustrated by the ratings; through-
out its run,Friendswas consistently in the top ten.
The show and its actors were nominated for many
awards and won Emmy and Screen Actors Guild
Awards in the 1990’s. Although the series main-
tained its popularity in the 1990’s, it began to lose
some of its audience in the next decade.Friends
continues to engage new viewers through syndica-
tion.
Impact Unlike other ensemble shows,Friendshad
no single, big star; each had his or her niche, and all
became celebrities because of the show. Plotlines
shifted from one character’s dilemmas to another’s,
with each episode including all six stars.Friendsbe-
came a regular part of many viewers’ lives. Rachel’s
hairstyle, “the Rachel,” became popular with young
women. The series became part of a new tradition of
shows about young people sharing their lives with
one another, yet the show was unique in that these
six friends become family. Although criticized for its
“whiteness,”Friends reached a wide, enthusiastic,
and worldwide audience. As a snapshot of single
twentysomethings beginning their adult lives,Friends
became part of popular culture.Further Reading
Peyser, Marc. “LosingFriends.”Newsweek, October 6,
2003, 46-53. Provides information on the history
of the show and why the show was a success.
Sandell, Jillian. “I’ll Be There For You:Friendsand the
Fantasy of Alternative Families.”American Studies
39, no. 2 (Summer, 1998): 141-155. Discusses the
show’s success and its treatment of family.
Thomashoff, Craig. “The Joy of Six.”People, April 17,
1995, 80-86. Provides an in-depth look at cast
members.
Wild, David. “Friends.”Rolling Stone, May 18, 1995, 62-- Includes broadcasting history ofFriendsas
well as profiles of the actors.
Marcia B. Dinneen
See also Coffeehouses; Comedians; Hairstyles;
Television.The Nineties in America Friends 353