Introduction
In 2015, my boyfriend kept telling me to watch the 90s sitcom Friends. I always said, “No, thank you.” He would gently insist, “Just try one episode. If you don’t like it, we won’t watch it. But it’s one of the best shows, and I want to watch it with you.” Eventually, I gave in—but after a few episodes, I was bored and told him it just wasn’t for me.
Fast forward to 2019, a big year in my life. My boyfriend and I got married, and I became pregnant that same year. He asked me again to give Friends a try. I had already resigned from teaching and had more time to watch shows, but I still said no. My heart was set on K-dramas.
This year, after our vacation in Cebu, my husband asked me once again, “Care to watch a show?” Without hesitation, I replied, “Let’s watch Friends.” He looked surprised and said, “Are you sure? I’ve asked you so many times before.” I told him, “Yes, I’m sure. Let’s start from the first episode until the last. I promise I’ll finish it.”
And we did. We recently completed all ten seasons, and I can honestly say I fell in love with the with the show. It’s hilarious, sometimes a little annoying, often touching, and above all, heartwarming.
Brief Synopsis
Friends follows the lives of six young adults living in New York City as they navigate love, careers, family issues, and, of course, the ups and downs of friendship. The story unfolds mostly in their apartments and their favorite coffee shop, Central Perk, blending comedy, romance, and real-life lessons in every season.
Character Highlights
- Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc)
The lovable aspiring actor who isn’t the brightest, but has unmatched loyalty and charm. His “How you doin’?” catchphrase and big heart make him unforgettable. - Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow)
The quirky, eccentric, and musically unique friend. Her style—full of bold accessories and bohemian flair—stands out just as much as her songs. Her “Smelly Cat” performance remains one of the most iconic moments of the show. - Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston)
The fashion-forward and independent woman who starts as a runaway bride and grows into a successful career woman. While I rooted for her relationship with Ross from the start, her indecisiveness and selfish moments often made me frustrated. Still, her journey shows personal growth and vulnerability. - Ross Geller (David Schwimmer)
The hopeless romantic and passionate paleontologist. Ross is not only a dedicated scientist but also a loving father to his firstborn, Ben. Despite the challenges of co-parenting with his ex-wife Carol and her partner Susan, Ross remained committed to being present in his son’s life. His mix of awkwardness, intelligence, and sincerity made him one of the most relatable characters. - Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry)
The king of sarcasm with a sensitive heart. Chandler’s humor often masked his insecurities, but over time, he showed deep emotional growth. I was glad he found love with Monica. When Matthew Perry passed away, I didn’t feel a strong emotional reaction at first. But after watching the show and becoming attached to Chandler’s character, I felt a real sadness knowing he was gone. - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox)
Determined, competitive, and nurturing, Monica’s dream was to become a chef. She worked tirelessly to achieve it, facing failures but never giving up. She often kept the group grounded and showed that strength can be both fierce and caring.
Themes & Impact
While Friends is a sitcom, it’s more than just punchlines and comedic timing. It explores themes like loyalty, love, resilience, and personal growth. It shows how friends can become family and how those relationships can survive even through jealousy, misunderstandings, and life’s unpredictable turns.
Personal Connection
When I first heard about Matthew Perry’s passing, it didn’t affect me much. But after watching Friends from start to finish, I felt a deep sadness. Chandler wasn’t just a character—he was the quick-witted friend who could make you laugh even in your worst moments, yet still reveal his soft, vulnerable side.
Finishing the series left me feeling both happy and a little empty. I celebrated the joyful endings—Phoebe marrying Mike, Monica and Chandler becoming parents to twins, Rachel and Ross finally getting back together—but I also felt bittersweet about Joey. With everyone moving forward in life, he was left in the apartment, still searching for love. Yet, through it all, he had his friends.
Reflection on Friendship
Friends shows that real friendship isn’t perfect. Friends argue, make mistakes, and even drift apart for a while, but true friends always find their way back to each other. The series reminded me that it’s not about having flawless relationships—it’s about being there through every stage of life, from heartbreak to celebration, and choosing each other over and over again.
Final Verdict
Watching Friends has been a journey I didn’t expect to love. It made me laugh, cry, and reflect on the value of loyalty and connection. I understand now why it remains one of the most beloved shows in television history. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth giving it a try—just be ready to gain six new friends you’ll never forget.w. It’s hilarious, sometimes a little annoying, often touching, and above all, heartwarming.
CHEE CHEE'S CORNER 
Leave a comment