Friends TV Show Review

Friends which premiered in 1994 is a wonderful show and after catching a smattering of reruns through the years I finally took the time to sit down and watch them in order, from the very beginning. Many episodes from the series hold up quite well on their own and you can very easily clue in to the personalities of the characters and pick up some laughs. However if you want to truly get the full experience (and understand all the plot arcs) I recommend watching the series from the beginning on through to the end.

I am not going to give a large plot summary here as the series has been out for over ten years and was quite the phenomenon when it was originally broadcast and most have probably seen a rerun or are at least familiar with the basic premise of the show. For those who aren’t the show is about a group of 6 young friends (3 male, 3 female) living in New York City. The show tells about the struggles they face in their career and personal lives and how they come together more as a family than simply a group of friends. It’s a sitcom that delivers a good helping of laughs but also a lot of heart.

There are already many articles detailing all the minute aspects of the show so instead I will go through the series on a season by season basis and let you know what I think. I personally thought that all of the seasons were worth watching. However many have limited budgets (season DVDs can be pricey) or simply don’t have the time to experience the whole series from beginning to end. So hopefully this run through will give you an idea of the quality of each season as a whole as well as some stand out episodes that are especially worth watching.

Seasons:

I am not a fan of summarizing vast amounts of plot and character development so I will let you discover that for yourself while you watch the series. However I will give you some basic plot arcs for the seasons. Be advised that looking ahead to later seasons may result in some spoilers. However having seen some reruns, I already knew most of the big cliff-hangers when watching though again and found that it didn’t limit my enjoyment of the series, the journey being much more satisfying than the end result. 

Season 1:

During this initial season the show is not yet at top form but still delivers plenty of laughs and heart-warming moments. Some of the acting especially in the pilot can be a bit underwhelming but don’t let that deter you; it does get better even by the end of the season. The main story arc is Ross’s long time crush on Rachel and many episodes have him wondering if he should tell her or not. Overall it is a great season to watch especially if you came into the series late and want to see how it all began. The story arc is cute and compelling enough to follow the whole way through and while there are some flops most of the episodes stand up fairly well on their own in terms of laughs.

Notable episodes:  The One where it all began (aka the pilot), The One with the Blackout, The One with the Boobies, The One where Rachel Finds Out

Season 2:

By the second season all of the characters have settled into their roles and begin to really exhibit personality traits which will define them for the rest of the series. This time the roles are reversed Rachel is the one who has a crush on Ross and Ross is the one who is oblivious and unavailable. Also Monica starts her relationship with Richard.  At this point the series is really going strong the Rachel-Ross story is still fresh and compelling and most episodes are original and funny enough to keep you entertained throughout.

Notable episodes: The One where Ross Finds Out, The One with the List, The One with the Prom Video, The One Where Ross And Rachel...You Know

Season 3:

The third season picks up where the second left off in terms of storyline as well as quality. I think this is the season where the series really begins to hit its stride and deliver on a consistent basis. The main story arcs are engaging featuring Ross and Rachel as an adorable couple as well as a devastating break up. More importantly however the individual episodes are all entertaining and not as hit or miss as the first two seasons. Overall this is a great season throughout and has some personal favourite episodes

Notable episodes:  The One With The Princess Leia Fantasy, The One Where No One's Ready, The One Where Ross And Rachel Take A Break , The One Without The Ski Trip

Season 4:

The fourth season like the third is great because of its consistency and its strength lies more in its individual episodes rather than its story arcs which are arguably quite weak. I found the Phoebe gives birth to her brother’s triplets and Ross marrying Emily story arcs just not that appealing and slightly annoying. However where the season lacks in drama it makes up for in laughs and most of the episodes deliver.

Notable episodes:  The One With The Jellyfish, The One With The Ballroom Dancing, The One With Chandler In A Box, The One With The Embryos, The One With The Free Porn, The One With Ross's Wedding

Season 5:

The fifth season of the series starts off in good form. The fallout from Monica and Chandler’s night together is compelling enough to watch and their attempts to hide their relationship from the rest of the group provide the plotline for many of the opening episodes. However after everyone finds out the seasons tends to go downhill into what is a slump for the series as a whole. The episodes are still entertaining but just don’t seem to deliver the emotional punch or laughs of previous seasons. Overall its not the best season to pick up individually but if you have the time it is still well worth checking out

Notable episodes: The One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks (a.k.a. The One With All The Thanksgivings), The One With All The Resolutions, The One Where Everybody Finds Out

Season 6:

Season six is my least favourite season and it seems the series has begun to slump from its former levels. Everyone still puts on great performances but it seems the writing is just not as sharp and original as it once was. Overall the episodes just don’t seem as funny and the story arcs will do little to hold your interest. That being said the overall quality of the series is still such that even at its low point this season is still worth watching and admittedly it does make a come-back with some funny last few episodes and a nice proposal moment between Monica and Chandler

Notable episodes: The One With Joey's Porsche, The One On The Last Night, The One With Joey's Fridge, The One With The Ring

Season 7:

This season has some of the best episodes but also some of the worst and suffers from a lack of consistency. If you are watching the series in sequence you may still be feeling the after effects of a lackluster season 6 and this season does not quite do enough to justify pulling itself out from under the slump. The story arcs are nothing special but if you wade through some of the more dreary episodes you will find some real gems

Notable episodes:  The One With The Nap Partners, The One With The Holiday Armadillo, The One Where They're Up All Night, The One Where Rosita Dies

Season 8:

If you were disappointed with the previous two seasons you will be happy to know that season eight represents a strong comeback. The season’s story arcs are quite compelling, and the lineup of episodes is the best out of the whole series. Not much to say here other than it is the probably the best and most consistent series out of the bunch.

Notable episodes:  The One With The Red Sweater, The One With The Videotape, The One With Monica's Boots, The One Where Joey Dates Rachel, The One Where Chandler Takes A Bath, The One With The Birthing Video, The One Where Rachel Has A Baby

Season 9:

After a great season nine the series jumps the shark in season nine. The story arcs seem out of place and gimmicky, Chandler moving to Oklahoma and Ross and Rachel somehow managing not to get together are particularly painful to endure. The episodes are still funny at times but they seem to resort to outrageous situations and guest appearances rather than the traditional character comedy that made the series great. However if you have been watching all the way through up to now, you will likely want to stick around. The season does a fair bit of reminiscing and the characters are still the same ones you’ve come to know and love.

 Notable episodes:  The One Where No One Proposes, The One With Phoebe's Birthday Dinner, The One Where Monica Sings, The One In Barbados

Season 10:

Season ten still has the gimmicks and guest appearances that plagued season 9 and while there are some decent episodes if you have not watched the rest of the series there is not much point in starting here. On the other hand if you have made it this far you will definitely want to stick around to see how it all wraps up. The final season relies heavily on reminiscing about past episodes but is also very courteous about tying up loose ends. Anyone who has gotten attached to the series will definitely find the final episodes an emotional but satisfying experience.  

Notable episodes:  The One Where Ross Is Fine, The One With The Late Thanksgiving, The Last One